It's funny Mom and Dad that you mention preparing for missions yourself. Sister Krumm (one of the senior couples here in Liberia) reminds me of Mom a lot. She's really exuberant and loving. I can't help but picture Mom there someday. The couples work REAL hard here, and they are so greatly loved! I can't wait for that to be my Mom and Dad! It would suit our family well to quote Elder Holland in our home: "In this family, we serve missions!" It's the way to be! The work is so wholly satisfying and joyful that it makes it very hard to miss home, especially as my time is steadily drawing to a close. Some seven-odd months or so still seems like a long time, but it really isn't. I remember being with Elder Lancaster when he was where I am now. He's been home for nearly a year! It's so insane how fast the time flies.
I think I'll get in the habit of sending you excerpts from President's letter:
Hello President!
This week has been an interesting one. It went so darn fast that I don't even remember anything all that specific about it... It was nuts.
We've spent the majority of the week teaching exclusively on the Book of Mormon, which has been both amazing and incredibly discouraging. We have so many people that will do anything to avoid the book; they just want us to 'Bible' them to death. Elder Willis and I refuse, and we put it on themselves to find out that the book is true. It's very encouraging when people read and find out that it's true, but SO discouraging when they don't do it. I couldn't believe my ears when an investigator asked "Can I be a member of your church and NOT believe in the Book of Mormon? I really like the church, but I can't accept the book." I was nearly shouting when I replied that the church he is interested is founded upon the book he professes to not accept. Regardless of our obstacles, it's our number one priority to help people know about and come to know the book is true.
As pertaining to things within our companionship, we are doing great. Elder Willis and I love each other so much, and work so hard. He keeps me up and running when I'm starting to run down. Just like everything else in the gospel, 'enduring' is the hardest part. It's easy to get physically tired in this area with so much walking in deep sand. At any rate, we work hard, and we love being here.
This week also brings an exchange with Elder Opuene, which I'll report on next week. Until then, we look forward to seeing you again. We miss you lots over here in Liberia!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Things are really sweet here, you know. Elder Willis and I are powerful friends, so no matter what happens, we're happy. To be honest, things are getting harder now that people are openly fighting the Book of Mormon. When we teach them briefly about the Book for a short time, and then never mind it again, we can baptize a lot more people, because many more people don't know what it is. They think of it more as a Bible study guide, not knowing that it's something different. So, when they find out that it's another book of scripture, and they hadn't accepted it (or their old pastor convinced them that it's a demonic book, something like that), then they fall away. Well, we're preventing that step and making sure that the revelation from the Spirit of the truth of the Book of Mormon is the primary focus of our teaching. As we've done that, many people have been threshed and blown away as chaff, and some have been gathered unto the garners. I guess it's the way it should be, right?
This week is going to be interesting... I have an exchange with Elder Opuene in Gardnersville branch on Wednesday, leadership training in Paynesville on Friday, and our Easter Program rehearsal on Saturday in Sinkor. It's going to be a bit hectic, and I think I'll feel like I haven't seen much of my area, but it'll be alright.
One cool experience happened with a woman named Garmai this week. We have been surprised by her repeated appearances at church after she had beforehand told us that she'd be attending her old church. We met her and asked her why she had so suddenly changed her mind. She told us that she had been really thinking about what our church claims; that is, to be the only true church upon the earth. She was also thinking about the Jehovah's Witnesses, who claim the same thing. She said that as she thought deeply on these things, she prayed to know what the true way was, and she went to sleep. She explained that she had a dream, in the which she felt a hand grip her wrist. She couldn't see the hand, but she felt it, and knew that it was Jesus Christ. She said that she was laying down, and the hand moved her outstretched finger to point in the direction of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She said that since then, she's never dared to go to any other church, because she knows that none of them are true. We're now working with her on some commandments, and as soon as they're resolved, she'll be baptized. Of course, baptism isn't the victory we're looking for. She's CONVERTED, and that's why we're already celebrating!
Could I be doing anything better for my life right now? Unlikely. I pity those who feel that they don't need or want to serve missions. I pity even more those that are unable to complete the two years. It's the best labor in which one could be anxiously engaged! I really love being here, and I dread the day that I must return.
Regardless, I love you all so much! Thanks for your love and support. :-)
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Two Little Chickens, Two Oranges & a Banana
Because of time, here is my letter to President Roggia again:
Hello President!
Things are awesome around here, to be brief. Elder Willis is a stud of a missionary. We're working hard and doing great things.
Our focus this past week has been on the Book of Mormon, which has met a great deal of resistance. People will be otherwise friendly with us until we INSIST on them receiving a revelation that the Book of Mormon is true, and then they give us a great deal of resistance and generally avoid the topic. On the other hand, there are those that are receiving the revelation, and these are they that shall inherit eternal life. We are so happy for them!
I went on exchange with the zone leaders this past week. In summary, it was good, I learned much, and gained a great deal of trust in our divinely-appointed leaders. They also expressed gratitude to our district for not being "cumbersome" on them. For that, I'm proud of my Elders.
I'm thrilled to be doing so well. It's my intention that you receive such great reports every week. Thanks for your love and support!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Yeah, we're busy like crazy. At the moment, we have like 45 investigators, 35 of which have baptismal dates. More will be added this week. It's nuts!!! We work real hard, then play real hard.
We bought two chickens today to raise. These ones are small, so it'll be a while til you hear of their demise. *Thinks of cutlass* Oh yeah... ;-)
Well, I'm real sorry for the brevity of this letter. The servers here are murder, so it's a slot machine as to what'll happen each time you browse. Today is two oranges and a banana.
I love you all so much! Congrats to Josh for surviving the endowment. ;-)
I can't wait to go back to those sacred halls!!
Love ya!
Elder Vaughan
Hello President!
Things are awesome around here, to be brief. Elder Willis is a stud of a missionary. We're working hard and doing great things.
Our focus this past week has been on the Book of Mormon, which has met a great deal of resistance. People will be otherwise friendly with us until we INSIST on them receiving a revelation that the Book of Mormon is true, and then they give us a great deal of resistance and generally avoid the topic. On the other hand, there are those that are receiving the revelation, and these are they that shall inherit eternal life. We are so happy for them!
I went on exchange with the zone leaders this past week. In summary, it was good, I learned much, and gained a great deal of trust in our divinely-appointed leaders. They also expressed gratitude to our district for not being "cumbersome" on them. For that, I'm proud of my Elders.
I'm thrilled to be doing so well. It's my intention that you receive such great reports every week. Thanks for your love and support!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Yeah, we're busy like crazy. At the moment, we have like 45 investigators, 35 of which have baptismal dates. More will be added this week. It's nuts!!! We work real hard, then play real hard.
We bought two chickens today to raise. These ones are small, so it'll be a while til you hear of their demise. *Thinks of cutlass* Oh yeah... ;-)
Well, I'm real sorry for the brevity of this letter. The servers here are murder, so it's a slot machine as to what'll happen each time you browse. Today is two oranges and a banana.
I love you all so much! Congrats to Josh for surviving the endowment. ;-)
I can't wait to go back to those sacred halls!!
Love ya!
Elder Vaughan
Monday, March 5, 2012
A New Era, a Cutlass for Defense & Real Life with a Capital "R"
Since you liked the last one, here's part of my letter to President from this week:
Hello President!
I think my arrival at the New Georgia district marks the beginning of a new era for the work for our respective branches. I've made it my intention and design to make New Georgia known throughout the mission as the most strictly obedient district in the mission. No worries President, you'll be hearing lots from us.
This week opened a lot of doors for us as missionaries and we made a lot of progress with our investigators. We found that doing what PMG teaches us, that is, bringing people to church, is very helpful to increase the compliment of investigators in church. As you can see, we had 13 this week, which is a vast improvement. On top of that, we have 10 new investigators to work with. Elder Willis and I do our best to knock out lessons all day long so that those people can receive the attention that they need, and occasionally, people are falling by the wayside, so short are the hours that we're allotted. We do our best, and this week we'll be getting our branch missionaries on board to help. With that, I see no reason why our investigator count can't keep climbing at the insane rate that it's going. Quite honestly, I anticipated that the new investigators would decrease this past week, but as you can see from our numbers, it's been rather steady.
As you can also see, our goals for the coming week are lower than that of the actuals from the past week. Well, we're simply having unexpected amounts of success! While our original goal for this week may be to reach 30 investigators with a baptismal date, we may more realistically try to reach 35. We're really reaching our upper limit though. If we acquire too many more investigators, we will no longer have time to see them all in the space of a week. Again, we'll be getting our branch missionaries on board to lighten the load. We'll take what the Lord gives us and be grateful!
All of our success here can be attributed to obedience. Elder Willis is a very obedient and dedicated missionary. 95% of our daily chit chat is about the work, and seldom do we reminisce of home. It's awesome, because we are outstandingly focused as a companionship. We work so hard day in and out that we can hardly stay conscious the moment we stumble through the door. I love Elder Willis so much for his strength as a humble servant of the Lord. I can see him becoming one of the sharpest arrows in the Lord's quiver. His dedication is a great support for me in my own weaknesses of flesh. I don't think we would be doing so well were it not for this divinely appointed and aided companionship.
I think that's all for this week. You can be sure to expect marvelous things from us President. It's a promise I'll give. Thanks for your support!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Things these days have been so awesome for us!! New Georgia is hands-down the best branch I've served in. It's definitely coupled with the best companion I've ever served with (well, we just have the best UNITY anyways.), and the members are awesome. The work has never been sweeter for me. I've never had such a craving to proselyte. When the Zone Leaders told us that we'd be conducting a two-day exchange this week, I was pretty upset. I don't want to be away from my area or my companion. I'm enjoying it way too much! I'll be in Paynesville branch with Elder Buckman for a couple days, so we'll see how that is. I hear they have the best apartment in the mission though, so I'll be enjoying that!
No, I haven't received the package yet. The couples usually let us know when stuff comes. Since the mail to Liberia has been heretofore untested by you, I'm slightly nervous as to how reliable it will be. Elder Willis says that he's never lost a package, so I think we'll be okay. It just takes time.
New Georgia is a little like Bo in that we are in the bush a little. Sure, ten minutes on the road takes you downtown Monrovia, but we really are living in the bush again. And the place is SANDY!!
Oh, I bought Dad a sweet present today: A CUTLASS!! Well, it's what you'd know as a machette, but they call them cutlass' here. It's pretty dang cool. Since I guess he still goes camping with Jesse (I'd assume?), it might come in handy for fighting bears and lions and things. ;-)
I bought a cutlass for myself too to defend us from thieves. Our apartment was broken into Saturday afternoon. They busted through the plywood ceiling of the back porch and kicked through the roof in the kitchen and climbed down inside the house. Scary, right? They made off with about $300, a phone, an mp3 player, and Elder Willis' sweet knife. Fortunately for me, nothing irreplaceable was taken. Just $185 of district funds, but that'll be taken care of. It amazes me that they took the envelope of district money and left my personal money and subsistence money in the envelope right next to it! This guy was a crappy thief.
In consideration with what happened, we have 24-hour watch on the house until the mission can complete the wall and put barbwire on it. Really, it's a highly-needed improvement for our security, so I'm pleased with it.
It can be hard for me to find things to share when my mind is so tired... Elder Willis and I are treating ourselves to some much-needed R&R and TLC when we go home today. We bought two whole chickens and a bag of fries to enjoy to ourselves. Oh man, sweet times. We're just having fun all blessed day long, and at the end of the day, we look back and realize the work that was done. I've never been happier on mission.
Elder Willis and I are so productive these days that it's just blowing my mind. In the 13 days that I've been here, we've found 24 new investigators who have accepted baptismal dates. We've knocked out dozens of lessons, and we had 13 people in church. Our teaching pool has roughly 40 people in it, and there simply aren't enough hours in the week to see them all. The number is increasing. Our goal for baptisms this month is 13 people (There's been lots of 13's recently... Skaven??) and we may even have more than that. I've never served anywhere like this in my whole mission. It's so sweet. I could, and happily would, finish my mission here if I were called upon to do so. In fact, I'll pray and fast for it to come to pass so.
I like what you said about gospel living. It's what I've committed myself to do to the day I die. I'm going to live like a missionary my whole life, because, as Elder Holland said, "This is as close to 'real life' as you're gonna get. Capital 'R', capital 'L'." It's made me happy, and it makes life meaningful. Just like it says in The Other Side of Heaven, "There is a connection between heaven and earth. Finding that connection brings meaning to everything, even death. Losing that connection makes everything meaningless, even life." Or something like that. It's how I'll live forever. :-)
Love you all so much!
Love,
Chris
Hello President!
I think my arrival at the New Georgia district marks the beginning of a new era for the work for our respective branches. I've made it my intention and design to make New Georgia known throughout the mission as the most strictly obedient district in the mission. No worries President, you'll be hearing lots from us.
This week opened a lot of doors for us as missionaries and we made a lot of progress with our investigators. We found that doing what PMG teaches us, that is, bringing people to church, is very helpful to increase the compliment of investigators in church. As you can see, we had 13 this week, which is a vast improvement. On top of that, we have 10 new investigators to work with. Elder Willis and I do our best to knock out lessons all day long so that those people can receive the attention that they need, and occasionally, people are falling by the wayside, so short are the hours that we're allotted. We do our best, and this week we'll be getting our branch missionaries on board to help. With that, I see no reason why our investigator count can't keep climbing at the insane rate that it's going. Quite honestly, I anticipated that the new investigators would decrease this past week, but as you can see from our numbers, it's been rather steady.
As you can also see, our goals for the coming week are lower than that of the actuals from the past week. Well, we're simply having unexpected amounts of success! While our original goal for this week may be to reach 30 investigators with a baptismal date, we may more realistically try to reach 35. We're really reaching our upper limit though. If we acquire too many more investigators, we will no longer have time to see them all in the space of a week. Again, we'll be getting our branch missionaries on board to lighten the load. We'll take what the Lord gives us and be grateful!
All of our success here can be attributed to obedience. Elder Willis is a very obedient and dedicated missionary. 95% of our daily chit chat is about the work, and seldom do we reminisce of home. It's awesome, because we are outstandingly focused as a companionship. We work so hard day in and out that we can hardly stay conscious the moment we stumble through the door. I love Elder Willis so much for his strength as a humble servant of the Lord. I can see him becoming one of the sharpest arrows in the Lord's quiver. His dedication is a great support for me in my own weaknesses of flesh. I don't think we would be doing so well were it not for this divinely appointed and aided companionship.
I think that's all for this week. You can be sure to expect marvelous things from us President. It's a promise I'll give. Thanks for your support!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Things these days have been so awesome for us!! New Georgia is hands-down the best branch I've served in. It's definitely coupled with the best companion I've ever served with (well, we just have the best UNITY anyways.), and the members are awesome. The work has never been sweeter for me. I've never had such a craving to proselyte. When the Zone Leaders told us that we'd be conducting a two-day exchange this week, I was pretty upset. I don't want to be away from my area or my companion. I'm enjoying it way too much! I'll be in Paynesville branch with Elder Buckman for a couple days, so we'll see how that is. I hear they have the best apartment in the mission though, so I'll be enjoying that!
No, I haven't received the package yet. The couples usually let us know when stuff comes. Since the mail to Liberia has been heretofore untested by you, I'm slightly nervous as to how reliable it will be. Elder Willis says that he's never lost a package, so I think we'll be okay. It just takes time.
New Georgia is a little like Bo in that we are in the bush a little. Sure, ten minutes on the road takes you downtown Monrovia, but we really are living in the bush again. And the place is SANDY!!
Oh, I bought Dad a sweet present today: A CUTLASS!! Well, it's what you'd know as a machette, but they call them cutlass' here. It's pretty dang cool. Since I guess he still goes camping with Jesse (I'd assume?), it might come in handy for fighting bears and lions and things. ;-)
I bought a cutlass for myself too to defend us from thieves. Our apartment was broken into Saturday afternoon. They busted through the plywood ceiling of the back porch and kicked through the roof in the kitchen and climbed down inside the house. Scary, right? They made off with about $300, a phone, an mp3 player, and Elder Willis' sweet knife. Fortunately for me, nothing irreplaceable was taken. Just $185 of district funds, but that'll be taken care of. It amazes me that they took the envelope of district money and left my personal money and subsistence money in the envelope right next to it! This guy was a crappy thief.
In consideration with what happened, we have 24-hour watch on the house until the mission can complete the wall and put barbwire on it. Really, it's a highly-needed improvement for our security, so I'm pleased with it.
It can be hard for me to find things to share when my mind is so tired... Elder Willis and I are treating ourselves to some much-needed R&R and TLC when we go home today. We bought two whole chickens and a bag of fries to enjoy to ourselves. Oh man, sweet times. We're just having fun all blessed day long, and at the end of the day, we look back and realize the work that was done. I've never been happier on mission.
Elder Willis and I are so productive these days that it's just blowing my mind. In the 13 days that I've been here, we've found 24 new investigators who have accepted baptismal dates. We've knocked out dozens of lessons, and we had 13 people in church. Our teaching pool has roughly 40 people in it, and there simply aren't enough hours in the week to see them all. The number is increasing. Our goal for baptisms this month is 13 people (There's been lots of 13's recently... Skaven??) and we may even have more than that. I've never served anywhere like this in my whole mission. It's so sweet. I could, and happily would, finish my mission here if I were called upon to do so. In fact, I'll pray and fast for it to come to pass so.
I like what you said about gospel living. It's what I've committed myself to do to the day I die. I'm going to live like a missionary my whole life, because, as Elder Holland said, "This is as close to 'real life' as you're gonna get. Capital 'R', capital 'L'." It's made me happy, and it makes life meaningful. Just like it says in The Other Side of Heaven, "There is a connection between heaven and earth. Finding that connection brings meaning to everything, even death. Losing that connection makes everything meaningless, even life." Or something like that. It's how I'll live forever. :-)
Love you all so much!
Love,
Chris
Monday, February 27, 2012
Life in New Georgia, Sand & Lobsters
Things here in New Georgia are great!! All except for the internet, of course. It's really giving me a hard day. To give a little more bulk of my words, I'm including my letter to President Roggia for you to read for this week. Time permitting, I'll add more.
Hello President!
Things here in New Georgia are fantastic! I have so much to share, so I'm not really sure where to start...
I think I'll start with Elder Willis. I'm telling you, this Elder is really solid. He's hard-working, but I think his working potential has been a little smothered with his previous companions. We have outstanding unity and love one for another. He's very devoted to the cause of bringing souls unto repentance. It's been a long time since I've experienced a companionship so sweet. Thanks for pairing us together; I promise that neither you nor the Lord will regret it. In fact, I'd even advise that you keep us together as long as possible. The work is advancing at unprescedented speed here in New Georgia.
Considering the lack of material from the other Elders who have worked here, and Elder Willis' own inexperience with the area, we've basically opened the place up all over, which is most sweet. We have the Spirit here with us at all times, so it's drawing people to us like I've never seen before. We have had tons of new investigators this week, and some of them even came to church Sunday. It's been a powerful week for me. I'm really loving missionary work these days. We have a goal of more than a dozen baptisms this month, and I strongly believe that we can make it happen.
As far as the District goes, things are good, if not a little quiet. I think the quiet is good though. Things are very friendly, and we're not having any problems there.
This companionship is reminding me of my time with Elder Bennion. Good grief, we worked so hard, and taught so many people, and we really had the Spirit with us. We had a lot of fun too. I'm seeing the same here in the coming six weeks, and I'm really going to make the most of it. I really love being here, and I really love my companion. Things are just so sweet!
Thanks for your love and support!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
This week was filled with so many spiritual experiences that they've almost been innumberable. To answer Dad's question about how the people here receive the Book of Mormon, here's the following experience that Elder Willis and I had with a woman:
This woman, Mabel, was a referral from one of our members here in N.G. We sat down, and right away we asked if she had any questions for us. She said no, and the then the member blurted in "Well what about those things you were asking about the Book of Mormon??" We got a good laugh out of that. We then proceeded to teach her about the book, where it is from, and what it is about. We sat with her and read the Introduction together. In a solemn moment at the end, Elder WIllis and I bore testimony of the book, and sister Mabel simply said "I need this book." We haven't had a follow-up with her yet, but we know that she felt something that day. It was awesome!
The key to conversion is in the Book of Mormon. Plain and simple. So, we invite others to read it, and then, if indeed that person is an honest seeker of the truth, they will find out for themself. That's the beauty of the book.
As for ideas for Joshua's mission preparations, I can't really think of anything... Just make sure he's set like I was! Maybe a decent flahslight, but I bet he'll have electricity, unlike me.
As for N.G. area, it's SANDY. We proselyte in sand all blessed day long. It's kinda fun though. I really love this palce, and I really love Elder Willis. It's amazing to me that two people of such different background and interests can come together with such astonishing unity as we have. It's just AWESOME. :-)
As for my day today, Elder Willis and I thought it fitting to enjoy as much as humanly possible today. So, we went to the supermarket in town and bought tons of chicken and pork to BBQ on an overturned fan cover. What's more, I went to the most ghetto place in Africa and bought three lobsters. Yeah, we're living the life out here!! :-)
Regadless of how comparatively underdeveloped N.G. is than Sinkor, I like it so much more. It's like a sandier version of Bo, so I'm in love with it! The weeks ahead are going to be the sweetest; oh, the very choicest indeed.
Well, I love you all! I hope you have a wonderful week! Love and adoration to all!!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Hello President!
Things here in New Georgia are fantastic! I have so much to share, so I'm not really sure where to start...
I think I'll start with Elder Willis. I'm telling you, this Elder is really solid. He's hard-working, but I think his working potential has been a little smothered with his previous companions. We have outstanding unity and love one for another. He's very devoted to the cause of bringing souls unto repentance. It's been a long time since I've experienced a companionship so sweet. Thanks for pairing us together; I promise that neither you nor the Lord will regret it. In fact, I'd even advise that you keep us together as long as possible. The work is advancing at unprescedented speed here in New Georgia.
Considering the lack of material from the other Elders who have worked here, and Elder Willis' own inexperience with the area, we've basically opened the place up all over, which is most sweet. We have the Spirit here with us at all times, so it's drawing people to us like I've never seen before. We have had tons of new investigators this week, and some of them even came to church Sunday. It's been a powerful week for me. I'm really loving missionary work these days. We have a goal of more than a dozen baptisms this month, and I strongly believe that we can make it happen.
As far as the District goes, things are good, if not a little quiet. I think the quiet is good though. Things are very friendly, and we're not having any problems there.
This companionship is reminding me of my time with Elder Bennion. Good grief, we worked so hard, and taught so many people, and we really had the Spirit with us. We had a lot of fun too. I'm seeing the same here in the coming six weeks, and I'm really going to make the most of it. I really love being here, and I really love my companion. Things are just so sweet!
Thanks for your love and support!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
This week was filled with so many spiritual experiences that they've almost been innumberable. To answer Dad's question about how the people here receive the Book of Mormon, here's the following experience that Elder Willis and I had with a woman:
This woman, Mabel, was a referral from one of our members here in N.G. We sat down, and right away we asked if she had any questions for us. She said no, and the then the member blurted in "Well what about those things you were asking about the Book of Mormon??" We got a good laugh out of that. We then proceeded to teach her about the book, where it is from, and what it is about. We sat with her and read the Introduction together. In a solemn moment at the end, Elder WIllis and I bore testimony of the book, and sister Mabel simply said "I need this book." We haven't had a follow-up with her yet, but we know that she felt something that day. It was awesome!
The key to conversion is in the Book of Mormon. Plain and simple. So, we invite others to read it, and then, if indeed that person is an honest seeker of the truth, they will find out for themself. That's the beauty of the book.
As for ideas for Joshua's mission preparations, I can't really think of anything... Just make sure he's set like I was! Maybe a decent flahslight, but I bet he'll have electricity, unlike me.
As for N.G. area, it's SANDY. We proselyte in sand all blessed day long. It's kinda fun though. I really love this palce, and I really love Elder Willis. It's amazing to me that two people of such different background and interests can come together with such astonishing unity as we have. It's just AWESOME. :-)
As for my day today, Elder Willis and I thought it fitting to enjoy as much as humanly possible today. So, we went to the supermarket in town and bought tons of chicken and pork to BBQ on an overturned fan cover. What's more, I went to the most ghetto place in Africa and bought three lobsters. Yeah, we're living the life out here!! :-)
Regadless of how comparatively underdeveloped N.G. is than Sinkor, I like it so much more. It's like a sandier version of Bo, so I'm in love with it! The weeks ahead are going to be the sweetest; oh, the very choicest indeed.
Well, I love you all! I hope you have a wonderful week! Love and adoration to all!!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Monday, February 20, 2012
Transfer News, Pictures & Cheap Clams
Things are good these days!! Things have been a bit hectic too. We just got our transfer news this morning (a week or so early... This transfer was bound to be a nutso one. There are 8 newly called zone leaders and 1 new assisstant in the mission. Crazy!), and I found out that I'm being transferred to New Georgia branch tomorrow morning! It's in our same zone, but on the furthest edge outward. I'm excited, because I'll be serving with Elder Willis, who will be going to USU when he returns home in two Octobers. It'll be awesome! I like having things changed around.
I'm so happy to hear about Joshua's mission call to El Salvador! I got the news this past week from Sister Roggia via text message. WOO HOO!!! I'm so excited for him!!!
Oh!! I have some pictures for you this week since I won't be able to send pictures from here on out while I'm in Liberia. Here you are. We have some pictures at the beach, one at the apartment, one of us preparing snails for dinner, one of a baptism, and one of Elder Raymond eating. It was sweet times man...
Hey, guess what? I found somewhere I could buy clams!! They're cheaper than the sand that they live in!! I bought like 20lbs of them for roughly $0.40. Yeah, sick right?? :-) Mission is so sweet.
Goodness, I'm just so distracted today... I wish I had mind to tell you more. I love you like crazy, so that's what's important right? Ha ha ha. Things are good. As I mentioned to Dad, I'm being transferred to New Georgia branch, so things are a little shook up for the time being. Times are good-o!
Love you!
Elder Vaughan
I'm so happy to hear about Joshua's mission call to El Salvador! I got the news this past week from Sister Roggia via text message. WOO HOO!!! I'm so excited for him!!!
Oh!! I have some pictures for you this week since I won't be able to send pictures from here on out while I'm in Liberia. Here you are. We have some pictures at the beach, one at the apartment, one of us preparing snails for dinner, one of a baptism, and one of Elder Raymond eating. It was sweet times man...
Hey, guess what? I found somewhere I could buy clams!! They're cheaper than the sand that they live in!! I bought like 20lbs of them for roughly $0.40. Yeah, sick right?? :-) Mission is so sweet.
Goodness, I'm just so distracted today... I wish I had mind to tell you more. I love you like crazy, so that's what's important right? Ha ha ha. Things are good. As I mentioned to Dad, I'm being transferred to New Georgia branch, so things are a little shook up for the time being. Times are good-o!
Love you!
Elder Vaughan
Monday, February 13, 2012
An Apostle Visits Liberia
Oh man, I might be just as disappointed as Josh that his mission call hasn't come yet! I'm just waiting to hear that it's the Sierra Leone Freetown mission. ;-) Wherever it is, I'll be so happy for him!
Considering that there isn't a whole lot to answer in neither yours or Dad's email, I'll just send one home this week so we can share some sweet details about Elder Holland's visit.
He arrived Friday in the late afternoon, around four. He was scheduled to come Thursday evening, but there has been a lot of dust blowing in from the Sahara, so planes could neither take off or land in all of Sierra Leone or Liberia. President and Sister Roggia had spent four days trying to get here from Salone, but because of the weather, they were only able to arrive just hours before Elder Holland did. We, the missionaries, were supposed to have a meeting with him Friday morning around nine. As the news passed around that flights were being delayed and things, it was pushed to three, four, five, and so on a so forth. We were even beginning to question if he'd be able to come at all, because the most recent news we had heard was that his plane was in a holding pattern above Roberts International Airport in Liberia. If he wasn't able to land, there would have been no choice but to return to Accra.
Faith, as it always is, was the answer. Elder Holland is an apostle of the Lord. Can he not command the dust to quiet itself to allow him to land his plane and minister to his people? Of course he can, and indeed the dust cleared, though not a moment too soon. Had he spent another ten minutes in the air, the plane would have turned back.
Sister Roggia was already at Sinkor chapel, where the entire weekend was being staged. She announced to all of us anxiously awaiting missionaries that Elder Holland had indeed landed, and was on his way to the chapel. We cheered. We were gathered together in one of the classrooms as we waited for the long-anticipated arrival of that great apostle. Elder Liufau was there too, and he was standing outside the door in the hallway. After some period of time, he slid inside the door with a dazed look on his face. "Uh, Elders... He's here." We all looked, and beheld him as he walked down the hall to where he was to wait before his first meeting with the priesthood and auxiliary leaders of the church. Quickly recovering, we had another moment to also see President Dickson, Elder Snow, Elder Sitati, Elder Mensah, and their wives coming down the hallway towards us. AH! We were like a whole bunch of school children.
We continued to wait in the classroom for the first meeting to conclude. When it was done, we were admitted into the chapel for our missionary devotional with Elder Holland. HOW SWEET!!! We all got to shake his hand, and there were many pictures taken (there were some LDS.org reporters there. They said to wait a week or two and you'll be able to see their reports on Elder Holland's visit to Liberia. You might wanna check it out, since I was in the front! ;-) ).
We heard some brief testimonies from President Dickson and Elder Snow first, which were really wonderful. The program was a lot less structured than it was originally planned to be, considering Elder Holland's delayed arrival. Instead of a Q&A session, he simply talked to us specifically about our mission and things.
He first expressed his gratitude for our diligence as missionaries, and fully acknowledged the brutal nature of this mission in particular. He said that "every other mission in the world is a 2-year holiday from BYU-Idaho." That made me laugh. He narrated how it would be with us "staggering" through the funeral doors of our home chapels, and proclaiming over the pulpit "I'm back from MONROVIA!!!" with wild and bleary eyes. That also made me laugh. Yes indeed, this has to be the hardest mission in the world. Of every mission I've ever heard of in all of the world, even in Africa, this one takes the most guts to complete. We take it as it is; just part of the call.
He then took time to admonish us to be the best missionaries we could be. He started by analyzing the mission numbers, stating that the mission has over 1000 baptismal dates for the month of February. "1000 baptismal dates??" He said, "Most missions can't get 1000 baptismal dates in ten years!! And these are only for the month of February." he concluded with a sarcastic air. He continued by saying that nobody was here to watch us do what we do, so it's up to us to maintain the mission in Liberia. The mission president is in Sierra Leone, so he can't watch over you, and "heck, I represent church headquarters, and I couldn't even get here!" He made a point by saying that "If you want to sleep in, you can sleep in. If you want to loaf, you can loaf. If you want to break mission rules, nobody will know; except for the Lord and the angels in heaven who keep score."
He concluded with talking about what we will need to do as returned missionaries. He related that the thing that makes him "go ballistic" the most is missionaries who serve an honorable two years and then go home and are less-active. "What-in-the-world kind of Latter-Day Saints are those??" He endeared us to internalize our missions; to never forget them, and to live up to those people that we served. As a concluding commentary, he said "If I find you in three or five years and you're less-active, I'll wring your necks!"
That was the majority of what he said to us the Elders and Sisters. I have a few more notes that I took, but I don't have them on me. It was really nice for us to be aknowledged as the toughest of the tough, considering that we serve in one of the most thankless jobs there is. We work and work and work, and not an ounce of "thanks" is given for anything, save when one is baptized, and even that is seldom seen. It doesn't really bother me, but it was wonderful to be praised by an apostle, especially one like Elder Holland.
The meeting concluded in prayer, and we returned home, rather late I might add, arriving home about an hour and a half after curfiew. It's okay, the apostle blessed us. ;-)
The next day, Sunday (yesterday), was kind of a zoo for us. All of the same church dignitaries were there at the church, and we the missionaries had the job of ushering and doing odd jobs for the sake of the district conference. The conference was held in two sessions: Morning session for Monrovia district, and afternoon for Bushrod Island district. We, unfortunately, didn't get to listen to much of the conference because we were counting people, guarding the bathroom so the Liberians won't dirty the place for Elder Holland, and the like (we had 800 in attendance in the first session, and nearly 1000 in the second. Sweet!!). In the end, we were rewarded for our labors with the scraps left over from Elder Holland's catered lunch ("table scraps" makes it sound bad... I've never eaten so good on my whole mission. Ka-peesh.).
We were fortunate to hear a little from the last session of conference from Elder Holland. He said that "If I were looking for a church, there are three things that I would make sure are key in the church doctrines." The first he explained was that the church must teach that God is our loving Heavenly Father, indeed in the form of an exalted man, and that we, as his children, are heirs to such a glory. He talked more on the subject, cross-referencing from various scriptures and other quotes. The second requirement for his church was an organization like that of the primitive church in the days of Christ. He said that he needed apostles, prophets, and continuing revelation, and so on and so forth. The third, unfortunately, was lost from our ears as we were carried away on another assignment elsewhere in the building.
At the conclusion of the second and last session of district conference, Elder Holland made a hasty departure, on his way to catch the plane back to Accra. It truly was a blessing and a miracle that he was able to come here and speak to us. I was sitting right in the very front and center of the pulpit during the missionary devotional, so I even got to feel the breeze of his breath, so to speak. If any pictures show up of that, you will surely see me. The camera guy got quite a few of us Elders in the front. I think that concludes my thoughts on Elder Holland's visit for now... without my book, I can't remember much else.
I DID have an interesting conversation with Elder and Sister Fife, our area doctors while they were here (I guess they're required personelle in Elder Holland's entourage). They are a real young senior couple, so I was curious as to how they landed their call as area doctors. Sister Fife explained that she was a respiratory therapist back home, and her husband was a general physician. She said that they are taking a two year sabbatical in order to serve a year and a half, after which, they will both return and continue their work as medical practicioners. It made me think of you, Mom and Dad. ;-) It won't be long before the two of you can be considering a mission, huh? I'd love that for you two. :-)
Well, that's about all I've got today. I hope it's good for you! Things are as busy as they always are. I love you so much! Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Considering that there isn't a whole lot to answer in neither yours or Dad's email, I'll just send one home this week so we can share some sweet details about Elder Holland's visit.
He arrived Friday in the late afternoon, around four. He was scheduled to come Thursday evening, but there has been a lot of dust blowing in from the Sahara, so planes could neither take off or land in all of Sierra Leone or Liberia. President and Sister Roggia had spent four days trying to get here from Salone, but because of the weather, they were only able to arrive just hours before Elder Holland did. We, the missionaries, were supposed to have a meeting with him Friday morning around nine. As the news passed around that flights were being delayed and things, it was pushed to three, four, five, and so on a so forth. We were even beginning to question if he'd be able to come at all, because the most recent news we had heard was that his plane was in a holding pattern above Roberts International Airport in Liberia. If he wasn't able to land, there would have been no choice but to return to Accra.
Faith, as it always is, was the answer. Elder Holland is an apostle of the Lord. Can he not command the dust to quiet itself to allow him to land his plane and minister to his people? Of course he can, and indeed the dust cleared, though not a moment too soon. Had he spent another ten minutes in the air, the plane would have turned back.
Sister Roggia was already at Sinkor chapel, where the entire weekend was being staged. She announced to all of us anxiously awaiting missionaries that Elder Holland had indeed landed, and was on his way to the chapel. We cheered. We were gathered together in one of the classrooms as we waited for the long-anticipated arrival of that great apostle. Elder Liufau was there too, and he was standing outside the door in the hallway. After some period of time, he slid inside the door with a dazed look on his face. "Uh, Elders... He's here." We all looked, and beheld him as he walked down the hall to where he was to wait before his first meeting with the priesthood and auxiliary leaders of the church. Quickly recovering, we had another moment to also see President Dickson, Elder Snow, Elder Sitati, Elder Mensah, and their wives coming down the hallway towards us. AH! We were like a whole bunch of school children.
We continued to wait in the classroom for the first meeting to conclude. When it was done, we were admitted into the chapel for our missionary devotional with Elder Holland. HOW SWEET!!! We all got to shake his hand, and there were many pictures taken (there were some LDS.org reporters there. They said to wait a week or two and you'll be able to see their reports on Elder Holland's visit to Liberia. You might wanna check it out, since I was in the front! ;-) ).
We heard some brief testimonies from President Dickson and Elder Snow first, which were really wonderful. The program was a lot less structured than it was originally planned to be, considering Elder Holland's delayed arrival. Instead of a Q&A session, he simply talked to us specifically about our mission and things.
He first expressed his gratitude for our diligence as missionaries, and fully acknowledged the brutal nature of this mission in particular. He said that "every other mission in the world is a 2-year holiday from BYU-Idaho." That made me laugh. He narrated how it would be with us "staggering" through the funeral doors of our home chapels, and proclaiming over the pulpit "I'm back from MONROVIA!!!" with wild and bleary eyes. That also made me laugh. Yes indeed, this has to be the hardest mission in the world. Of every mission I've ever heard of in all of the world, even in Africa, this one takes the most guts to complete. We take it as it is; just part of the call.
He then took time to admonish us to be the best missionaries we could be. He started by analyzing the mission numbers, stating that the mission has over 1000 baptismal dates for the month of February. "1000 baptismal dates??" He said, "Most missions can't get 1000 baptismal dates in ten years!! And these are only for the month of February." he concluded with a sarcastic air. He continued by saying that nobody was here to watch us do what we do, so it's up to us to maintain the mission in Liberia. The mission president is in Sierra Leone, so he can't watch over you, and "heck, I represent church headquarters, and I couldn't even get here!" He made a point by saying that "If you want to sleep in, you can sleep in. If you want to loaf, you can loaf. If you want to break mission rules, nobody will know; except for the Lord and the angels in heaven who keep score."
He concluded with talking about what we will need to do as returned missionaries. He related that the thing that makes him "go ballistic" the most is missionaries who serve an honorable two years and then go home and are less-active. "What-in-the-world kind of Latter-Day Saints are those??" He endeared us to internalize our missions; to never forget them, and to live up to those people that we served. As a concluding commentary, he said "If I find you in three or five years and you're less-active, I'll wring your necks!"
That was the majority of what he said to us the Elders and Sisters. I have a few more notes that I took, but I don't have them on me. It was really nice for us to be aknowledged as the toughest of the tough, considering that we serve in one of the most thankless jobs there is. We work and work and work, and not an ounce of "thanks" is given for anything, save when one is baptized, and even that is seldom seen. It doesn't really bother me, but it was wonderful to be praised by an apostle, especially one like Elder Holland.
The meeting concluded in prayer, and we returned home, rather late I might add, arriving home about an hour and a half after curfiew. It's okay, the apostle blessed us. ;-)
The next day, Sunday (yesterday), was kind of a zoo for us. All of the same church dignitaries were there at the church, and we the missionaries had the job of ushering and doing odd jobs for the sake of the district conference. The conference was held in two sessions: Morning session for Monrovia district, and afternoon for Bushrod Island district. We, unfortunately, didn't get to listen to much of the conference because we were counting people, guarding the bathroom so the Liberians won't dirty the place for Elder Holland, and the like (we had 800 in attendance in the first session, and nearly 1000 in the second. Sweet!!). In the end, we were rewarded for our labors with the scraps left over from Elder Holland's catered lunch ("table scraps" makes it sound bad... I've never eaten so good on my whole mission. Ka-peesh.).
We were fortunate to hear a little from the last session of conference from Elder Holland. He said that "If I were looking for a church, there are three things that I would make sure are key in the church doctrines." The first he explained was that the church must teach that God is our loving Heavenly Father, indeed in the form of an exalted man, and that we, as his children, are heirs to such a glory. He talked more on the subject, cross-referencing from various scriptures and other quotes. The second requirement for his church was an organization like that of the primitive church in the days of Christ. He said that he needed apostles, prophets, and continuing revelation, and so on and so forth. The third, unfortunately, was lost from our ears as we were carried away on another assignment elsewhere in the building.
At the conclusion of the second and last session of district conference, Elder Holland made a hasty departure, on his way to catch the plane back to Accra. It truly was a blessing and a miracle that he was able to come here and speak to us. I was sitting right in the very front and center of the pulpit during the missionary devotional, so I even got to feel the breeze of his breath, so to speak. If any pictures show up of that, you will surely see me. The camera guy got quite a few of us Elders in the front. I think that concludes my thoughts on Elder Holland's visit for now... without my book, I can't remember much else.
I DID have an interesting conversation with Elder and Sister Fife, our area doctors while they were here (I guess they're required personelle in Elder Holland's entourage). They are a real young senior couple, so I was curious as to how they landed their call as area doctors. Sister Fife explained that she was a respiratory therapist back home, and her husband was a general physician. She said that they are taking a two year sabbatical in order to serve a year and a half, after which, they will both return and continue their work as medical practicioners. It made me think of you, Mom and Dad. ;-) It won't be long before the two of you can be considering a mission, huh? I'd love that for you two. :-)
Well, that's about all I've got today. I hope it's good for you! Things are as busy as they always are. I love you so much! Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Monday, February 6, 2012
Snapped Back, the Divine Gift of Agency & Fisher of Men
Things are a lot better these days. I don't know what really happened, but I just snapped back into a better mood and attitude. Things are great these days. Elder Raymond and I are having a great time. I just feel awesome.
Agency is wonderful, isn't it? Think about it: Of all of God's creations, we are the only ones that are given the power to willfully disobey him. Wow. Everything else in the universe must live or die by his word. We are given the divine gift of agency, to choose joy, sorrow, or anything else in between, and it all comes from simple obedience or disobedience to the principles of eternity.
This week was pretty sweet!! Every Sunday, people come and visit the church for their first time. We figured out a sweet tactic of "netting" them (Fisher of man, anyone?): On our roster sheet in gospel essentials class, we added a column to indicate whether or not the person is a member. This makes the biggest difference for me since I'm still getting to know the people. If I don't know the person that is a nonmember, we flag them down after class and set up appointments to meet them at the church to teach them. If they come, sweet, we have a new investigator. If not, well, that's how it usually is. They come and visit and then never come again (often because the church isn't very "lively", as they would say.). Our days end up with us at the church teaching lesson after lesson with powerful investigators from noon to six. Yeah, it's awesome. Things are going on alright these days.
One of these lessons was particularly sweet. The brother's name is Bartimaeus. He came on Sunday, we talked to him small, and invited him to come back to the church the following Wednesday to meet with us. While we were in our office on Tuesday, he showed up. We told him that we had planned for Wednesday, and he replied that he knew, and that he was simply hoping to see us there. Well, we had some extra time, so we sat down and asked him a few opening questions about church and things. He said that he loved the church, and that he wanted to be a baptized member. Uh, wow! Sure! We assured him that it would be possible.
I saw that he had a Restoration tract (we had never given it to him, so I was curious), so I asked him what he knew of it. He then reiterated the complete contents of the lesson of the Restoration from memory in its entirety. From there, we had nothing more to teach, so we simply gave him a baptismal date and a return appointment. Sweet, right? He already had testified to us that the Book of Mormon was true, even though he hadn't yet recieved one for himself, because he had sincerely asked God if it was true. He explained that he had visited the church seven years ago, and had long been impressed by the teachings therein, and that now was simply the time for him to unite himself with the church. Man, the work is so sweet when we are lead to prepared investigators!! :-)
I can't really say that there's a whole lot going on these days that's out of the ordinary. For us, we haven't had any office work in three weeks, so we're just ordinary missionaries. I like that. Then we get the perk of our office that we use for emailing home.
Elder Holland is coming this weekend, which is huge. I think I mentioned that, right? I better have... At least it's been a while since I did. I'm very excited. He's having an hour long Q&A with the missionaries in Liberia. Am I excited? Uh, YES. It's going to be awesome. I'll report on that next monday. It's surely going to be a powerful experience. We're having a two-session district conference here in Sinkor. Our district is first, and then Bushrod Island District members. It's going to be crazy. I'm just excited like nothing!! Being a missionary means I get to meet tons of general authorities, which is the best. I love it so much!
I'M SO EXCITED FOR JOSH!!!! Sis. Roggia will be here in Liberia on Thursday, so I'm sure she'll tell me in person if she gets the email from you guys with the news on Joshua's mission call. :-)
Thanks for the package. I'm going to make a request: Don't send any more. I don't really need them. The love reaches me just fine through email. Now that I'll have everything that I could need, you don't need to spend any more money on me. At least, til I get back. ;-) That's what you could do, you could save it to lavish on your precious baby when he gets home! ;-) Ha ha ha, kidding, kidding. But really, you don't need to send anything else again. I think I'll be good for the next 9 months (yeah, 9 months. Crazy, right??? It goes so fast!!!). The same with Western Union. I don't think I'll need any more money until I'm a few weeks from going home, then I might need some to get me safely back. Deal?
So STAR WARS EPISODE ONE IS NOW IN 3D??? Oh man, I'm going to cry if I can't see that. Episode 1 has always had a uniquely special place in my heart. Man... I'm in awe... Yeah, I figured that 3D TVs would be available by now... Man, I want to see that so bad... Anyhow, I'll be blessed for my sacrifice.
I'm sure I'll have a lot more to talk about next week... And Josh will have his call!! Woo hoo!! I can't wait to hear about that. :-)
Love,
Elder Vaughan
Agency is wonderful, isn't it? Think about it: Of all of God's creations, we are the only ones that are given the power to willfully disobey him. Wow. Everything else in the universe must live or die by his word. We are given the divine gift of agency, to choose joy, sorrow, or anything else in between, and it all comes from simple obedience or disobedience to the principles of eternity.
This week was pretty sweet!! Every Sunday, people come and visit the church for their first time. We figured out a sweet tactic of "netting" them (Fisher of man, anyone?): On our roster sheet in gospel essentials class, we added a column to indicate whether or not the person is a member. This makes the biggest difference for me since I'm still getting to know the people. If I don't know the person that is a nonmember, we flag them down after class and set up appointments to meet them at the church to teach them. If they come, sweet, we have a new investigator. If not, well, that's how it usually is. They come and visit and then never come again (often because the church isn't very "lively", as they would say.). Our days end up with us at the church teaching lesson after lesson with powerful investigators from noon to six. Yeah, it's awesome. Things are going on alright these days.
One of these lessons was particularly sweet. The brother's name is Bartimaeus. He came on Sunday, we talked to him small, and invited him to come back to the church the following Wednesday to meet with us. While we were in our office on Tuesday, he showed up. We told him that we had planned for Wednesday, and he replied that he knew, and that he was simply hoping to see us there. Well, we had some extra time, so we sat down and asked him a few opening questions about church and things. He said that he loved the church, and that he wanted to be a baptized member. Uh, wow! Sure! We assured him that it would be possible.
I saw that he had a Restoration tract (we had never given it to him, so I was curious), so I asked him what he knew of it. He then reiterated the complete contents of the lesson of the Restoration from memory in its entirety. From there, we had nothing more to teach, so we simply gave him a baptismal date and a return appointment. Sweet, right? He already had testified to us that the Book of Mormon was true, even though he hadn't yet recieved one for himself, because he had sincerely asked God if it was true. He explained that he had visited the church seven years ago, and had long been impressed by the teachings therein, and that now was simply the time for him to unite himself with the church. Man, the work is so sweet when we are lead to prepared investigators!! :-)
I can't really say that there's a whole lot going on these days that's out of the ordinary. For us, we haven't had any office work in three weeks, so we're just ordinary missionaries. I like that. Then we get the perk of our office that we use for emailing home.
Elder Holland is coming this weekend, which is huge. I think I mentioned that, right? I better have... At least it's been a while since I did. I'm very excited. He's having an hour long Q&A with the missionaries in Liberia. Am I excited? Uh, YES. It's going to be awesome. I'll report on that next monday. It's surely going to be a powerful experience. We're having a two-session district conference here in Sinkor. Our district is first, and then Bushrod Island District members. It's going to be crazy. I'm just excited like nothing!! Being a missionary means I get to meet tons of general authorities, which is the best. I love it so much!
I'M SO EXCITED FOR JOSH!!!! Sis. Roggia will be here in Liberia on Thursday, so I'm sure she'll tell me in person if she gets the email from you guys with the news on Joshua's mission call. :-)
Thanks for the package. I'm going to make a request: Don't send any more. I don't really need them. The love reaches me just fine through email. Now that I'll have everything that I could need, you don't need to spend any more money on me. At least, til I get back. ;-) That's what you could do, you could save it to lavish on your precious baby when he gets home! ;-) Ha ha ha, kidding, kidding. But really, you don't need to send anything else again. I think I'll be good for the next 9 months (yeah, 9 months. Crazy, right??? It goes so fast!!!). The same with Western Union. I don't think I'll need any more money until I'm a few weeks from going home, then I might need some to get me safely back. Deal?
So STAR WARS EPISODE ONE IS NOW IN 3D??? Oh man, I'm going to cry if I can't see that. Episode 1 has always had a uniquely special place in my heart. Man... I'm in awe... Yeah, I figured that 3D TVs would be available by now... Man, I want to see that so bad... Anyhow, I'll be blessed for my sacrifice.
I'm sure I'll have a lot more to talk about next week... And Josh will have his call!! Woo hoo!! I can't wait to hear about that. :-)
Love,
Elder Vaughan
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