"If you want to know how much you are loved, wait until you leave...."

Dear Family,

Thanks for the letters. I enjoyed hearing about your escapades in Boston. I hope one day I'll go there.As for me, this probably was the hardest week of my mission. I was a little down because of lack of success. Appointments kept falling through so we ended up going to the garden with all of them instead. One day we went with Walter and cleaned an area for him to plant Kumala. As we roasted some wailoo yam on the fire we talked about the Gospel. We talked about the Priesthood and Divine Authority. The whole time he seemed to be in deep thought. We also followed my Dad (branch president) Mark, to his garden and we cleaned a large area for planting peanuts. This week we went to Leviamp and visited Warren and his wife. Warren is one of the pioneer members here in Malekula. He's in a situation currently where 3 of his brothers, all pastors for other churches are forcing him out of his area. They say he must leave the church and come back to the church that they are all in. He wouldn't do so so he had to move. Now him and his family live in a house way up in the bush by themselves. I was amazed by the strength of their testimony. I felt the spirit guide me to D+C 122. I explained the scenario they were facing at this time in church history and read the whole section to them. I felt so bad and really felt as Jesus did when he went to the sister of Lazarus, wben it says Jesus wept. I felt I understood. But most of all the news I have as of late is that I am transferring. Elder Haora and I are both leaving to go to a different branch here in Malekula called Louni. When I heard the news of the transfer I felt horrible. I hardly ate for 3 days. I went back and forth between acceptance and sorrow. I talked to President about it. Heavenly Father has revealed to President Brewer that they need us there apparently. I felt so bad for my family here, Mark and Margret and all their children. We literally were taken in by them. They would cook 3 times a day and call us to eat. They would wash our clothes. I really felt the same as with my own family. When they heard they were very sad. Mama Margret came back from the garden as i was lifting my weight. She came and sat close to me and talked about all the things she wanted us to do but won't happen. She talked about thier son, Brown (my bro) who will come next week (i told him to hurry up and come back from santo) She cried but I cried harder. If you want to know how much you're loved wait till you leave. Everyone in the area came to shake hands and see us off. Some were too sad to watch us leave and went to the garden in the early morning. We ate SO much as they all prepared us last meals and multiple houses. News spreads fast, I didn't tell anyone. Today as we left with all our things as I hugged friends as family I bawled. I love these people. I feel like us whiteys hide affection and aren't as warm. When they love you here it's very apparent. It's impossible not to love them here. Here we didn't have huge success numbers wise but I love them here. I thought of Alma 8:10. Now missionaries will no longer live here but the elders with the truck will come pass weekly. In the near future they should have elders when we have enough missionaries. For the time being, going to Louni with a little over a month to go. Thy will be done.

Elder Sears

"I have loved my mission so much..."

Dear Family,

Thanks for the worst update/letters ever haha. Please keep writing, I need updates from you guys to keep me going. I know you guys didn't get a letter from me too but it's because I typed one and just as it was time to send the internet here went off and only half of the letter was saved. I'll just give you a small update of what's going on with me here in Malekula.
Here all things are well. I really like my area. Tuluwe is a small branch of about 4 families and the average attendance is about 27. Leviamp is a unit under Tuluwe and is about an hour and fifteen minute walk from the branch. We live with the branch president, Mark Nori and his family. We have our small house in the middle of lots of other houses. Our house is in the middle of lots of coconut tree's. I fit in very well here. I've been here for about 3 months now. Missionaries before used to come here occasionally but never lived here. The first two were put here and I was the third missionary to serve here our of 4 now. I am the only one who hasn't gone to "DIVA" (scuba diving to shoot fish in the ocean). It seems like now everyone knows me here. Everyone is very kind. Volleyball has been a huge success. We got 2 big logs for the posts and hung the net there. Now every afternoon in front of the church is the social hot spot. Lot's of people come to play. At first it was mostly students from the school but now mostly adults. Play is competitive. I wish I was better at volleyball haha. I'm decent. There is a tournament coming up at the beginning of next month. We made a team with my companion and I with some of our buds. We will register and contribute to join the tourney. Should be fun.
Work here is still slowly progressing. I've been in other areas where tons of people are interested to hear the gospel. Here it seems as if no one is interested. To find someone to teach has been hard. No one has ever shown interest or inquired that we could teach them. It's all us contacting. We've gotten a small number of referrals but all from the branch president. I know some areas here in Vanuatu which are closed because of the lack of missionaries currently. Is it a waste for missionaries to be here struggling for one person to teach when others desperately want/need missionaries? Well, I do know I'm supposed to be here and it's Heavenly Fathers will. Why that is I'm not sure but I accept it. It's a tad disappointing. I'm used to being busy teaching all the time. Now we're struggling to teach a few lessons a week. Over half of our appointments fall through and they aren't there. I want to finish my mission working till the very end.
I only have a month and a half or so to go! Sad. I'm trying my best to be focused but it's hard when you have nothing to do all day and aren't busy. I am working as hard as I can under the circumstances. The other day we went to teach an investigator who had an appointment. He wasn't there so we went to a nearby family that we've befriended quite well. They invite me to everything and always want me to be around. I finally invited them to hear the Gospel but they said nothing and one father just said, next time, next time. No one will agree for us to come to their home to teach them. The major churches here are Presbyterian, catholic, s.d.a., and a.o.g. If only we had some support from the members. PS, have you contacted sister axcelline samuel in the MTC? please do so.
Currently in my studies I'm in the New Testament again. What a treasure it is. My companion and I have been assigned a training in Zone conference (Thought I would be off the hook since I'm no longer a zone leader haha). It's from page 26 in Preach My Gospel, "Why do people have trials and suffering?". We're supposed to get all involved separated into 4 groups to discuss and find answers from personal experience and the scriptures. Should be fun.
I have loved my mission so much. It has been a life saver literally. I have learned so much. Like it says in my patriarchal blessing, My mission will a big impact on the rest of my life and set a pattern for it. I've learned so much about Charity which is taught by everyone here. From being with these people and serving with many different companions I have learned about everything that Charity includes in Moroni 7 and 1 Corinthians 13. I feel like I'm not a very good missionary. I don't have great ideas and I wish I was more productive. But I do feel I really enjoy teaching the Gospel and trying my best. I have only small time remaining but I will not resort to what I've been seeing a lot here, "trunky" at the end of the mission. I want to end on a good note no matter how slow it is here.
Yesterday, we had FHE at a member families house. We read the Family:Proclamation (Famle: Wan Ofisol Toktok I Go Long Wol). After we talked about family. Here I've been noted by lots of missionaries to have a close family. One missionary, Elder Tupou from Tonga as he was going back home at the end of his mission, at the airport we hugged and he said "you are close with you family and I won't forget you because of that". Love you guys. Thanks for all that you do and all the patience you've had with me.


Elder Sears

Diligent study time....

NOTE: this is the letter i wrote last week. i finished it and the internet stopped working. this is 2/3 of the letter, the rest wasn't saved. sorry :/

Dear Family,

Thanks for the letters! Sounds like general conference was epic! so bummed i missed it. Hopefully i get to watch it next month when we go to zone conference in santo. general conference is so awesome. it's kind of funny, here in tuluwe i've read EVERYTHING. Every book or magazine of any kind i've finished. We have lots of time to study. An unchangeable part of the culture here is working in the garden. Every day from about 7 in the morning till 5 in the afternoon every village here is deserted. completely quiet. you can walk around all day and see one person if you're lucky. work is fine when you have an appointment, if not.... hmmm. sometimes we try our faith and walk around looking for peeps but we usually see no one. most teaching has to be done in the afternoon hours.
On my mission i've accuired a love of reading. if i'm not working i'm constantly reading talks, books, or the scriptures. Dilligent study has become a lifeline for me. I plan to use this to help me always be strong and to have the spirit with me no matter how busy i might get. i reccomend a GREAT talk by Dallin H. Oaks called 'Revelation'. it's from 1981 i think when he was a chief justice, not yet an apostle. You can find in in BYU speeches.
Ok, now i'll answer all inquiries i saw in your letters.
release date - they are aiming for june 4th. my travel/tickets haven't come through yet but should this week.
my slcc number - no idea! sorry.
slcc in august - i guess that's ok since we might be traveling a bit and i'll work and save money.
please contact: cynthia arnett 1(928) 2428296 and find out all details for byu hawaii, she's elder arnett's mom

Easter in Malekula

Dear Family,

Thanks for the letters! I am SO glad you met Sister Waiane! She’s the best huh? She’s shy but full of goodness isn’t she? PS You’ve got another one headed your way. Her name is Axcelline Samuel. She is from the branch I’m currently serving in. She left a few days ago and will be in Fiji a week. She’ll learn English at the Provo MTC and then head out to the Marshall Islands. PLEASE contact her and let me know. She is the cousin of my favorite companion, Elder Samuel and all of her family is here with me.

Ok, another business note. At the Mission Office here in Vila, they are preparing my return ticket. My release date they are aiming for is June 4^th. I found out you guys CAN pick me up here. What they’d do is give you guys a check for the amount of the ticket and I’d be with you guys. Although, I would still be a missionary and have to have a companion. They want me to get back to them. What should I tell them? Personally, I’d rather come home first and get going with work and school and find a chance to come back in a year or so.

As for me here in Malekula, it’s going pretty good. This past week was Easter Sunday and District Conference. I really enjoyed it. We jumped on the transport truck filled with all the members, which did a few trips. We all stayed together in a school classroom here in Lakatoro. Right next to it is the town’s football field and stands with a small meeting house for chiefs and politicians. We met in there. Instead of sleeping at the Elders house we opted to be with the members. I enjoyed lots of good chats, listening to Hymns on my ipod and cooking together. The classroom was filled with people all over the ground. I brought my “mat” (coconut leaf woven mat) which was enough for 4 of us.

I have to say it was probably my best Easter Sunday. We had great speakers. Some RM’s from here who served in New Zealand spoke. We also had nice musical numbers. President Brewer attended and was deeply touched by it all. All the talks were so good. As the talks were going I read 1 Corinthians 15:54-57. The main word and message that came out to me was “VICTORY”. I thought about all competitions. I thought about all sporting events and championships. Some have such fierce competition. But what are the stakes? Bragging rights? A ring? Honor? How about every person ever is depending on this moment. This was a competition against the adversary. He really thought he had won. Little did he know it would only be 3 days and during that time important work would be fulfilled among those who are dead. On the first day of the week, he made an unexpected “come from behind win”. His Victory affects every soul who will ever live. Christ is the best hero, athlete, or competitor of all. It’s almost unfathomable if you really think about someone who is plainly dead to get up again, not only living but perfected. I knew it already but the Spirit clearly testified that this event DID happen.

Afterwards, I got up and translated for President. I did it at Priesthood session the previous day. After I thought I’d let some RM’s who knew English do it. It didn’t go too well. People focused more on the translator and helping him than the message. President gave a 45 minute talk with me. I testify that the Gift of Tongues is real. He talked about every kind of doctrine and read the Doctrine and Covenants (which isn’t translated to bislama yet). With ease and clarity I spoke it all. As I translated I could tell the clear bislama translation I was giving not only could they understand but also made them be able to understand Presidents’ English as well. Afterwards some were almost in awe. President looked at me and said: “You have a gift”. I love this language. It has a very small vocabulary and makes you speak very simply. With it I’ve learned to teach the Gospel in a way that all can understand. It’s made me speak English really simply too haha. This week I also finished the Book of Mormon again. I think that’s 4 times now on the mission. I read the Pearl of Great Price for the first time. Wow. It truly is to be prized. Read about Heavenly Fathers conversation with Enoch. You learn how tender and loving he really is and how we are truly known to him. Moses 7:28- and on. I started reading the New Testament again. I love it and really enjoying it. As for the area, still trying our best. Hope to find some more this week and be brave to invite some new ones. Anyways that’s all I have to say. Love you guys.

 Elder Sears

Dear Family,

Thanks for the letters. Mom, I was sad to hear about Grandpa's passing. I really wish I could have been there for the funeral. I guess it's goodbye for now. Some day we'll all meet up with him again but the only thing different will be that he will look and act much younger as I'm sure you remember him. Be grateful for all that he did for you, look for the positives.
     As for me, I'm doing well here in Tuluwe, Malekula. I love being on the island. It's weird coming into town here. It's so loud and so many people, so much going on. If you guys saw this place, 'lakatoro', you would think it looks like one of those small places to stop off the highway at the gas station. I love being in the 'bush'. It's so peaceful. It's like your in another world. All there is is the people around you and greenery. I'll miss the peaceful feeling of being in places like this. The beauty makes me think of God a lot and the Creation. This morning after we crossed the second river in the transport truck I was thinking these things. To get to our area you have to cross 2 rivers. When it rains (this whole month) the rivers get really big and the road for trucks passes right through them. Sometimes you have to turn back or sometimes the drivers will 'chance it'. This morning crossing one of the rivers in white shirt and all I with others jumped out in the middle of the river to push the truck through where it was stuck. Water was up to the glass on the sides and covering the hood. The truck died 3 times before man power forced it through. The rivers and horrible roads have taken lots of trucks.
So my new companion is Elder Haora from the Solomon Islands. He's awesome. He was baptised in 2008 on the same day when President Monson was set apart. He comes from a small 'unit' with about 40 attending on sunday. It's funny to hear him talk. In Solomon they also use a 'pijin' form of english like bislama. It's very similar but some things are different. This last sunday we fasted for help in our area. Just from yesterday, monday, I can tell this week will be better. We bought a volleyball net in town. We cut some big logs and put them on the grass in front of the church with the net. Now every afternoon slowly more and more are coming. We had a good time yesterday playing with 3 teams. Here, a big thing is winning trust. You can't come up to a random person and talk about dispensations of the gospel and latter day prophets right off the bat. You have to joke around, smile, and chat a few times before you can get to an invitation. Here, you get REALLY good at having good casual chats. Also, I finished both Kolipoki books. They are epic. We held firesides in the branch and the unit and showed the other side of heaven and the restoration dvd. It went well. I feel confident that we can help this area. We have AWESOME members even if they are few including all of elder samuels immediate family. We just have to open our mouths and make friendships.
PS - a big yes to Carpinteria. That sounds great. Full family I assume? Yesterday was P day. We saw one of our buds/neighbors working outside. We helped him tear down his old small house for food storage to build a new kitchen. We started chatting and he asked some good questions about Right and Authority and our Spirits now and after we die. He's a former investigator. I ended up giving him a quad standard works that I brought intending to give to someone who needed it. We're also building the new church in Leviamp, the unit. On friday we walked down (1hr40min) and worked all day shoveling and leveling the ground. It was hard work but rewarding. The new location for the church is awesome, right on the road. Now we're meeting in someones small house. Also, every afternoon we're using the make-shift cement weight with the bench. Hopefully I'll have a decent 'beach bod' for when I get back haha. Also yesterday we bought a HUGE fish! 8 kilo's i think. It fed everyone in our small village with half of it. The other half we'll eat this afternoon. (lucky one dude has a ice box). Anyways, that's how I am. I'm still loving my mission and trying my best. It will be SO hard to leave this place. I've learned SO much from these people. Anyways, Love you all!


Elder Sears

Images of Malekula, March 5,2013

Yikes!

 

 

" We wield the bush knife...."

 

Banana Laplap Sorsor 

The members with President Brewer in front of the church...

The making of Laplap Sorsor

   Elder Sears & Elder Tula

Malekula- A beautiful place with lots of rivers and coconut plantations."

Dear Family,

Thanks for your letters. It took a whole minute to read them haha. Thanks for the quotes from the "Kolipoki" book, I look forward to reading it. Looks like I will no longer be alone in the basement with Sierra's and my bedroom downstairs. Let her know that she can enjoy using the bathroom until I get back when it become's my Personal Bathroom. She'll get used to seeing Dad and I watching baseball.
As for me, I'm really good. I'm having good experiences with my surroundings and my companion, Elder Tula. I'm also enjoying reading The Articles of Faith by James E. Talmage. Such a great book. Especially the chapters on the Book of Mormon about the Ancient inhabitants of America. I'm also about to finish the Book of Mormon in my own studying again. I plan on reading the New Testament again. I really love my area. It's such a beautiful place. Lots of rivers and Coconut plantations. This week we spent a lot of time in Leviamp, a unit organised in our area. They're good members but a little unorganised after their unit leader moved to Port Vila. Yesterday we had FHE combined with members from 3 familes. I think it was the first time in years or even the very first time missionaries did that with them. I gave the message about Example. We read Alma 23:6-7 + 24:21-27 about the people of Ammon. They were converted to such a point that they surrendered empty handed to death even calling the name of their Heavenly Father while dying. Their expample helped more be converted than were killed. Elder Tula did an activity that I'll have to show you when I get back. It's taking a paper and tearing it only once to make a cross. It takes the story of Nephi's family until he came and taught the Nephites.
Unfortunately, missionary work is still sluggish. Contacting and asking Referrals hasn't worked out yet. We have a fireside planned this coming sunday and the next at the branch and the unit. We'll watch the Restoration dvd and after kolipoki. All the members will be inviting thier friends and family. We've been trying first to strengthen the neglected members before we can bring anyone into the branch. We've been doing some service and are constantly looking for more. We wield the "Bush knife". It's kind of funny/annoying, everyone here calls me "Derel". That means white man in language of Northwest Malekula. Custom is pretty strong here. The area here is nicknamed "big nambas". It's the area notoriously known for being the center of cannibalism. Some from those generations are still living haha. In this area when a parents child is married, the parents  cannot communicate whatsoever with their childs spouse. If they want to, they pass it through a little kid. Sometimes it can be an obstacle. Elder Tula calls me "Tuwo". That means brother in his language of Paama.
Now, a funny one. The other day I was in the house reading. As I was reading I hear the sound of someone coming inside. I assumed it was Elder Tula. I had a weird feeling and glanced up and saw a huge cow in my house! You must understand our house is probably the size of a sports boat and it's lifted 2 feet above the ground and made of bamboo. He didn't just have 2 legs and his head in but his whole body all the way to the end of the house. I yelled and he ran outside the small opened door.
Also, on another note, last week on my birthday we celebrated it here with the family. We watched 17 miracles/Labor of love and they even made cake and sang "Happy birthday/Happy Long life". So that's pretty much all for now. I'm content with my area and companion but..... we need more investigators! I'm kind of amazed how in my now 1 month here we haven't been able to find one. We contact people and come when they say and they'll push it back forever. I hope it'll get better. Anyways, Love you all.


Elder Sears

"Focus on the Good Side, because it's progress..."

Family,

How are things? I hope you guys are enjoying cold weather haha. It seems so foreign to think about. I saw that picture of Elder Yunack doing a snow angel. It blew me away. The snow looked so soft. I enjoyed the letters. I'm excited to get those books. I hope they come fast. Now that I'm on Malekula we'll have to wait for someone from Vila to come here with it or at next conference. As far as planning for my return, I think it would be best to get busy as soon as possible. Sister Brewer, the mission presidents' wife gave that advice. I'd like to start working and schooling fast but that doesn't rule out fun or trips. I for sure want to spend lots of time with you guys. I'm looking forward to a baseball trip with dad. I really want to get going with my education. Probably SLCC because of expenses:). The mission has taught me to take things more seriously. Lots of teachings from the Doctrine and Covenants have made me really want to learn more and educate myself, especially about the body.

As for Elder Tula and I in Malekula things are dandy. This past week we went to Zone Conference. It was nice having to not plan or do anything but the invocation. I watched the others busy while I ate lots of laplap. All we eat in our area every day is banana and they make it into "laplap sorsor". Guess what we ate at zone conference? Laplap banana! At first I was disappointed but when I saw them open them up I was happy again. Pounds of chicken and fish in the middle. I didn't eat any laplap, I think I ate a few kilo's of meat myself. I piled up the bones. Zone Conference was a bit of a replay for me. The highlight was being with the Elders. We slept at the Zone Leaders house. All the Elders would come to the house and we'd chat. I really got to know some of them I didn't know before. Elder McNeil from New Zealand. Elder Dilling - Canada. Elder Thurber - US. and Elder Poita, Maukura and Tangarasi from Vanuatu. Most of all my bud Elder Arnett from Arizona. He's a crack up. He's an aspiring Broadway singer. He's schooling at BYU Hawaii. We had some good chats and he gave me some advice for when I went back. It's weird how close it is. I still have lots of work to do here though. We kept quoting the words from the Kolipoki book: "I kept the Faith". We discussed short term goals and long term for when we got back. He's really goal oriented. He's put goals on his mission and worked and achieved them. I have goals but most seem spiritual. I really want to not lose the spirit when I get back. I don't want to stay the same as I am or go back in spirituality. I want to always be in progression. It'll be hard during schooling. I have a big desire to be righteous. My best experience was talking with all the Elders. Each one had different experiences, traits, and strengths. They are all at stages that I remember being at. For some reason I came away with an appreciation and love for all of them. Dad, I thought of you talking about "The day that I loved everyone" on your mission. I would listen to them talk and I would see good things in them and their good hearts. I feel like a big thing I've learned is to look at the good side of people. President Brewer once told me "Focus on the good side, because it's progress". Everyone had weaknesses or negative things but look at the positives even if they're few. I've really learned not to be judgemental. Being Judgemental is very weak. That's whats helped Elder Tula and I to be such a success. We're great buds. We get along well . He's a great teacher. I feel the spirit when he speaks of the gospel. I just hope we get some more success to occupy our minds. I've been thinking a lot lately of the verse in Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ". I've been using that as my motivation as I talk to others here. I've developed a "who cares?" thinking. If they accept, great, if not, their choice. We're planning a fireside here. No one here has seen "The other side of heaven". I've seen watching it here with them  and 100% of the time it has a profound influence on them. Anyways that's all.


PS I got a small package with the shirt/wallet.



Elder Sears

Family,

Thanks for the letters. Sounds like you guys are well and happy. I always enjoy hearing about you guys. Sierra, you're epic. Keep preparing for your patriarchal blessing, it will help you so much. Thank you so much for encouraging your friends. It is a part of the covenant we made at baptism, (Mosiah 18:8-10). It's weird picturing myself coming back. There are so many things I can't remember. It will be a big shock seeing failure things. This week wasn't great. On Monday we came down to town for P-day. I ate 2 plates at the House Market stalls. Monday night after family home evening I started getting sick. Tuesday I was very ill. I finally got cleaned out a bit and that afternoon we went and taught 2 lessons in the late aftternoon. Elder Tula got Malaria. He was sick friday through sunday. Yesterday after church he got extreme chills and was shaking badly. We found a transport and went to the hospital to get him checked up. All the other days we weren't sick we spent looking for people to teach. We're teaching one man named Walter and a young boy named Leslie. Here in our area it's different. Everyone gets up around 5 and heads to the garden where they stay all day till around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. They come back and eat and chat and sleep around 8 or 9. They days we weren't sick we spent walking around aimlessly trying to find anyone. The villages are so quiet like ghost towns. We're struggling to find people to teach. The branch and unit we look after are small with very few members, only a few families. We got a volleyball net and ball to put up by the church. They like to play in the afternoon. Hopefully we'll find some. This week we'll proselyte one day before going to Santo for zone conference. I spent most of my time this week reading. I'm reading the manual "church history in the fulness of times". It's such an epic book. I've learned so much about church history and awesome stories. I read a lot about the foundation of the state of Utah and building of Salt Lake City. It made me grateful to live in such a historic place. Brigham Young is a man. It made me miss the place. Anyways thats all from me. I love the area though. Mostly just being with the members. Family Nori is my temporary family here.

Elder Sears

Bas Metavarin! ( Good morning here in Northwest Malekula)

Dear Family,

Bas metavarin!. (good morning here in Northwest Malekula). It’s 9:14 and we’re here in Lakatoro town. This morning Elder Tula and I were sleeping when President Nori woke us up before  6 and told us he stopped a truck for us. We put some clothes on and jumped in the back of the truck with lots of others and the bananas. My area is awesome. We serve in Tulwe branch and we also look after a unit called Leviamp. It’s about a 90 minute walk. Missionaries are very needed here. Attendance this week was 19 at the branch and 18 at the unit. That’s everyone coming. The church is here only for these few faithful families. I hope we can bring some more in. When I came we had one investigator. Now we have a few but this week we’ll be finding some more. I fasted for that purpose. We live here with the branch president and his family. I love them. They are so fun. They remind me of family Saaki in Gaua. We live in a house entirely made of bamboo. We have a small pipe that runs to the river that we bathe in. We don’t own any cooking materials or stove. We eat with the family morning, lunch, and dinner. We buy food on P day and go put it in their kitchen. I told mama Margret that if it was too much of a burden we could get a stove and cook for ourselves. She explained she has 2 kids away at school so we’re simply taking their places. We’ve a part of the family. I call Mark or President, Papa and Margret, Mama. Elder Tula and I are doing great. We get along so well and joke around a lot. I’ve learned pretty well the traits and attitudes here. What’s mine is yours. If you like mine, you can have it. He’s a really good teacher and we’ve had some good chats. We’re just waiting for the Land Cruiser for Malekula to come. The others will use it but they’ll be putting my make-shift weight set inside of it for us 2. We’ll be doing some intense work outs. Elder Tula is huge. I feel totally safe with him haha. He looks like a warrior. I call him Captain Moroni sometimes. We’ve been eating lots of Laplap Sorsor (Malekula’s main food). They scratch either banana, taro, manyoak, or wael-yam into a pudding. Then they bake it with hot stones. In the middle they make a big hole and fill it with coconut milk for dipping the food in. I eat very well and am gaining weight. I eat entirely food from the garden. Anyways that a small update for you. Thanks for everything.

Love,

Elder Sears

Just landed in Malekula....

Hey family,

Hello from Malekula! So I just landed here and we went straight into "town" here in Lakatoro because it's P day. It feels good/different to be back on the island. I'm just excited to get to my house and area and unpack. It was hard saying goodbye to Erakor. I love the people there. That branch has such potential and will continue to become better. When they heard I was going I was surprised, I didn't serve there long but I made some really good friends. Alan and his family made me a "last kakae" or meal. They made a HUGE laplap sorsor in my honor (malekula dish). It's vegetables (taro) grated on a grater then baked on a stone with chicken meat in there. When it's done you pick up the hot stones with grabbers. Maxai and Tuman was a hard goodbye. We had one last lesson with them yesterday and as I shook hands with him he hugged me for a good while. This morning he called me as I got on the plane and told me that "God is with me". I also got to see Aline again this morning, my recent convert from Etas. She is epic. She's 21, and the institute teacher. She texted last night to ask if we could come teach her again. We taught her and went straight to the airport this morning. She is awesome, just needed some encouragement to be strong. She'll start filling up her forms in July once she has her 1 year membership. Anways that's all thats new. Not settled yet. Next week I'm sure I'll have more to say. Love you all. Pray for me and Elder Tula.



Elder Sears

Onward to Malekula

Hey family,

Didn't get a chance to e mail last time. So news...... I'm transferring! I was pretty shocked to hear. Like really shocked. I'll be going to the Tuluwe branch in Malekula island. The island gets it's name from when Captain Cook the explorer came and named it: "Pain in the a**" in french because of it's terrain and look. I'll be looking after 1 branch and 1 unit. It just got opened up to having it's own elders about 2 weeks ago. Before it was visited occasionally. My house will be like Gaua but more remote. Grass hut and a water pipe. The branch presidents family cooks for me until I get a stove. I'll be serving with Elder Tula from Etas branch. I know all his family. He got transferred from the Solomon Islands back to here.I'm being sent there to finish my mission .I get to be "Manbus" again. When I first heard, my first thought was Erakor. I love Erakor. Everything is going SO well. Such progress is being made. I had a day or 2 of being bummed and lots of thinking. I read 1 Nephi chapter 3 and it really identified with me. I will not murmur but I will do because I'm supposed to and I can because God said so. Pray for me and my Companion. I'm confident it'll be ok. My former and favorite companion, Elder Samuel is from this branch in malekula! It's his own small branch with his whole family and twin sister there. He was jumping up and down when he heard I was going. For the last few months already Elder Samuel's family had been making me some island baskets and mats to send to me when I left. I met his family once here in Vila, they are so awesome. Now it turns out I'll be going there myself. He's giving me the whole low down on everything. So off I go. Today was our Zone Leader Council. It was great as always and encouraged me. Today I spent my time preparing to go back into the bush. Bought a pocket knife, a light, and some other outdoor items. I'm excited to get back out there. President said I'm more well suited out in the bush with those people. So that's whats new with me. So this means I won't be doing any more withdrawls haha. Just one today for needed items before I go. Hoping I'll get my package before I'm out into the wild. Anyways love you all. Glad to report I CAN e mail there. Don't know too much about the island but it does have a place for it. That's it for now. Talk to you from the island.

eLdEr sEaRs

January 14, 2013

Family,

It was great reading your letters. I loved both of your letters, mom + dad. Dad, you're a stud. Good job sharing the Gospel whether it's recieved or not. We had a great lesson last week in Elders Quorum about sharing the Gospel. Mom, it's great to hear about all your good plans for when I get back. I'm excited to spend good time with you guys. I was glad also to hear about the bonus again. I know you're being blessed while I'm away. As for me I'm bittersweet. Until yesterday night I was GREAT. Erakor Branch is the best! We're being abundantly blessed with success and support. We've been trying hard to get to know ALL the members. It's quite the task. Here in Vila people kinda come and go from here and their islands. It's hard to keep track of people and their membership records when they move a lot. Lots of members are in Erakor branch records and lots aren't. Currently my mind keeps being brought back to a comment made a few months ago in Etas. We were at Andrick Vano's house, our Elders Quorum pres. He asked about missionary work in Etas. We told him we were facing a bit of a hard time finding people with little support. He listened and said he had similar experiences on his mission in Tahiti. He said what will happen is you'll struggle but you'll learn. He said you'll go to a different place and it will start to flow. People to teach will come out of nowhere and success will come with seemingly ease. That was true. Everyone we're working with (Mostly LA's) are doing great. We've been trying lots of things. From teaching their children, to casual visits and conversations, going to the garden with them for a day and just caring about them and giving a good example. We've seen 4 families come back since we've started. The last 2 sundays I've counted over a dozen we've worked with. The branch is doing so much better and is on the rise. Last sunday we did a Reactivation with the Elders Quorum with a small meal at the end at the 1st counselors house. At the end we met up with 18 of us! From the branch presidency to missionaries to young men to investigators even! We looked like a white shirted army. It was powerful. Last sunday I gave a talk about Heavenly Father. I read D+C 130:22 and tried to help everyone understand Him more. I went through and described all His  attributes in the topical guide. We also planned a YM activity with our bud Tony. He just got called to serve in Canada. It was "THE AMAZING RACE". It had 9 checkpoints. Everyone you had to figure out and find and take a picture there or a video. We sang the Nat'l anthem in front of the Parliment Building. We visited the Relief society president at her work and sang a song about "Island dresses". It was a blast. After we borrowed a projector from the district and watched the prince of egypt and "Kolipoki" (The other side of heaven, no one here knows that name or calls it that, just kolipoki). We also have some great investigators. We'll be having a baptism next week for Alan, the son on the recently activated counselor in the Elders quorum. All is great in Erakor. So thats the good in a nutshell. But..... yesterday I was brought down. While I was in Etas I had 3 converts: A, S, and R. The first is 50 something. S is 9 and R is 14. R stopped coming to church because she is pregnant. I felt so sick to my stomach and bad for her. I don't know how or why. Last week I read Alma 31:26-31 and pondered it. Now I know how he felt. I'll be doing exchanges in Etas soon and I will go see her. I don't know what I'll say but I'll try do encorage her as much as I can. Thats about it for now. Thanks for everything.

Love,

Elder Sears


PS PLEASE send John Groberg's book!

Long God Yumi Stanap

Sears Family,

Thanks for the letters. Things here have chilled out a little bit. Last week was crazy. We had Zone Conference on friday and all of Tanna was here. Our bus was well worked with all of them going all over Vila. It was the first ZC we had planned for. It was really good with some things to improve for next time. One part I really liked. President Basil, the district president here addressed us. He has served in the Church for so long. He's definitely a pioneer. He talked about missionary work here and gave us some right on advice. He's from Mere Lava in the Banks group (I've been to his village on my one trip there). He talked about the people here. He used Alma 32 about people in poverty who are compelled to be humble. He's lived here his whole life but he's been to other countries. He realizes his people don't have many of the worldly things or modern comforts that other places have. The people here in Vanuatu are so humble. They are so kind. He reminded us that because of custom and respect almost all will accept you into their homes to share. BUT it's about finding those who are ready to hear/change. Here has it's own challenges. He read a scripture about the Lamanites and how they were wild and ferocious people. He said they are not like that here. I can honestly say that EVERYONE here believes in God. Like the nations motto: "LONG GOD YUMI STANAP". "Vanuatu" means "Land Eternal". During his talk and others I felt so grateful to be here to teach but especially to learn from their great examples of love and kindness. I've tried hard to learn and adopt their attributes. On a funny note the other day we had a "Famle haos naet" at family Pierre's house. Their son, Jeremiah said I look like Captain America, or like the actor that plays him when he gets into the Captain American suit? (Don't know haven't seen it). I love having FHE here, they're always fun. We had one yesterday with Family Joseph in Erakor Village. It's a very large village with lots of people. They have a massive yellow church house called the presbyterian temple thats quite the sight. Joseph is the first Branch President of Erakor branch and his whole large family of grown children are all members. Sadly, his wife, Anna is the only one who had remained faithful since he was released. We went and had a really good activity and message. We chatted for a good while and heard about him joining the church. Oh, and by the way we met Joseph Smith. Joseph named one of his grandchildren Smith because his family name is Joseph making it on paper: Smith, Joseph but it's reversable. I've also started exercising a lot. I'm using a make-shift bench set. It's a long piece of iron with two cement round blocks on both sides. The bench is made of small timber. I've been lifting every morning and night. It's not super heavy so I just lift it a bunch until i get tired. It makes me more energised throughout the day and I've seen some results asthetically haha. As always I'm enjoying my Book of Mormon reading. I miss not being so busy. Ever since I've been here I haven't been able to study as much as before. I remember on Gaua there was lots of time for it. Everyone here goes to bed early so we end up at the house and I'd lay down and read Jesus the Christ and the BoM a lot. I'm trying my best to learn all that I can in my remaining time. I've been praying to have experiences to learn from. Also, our best bud/ member present got his mission call! His name is Tonny Lauoto. He has been called to serve in the Canada Montreal Mission, spanish speaking departing for the provo MTC on april 30. Elder Yunacks same mission? not sure. He's super excited and we'll be working with him a lot. As far as Sister Waiane, she is back here in Vanuatu. She got her visa but missed her MTC group. Her new mtc date is january 29 out of here. Anyways thats all i can think of right now. Thanks for everything including the prayers. Love you all.

Elder Sears.

 

Famle blong mi,

Thanks for the letters. I always appreciate them. Sounds like you guys had a fun Christmas with the family/and the Bacon's. I'm so excited to see all of them again. All the Sears/Donovan clan. My Christmas was pretty good. My favorite part was our Erakor branch activity. We went to Eton beach and had lots of food + fun. It had great attendance! 77 came to the activity 45 came to sacrament meeting the next day, haha. We're trying our best to help this branch. Right now missionaries in this mission have an interesting role. We are missionaries/branch strengtheners. We're spending lots of time with the members trying to encourage them and help them in their callings. One change we made was where the Elders quorum and Relief society were meeting. All the papa's were inside under the shelter and the mama's were outside where rain has come before and sun. In branch counsel our idea was put into place. The last 2 sundays we've switched. Also the start time was changed to a time more suitable for here. Last sunday I was happy to see some less actives we're working with come. We're preparing a child of record baptism for a boy named Alan. His family is half active. We've been going at least twice a week and teaching him with his whole family and the recent converts who live in that area. It's made a good impact on them and we're liked around there (Erakor Bridge area). This time of year can be hard for missionary work with Christmas + New Years today. People are busy and...... occupied. . I feel a little dormant. I MISS serving on the "island". Outside of town and other missionaries. I hope I'll get a last area after this one. Zone Conference is this week. We've been doing lots of planning for it. This will be a hectic week. I'm excited to see what President Brewers comments and vision is for us. I'm enjoying The Miracle of Forgiveness, such a good book. Anyways hopefully next time I'll have better stuff for you guys. Love you all.


Elder Sears