Still here!

HAHAHAHAHA - I'm still here!

My zone wore black to mourn those who left for their missions
and because we're still here LOL!

The travel office keeps telling us so many different things. I've learned to not trust them. Their latest word (we checked in with them this morning): "We don't know anything". And then about an hour later, some of the Elders checked again. They said the "blackout days" (The period where they don't really do much about missionary business stuff) starts on the 19th, and they probably won't have enough time from here until then to reassign us. There's a really high chance we're in here until January. But it's great. I love it here. I'm just anxious to get to Taiwan.

It was a good week this week. Just another week I guess. Our district went down from eight elders to four because The other four went to Canada, Australia, and Indiana. So our classes are a little more directed to our individual needs. I like it a lot better, and I learn a lot more. My teachers are so awesome. Every day this past week, we've had to teach two or three workshops a day to the newer missionaries. Lessons like weekly planning, language study skills, how to begin teaching, different things like that.

My Chinese is still gradually improving bit by bit. It's so hard, but I really enjoy learning Mandarin. One of the biggest things I struggle with is the fact that I didn't get called to serve in Samoa. There are tons of missionaries here that are going there....a bunch of palagi kids. Ikaika emails me every week from there. I got an email today from Kaylee that said a girl from Lehi just got called to Samoa? I get so bitter about it sometimes. But then I try to remind myself that this is the Lord's will for me. I know it is such a blessing for me to be called to Taiwan speaking the Mandarin Chinese language. I know Heavenly Father has some special souls waiting for me in Taiwan. As much as I sound like I'm super sad that I'm not going to Samoa, I'm actually beyond excited to finally get to Taiwan. My teachers tell us different things about Taiwan every day and It gets me so pumped to get out there. I really cannot wait. Who know's? Maybe I'll get there one day LOL!

Another fun day at the temple

Thank you so much for the pani popo. Those get destroyed as soon as I open the box because everybody loves them. I can't think of anything else I might need, but if I do, I'll let you know. I'm excited for you guys and your upcoming rugby season. It sounds like it's gonna be a blast.

Tuesday night devotional was so good. I don't even remember the name of the man who spoke. What made it amazing is a girl named Lexi Walker sang. I think she is like 12-years-old, but she has one of the best voices I've ever heard. She sang three songs: I am a Child of God, Holy Night, and I Know that My Redeemer Lives. So incredibly awesome. It was a great spiritual experience.

The temple was great this morning. Every week, Elder Liston and I do a session. This morning we decided to switch it up. We did sealings and initiatories. First time I've ever done sealings. What an amazing experience. I was a witness for the first half, then a child for the second. It made me so excited to go into the temple soon (don't worry mom and dad, I'm talking 2 years or so at the least:) ) with my eternal companion. Super cheesy, but hey, it was such a great experience. Kind of helped me realize what my investigators should be looking forward to.

Nothing else too new.

More good times on temple grounds

Glad to hear the boys are doing good! I miss them so much. Has Mica gone on a date yet!? Tell that boy to get on a date! How are his friends? Can you ask him to ask Brother Butler if he ever got my letter? Have they enjoyed reffing? It's so weird to think little Kenyon is old enough to have a job. Pretty soon he'll be in high school. That's kinda crazy. And Quinners. I miss that guy. I miss a different brother so much each day. One day its Mica, then it's Quinn, then it's Kenny, then King. and it's just a cycle that'll never stop haha. I can't wait until we're all together again!

I miss you all so much. Mom and Dad, I'm not saying we're the best children on earth or anything, but I know I am the way I am today because of what you taught me. The way you raised me. The Lord sent us five boys to you two because he knew we needed special parents. What a blessing it has been to know that I'll have all of eternity to spend with the greatest people ever. Our family is an Eternal one. I am grateful for the plan Heavenly Father has made for us. I'm grateful for the atoning sacrifice Christ made for us that this could be possible. I know that my Redeemer lives.

I hope this Christmas season treats you at home well. Enjoy it for me and I'll do the best I can for you. You guys are the best. I love and miss you dearly.

Elder C. Matua