Kia Ora from Kiwi Land!
Things are going alright here. I should say that except for our investigators not progressing much everything is fine. Its really frustrating when everything is set up to start moving forward for basically everybody, and then nothing happens. Polly was going to come to church, finally, but then her baby woke up with a fever so she stayed home. Wayne came for sacrament meeting, which was good, but then he disappeared afterwards. Brad came, and to my surprise he's progressing more than I thought he would. Saturday we had a lesson with Wayne and he said that after Sunday he would be out of dope, and he wouldn't buy any more of it. So we went by after church and tried to give him some encouragement. We did the best we could but he said that he's getting stressed more and more, no doubt from their restless and rebellious 4 yr old son. He's not a good kid most of the time. Sometimes he runs through the church, when he's frustrated with his parents, growling and yelling the 'f' word so everybody can here it. We're doing the best we can to show them how the gospel can help, but Wayne isn't progressing much. Its even harder because Daniella, his wife, is a member coming back and has already given up drinking and dope for 2 weeks now. But we're going to keep working with him.
Transfers are this week, and I'm pretty sure that I'm going to be transferred out. Which is actually frustrating because I really want to see Wayne, Polly, and Brad get baptized. They are all so close. Everything else is going fine. The rain is getting more frequent, which is fine unless I'm on the bike, I'm healthy, happy, and still working hard. Every day that goes by, and every conversation with those of other faiths that wont accept the fullness of the gospel strengthens my testimony that this is the true church of Jesus Christ. We have too many pieces that no other church has. And there are so many witnesses that I see every day. I'm so glad to hear everybody back home is still active in the church. Every time I hear of part of a missionaries family is less-active, it makes me so greatful to have the family I have. Mum and Dad, thanks for raising the family the way you did, I really appreciate what you've done for me and our family.
I'll keep you updated on when (if), and where I get transferred to. I appreciate all your prayers, letters, and emails, and everything that you do to help support me as a missionary!
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
Save the date: 9-9-9:00
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
April 11, 2011
Kia Ora!
This week gone has been really good. First off I finally got to see conference. Wasn't it amazing? I think it was probably my favorite conference of all time. I loved most of the talks, and the rest were good. I don't know which talk was my favourite. We got to watch it here in Te Kuiti rather than having to drive to Hamilton (1 1/2hrs away) to see it. The only problem was a skip that would happen a couple of times every 5 min, so I missed a few words here and there, but it was livable. As you probably know, missionary work is hard work, and I'm happy to say I only fell asleep twice, and luckily not for long haha.
Thursday was a bit of a stressful day. We had a trade off with the zone leaders, except we all stayed here. Normally I'd love that, but we don't have too much work here. And the zone leaders made it feel like that was our fault. They didn't say it flat out, but I sure felt it. So we tracted most of the day, and still not much potential. So we're looking to go to Otorohanga more often to sus out how that area is. But one fun thing happened on trade off's. I got certified to drive the cars! I'm used to being on the left side, but driving on the right side of the road is super weird. Now I just need to get my license. They say that its about $100 or something like that to get a Kiwi license, but the church will reimburse if I send the receipt into the office. I'm going to talk to somebody and ask exactly how much so I can let you know.
Not too much progress with our investigators. Wayne was home sick with is boy, and Polly was down to Taupo catering for some event. But Brad came almost out of nowhere and loved conference. He said that it felt like some of the speakers were speaking directly to him.
Love you all, and until next week
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
This week gone has been really good. First off I finally got to see conference. Wasn't it amazing? I think it was probably my favorite conference of all time. I loved most of the talks, and the rest were good. I don't know which talk was my favourite. We got to watch it here in Te Kuiti rather than having to drive to Hamilton (1 1/2hrs away) to see it. The only problem was a skip that would happen a couple of times every 5 min, so I missed a few words here and there, but it was livable. As you probably know, missionary work is hard work, and I'm happy to say I only fell asleep twice, and luckily not for long haha.
Thursday was a bit of a stressful day. We had a trade off with the zone leaders, except we all stayed here. Normally I'd love that, but we don't have too much work here. And the zone leaders made it feel like that was our fault. They didn't say it flat out, but I sure felt it. So we tracted most of the day, and still not much potential. So we're looking to go to Otorohanga more often to sus out how that area is. But one fun thing happened on trade off's. I got certified to drive the cars! I'm used to being on the left side, but driving on the right side of the road is super weird. Now I just need to get my license. They say that its about $100 or something like that to get a Kiwi license, but the church will reimburse if I send the receipt into the office. I'm going to talk to somebody and ask exactly how much so I can let you know.
Not too much progress with our investigators. Wayne was home sick with is boy, and Polly was down to Taupo catering for some event. But Brad came almost out of nowhere and loved conference. He said that it felt like some of the speakers were speaking directly to him.
Love you all, and until next week
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
Monday, April 4, 2011
April 4, 2011
Kia Ora!!
Its been a quiet week in Kiwi-land. Not too much going on. Well, except for the Great New Zealand Muster here in Te Kuiti. In compare to back home, it was about the size of the county fair in Logan, maybe a little smaller. They had one youth ride, and two kiddie rides. Then down the main street they had the road blocked off and stands all up and down the road. Mostly food and souveniers. It started at about 10 in the morning and ended at 2pm. They had people guess how many sheep were going to run down the main street, and two people got it right and they had to split the money. But they ran the sheep down the road at 1pm. It was pretty anti-climatic, they had everybody keep still and be quiet while the sheep ran so that they wouldn't startle and trample people like last year. They "barrier" that separated us and the sheep was basically like an elongated rubbish bag. It was fun though. I'm just gutted that I forgot my camera back at the flat. So sorry, but if you want to see pictures you're going to have to go online and look for the Muster in Te Kuiti.
Other than that not much has happened. Just a trade off with the elder's in Te Awamutu. Since they're in a threesome two of them came down here. Its really weird to work in 3. Did Jake ever do that? And because its April, we have to wear our suit coats after 5pm, so that kind of annoying, because it doesn't cool off until probably 7. And daylight savings was Saturday night. So we're a bit late on that down here. With general conferene we are delayed a week. So I haven't seen it yet. They record it and send it on DVD's. And whats cool is that we're getting a copy to the Te Kuiti Branch, so we don't have to travel to Hamilton.
Not much else coming this week. Thanks for all your support and prayers in my behalf. I need all the help I can get.
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
Its been a quiet week in Kiwi-land. Not too much going on. Well, except for the Great New Zealand Muster here in Te Kuiti. In compare to back home, it was about the size of the county fair in Logan, maybe a little smaller. They had one youth ride, and two kiddie rides. Then down the main street they had the road blocked off and stands all up and down the road. Mostly food and souveniers. It started at about 10 in the morning and ended at 2pm. They had people guess how many sheep were going to run down the main street, and two people got it right and they had to split the money. But they ran the sheep down the road at 1pm. It was pretty anti-climatic, they had everybody keep still and be quiet while the sheep ran so that they wouldn't startle and trample people like last year. They "barrier" that separated us and the sheep was basically like an elongated rubbish bag. It was fun though. I'm just gutted that I forgot my camera back at the flat. So sorry, but if you want to see pictures you're going to have to go online and look for the Muster in Te Kuiti.
Other than that not much has happened. Just a trade off with the elder's in Te Awamutu. Since they're in a threesome two of them came down here. Its really weird to work in 3. Did Jake ever do that? And because its April, we have to wear our suit coats after 5pm, so that kind of annoying, because it doesn't cool off until probably 7. And daylight savings was Saturday night. So we're a bit late on that down here. With general conferene we are delayed a week. So I haven't seen it yet. They record it and send it on DVD's. And whats cool is that we're getting a copy to the Te Kuiti Branch, so we don't have to travel to Hamilton.
Not much else coming this week. Thanks for all your support and prayers in my behalf. I need all the help I can get.
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
Monday, March 28, 2011
March 28, 2011
Kia Ora!
This past week was good, although not too much has happened. We still don't have enough k's to go work anywhere except for Otorohanga on Wednesdays after district meeting in Hamilton. District meetings are always good because they're at the Temple Visitors' Centre (kiwi spelling). So I get to see the temple every week. I just wish I could go inside again. Its just that they close the temple on Mondays except for a select few. So hopefully I'm still here for one of those Mondays (I think its once a quarter). Our new District Leader, Elder Kimball, is a crack up, we're always laughing and having a good time through district meetings. My first two transfers here they were pretty boring. So things are going good here.
Its been raining for the past couple of days. Off and on, off, then on again, and sometimes we get super light rain, like a mist. Its really cool, wish you guys could experience it. Super glad we've had the car for the past couple of days. I still need to get some parts for my bike before I can start riding it again, so we can work in our other areas. Its just hard with limited k's, and there's no bike shop around Te Kuiti. So no updates on costs yet.
Yesterday Te Aroha got confirmed in Sacrament meeting. It was really neat, but not without some stress. Last Sunday was stake conference, so we didn't confirm her last week, so we thought we'd just stay in contact throughout the week. We went by every day, and couldn't contact her. Then about mid-week we hear that she's been staying at a friends house. So from a missionaries perspective we think that there's been problems and we start to worry. We finally saw her at a youth activity on Saturday at the chapel. Found out, no problems, just having good fun. So that was a big relief, and it all worked out. Just goes to show that when you do all you can do God will take care of the work.
Sadly Polly didn't come to church, and don't know where she was. So her baptism will have to wait till the 23rd so she can come to church 3 times. But with God's help and her desire, she'll come and want to be baptized.
I'm happy, healthy and working hard. Love you all, and mother's day is coming up in a couple of months, that means a call home! Looking forward to it. What day is it on?
One more question for Mum or Dad. How big is Fruitland Acres ward? (active average)
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
This past week was good, although not too much has happened. We still don't have enough k's to go work anywhere except for Otorohanga on Wednesdays after district meeting in Hamilton. District meetings are always good because they're at the Temple Visitors' Centre (kiwi spelling). So I get to see the temple every week. I just wish I could go inside again. Its just that they close the temple on Mondays except for a select few. So hopefully I'm still here for one of those Mondays (I think its once a quarter). Our new District Leader, Elder Kimball, is a crack up, we're always laughing and having a good time through district meetings. My first two transfers here they were pretty boring. So things are going good here.
Its been raining for the past couple of days. Off and on, off, then on again, and sometimes we get super light rain, like a mist. Its really cool, wish you guys could experience it. Super glad we've had the car for the past couple of days. I still need to get some parts for my bike before I can start riding it again, so we can work in our other areas. Its just hard with limited k's, and there's no bike shop around Te Kuiti. So no updates on costs yet.
Yesterday Te Aroha got confirmed in Sacrament meeting. It was really neat, but not without some stress. Last Sunday was stake conference, so we didn't confirm her last week, so we thought we'd just stay in contact throughout the week. We went by every day, and couldn't contact her. Then about mid-week we hear that she's been staying at a friends house. So from a missionaries perspective we think that there's been problems and we start to worry. We finally saw her at a youth activity on Saturday at the chapel. Found out, no problems, just having good fun. So that was a big relief, and it all worked out. Just goes to show that when you do all you can do God will take care of the work.
Sadly Polly didn't come to church, and don't know where she was. So her baptism will have to wait till the 23rd so she can come to church 3 times. But with God's help and her desire, she'll come and want to be baptized.
I'm happy, healthy and working hard. Love you all, and mother's day is coming up in a couple of months, that means a call home! Looking forward to it. What day is it on?
One more question for Mum or Dad. How big is Fruitland Acres ward? (active average)
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
Monday, March 21, 2011
March 21, 2011
Kia Ora!
This week was a pretty good week. We had Te Aroha's baptism on Saturday (she'll be confirmed on sun. the 27th). Then Sunday we had Stake Conference up in Hamilton. I got to personally meet Elder Nielson or Nelson, of the 70. Pretty neat. During conference they talked all about life changing moments, and changing/being more converted inside. Then we had a surprise Zone specialized training with President Porter after stake conf. It was really amazing. Talked about how faith is a principle of action and power. When we do our part (the action), God will bless us (power) with divine intervention that we ourselves have no control over. Then we read over some bits in the Bible Dictionary in Grace. It talkes about recieving strength and God's help "after all we can do."
I got my bike back as well. It is missing the front brake system, and front gear shifter system. And they took my helmet too. So I'll need to buy those some time. We just don't have a bike shop here, so I can't tell you the prices that it would cost. Not much else happening this week or to look forward to. We have 2 people set for baptism in April. Polly on the 16th, and Wayne on the 23rd. So we'll be working with them mostly.
Love you all, and don't do anything that I wouldn't do if I were home. Enjoy the snow while you still have it.
Arohanui!
Sincerely,Elder Sorensen
Monday, March 14, 2011
March 14, 2011
Kia Ora Whanau!
Its been a quiet week here in Te Kuiti, Kiwi-land. The results of transfers are in. I stayed, Elder Luckhardt moved to Tauranga. My new companion is Elder Cannon from St. George. He's been on the mission only one transfer longer than me. He's Senior and the driver, but so far I've been doing everything but the driving. He's a lot like me, quiet unless he needs to talk. So in order to keep the lessons moving with the investigators I've had to start leading the lessons. I didn't know how stressful it was to be senior companion (unofficially).
But things are moving along here. Te Aroha is going to be baptized this Saturday, but because of Stake Conference, she'll be confirmed the following week. She's super excited and ready for baptism. She's also got some friends that are looking into it a bit. Hopefully we'll be able to start teaching them soon. Other than that there's not work here. I've knocked on literally every door. So we're hoping to go to Otorohanga as much as possible. We just have to plan out how many K's we're going to use for District Meeting and other trips.
We're heading into Fall here. The temperature drops to about 50*s at night. And so the rivers are making some pretty mean fog. I took some pictures on the way to Te Awamutu for transfers. They're pretty good. And last week for P-day we climed to the top of Brooke Park. And so I had to take the Kevin picture. Got a pretty good picture of all of Te Kuiti. Not much else is going on here. Well, the tsunami hit Auckland at about 40 cm high. Basically nothing. But I heard Cali got hit by it, and Hawaii, and of course Japan. Pretty scary stuff, especially right after the Christchurch earthquake. They say that Christchurch is having about 5 aftershocks every day. Some getting up to 4.0 on the scale. But no need to worry about me, I'm safe and in-land in basically the middle of NZ.
Random fact. When New Zealander's say the alphabet, they don't say 'z'. They say 'zed'.
Love you all, and I'll stay in touch. Thanks for the love and prayers.
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
Its been a quiet week here in Te Kuiti, Kiwi-land. The results of transfers are in. I stayed, Elder Luckhardt moved to Tauranga. My new companion is Elder Cannon from St. George. He's been on the mission only one transfer longer than me. He's Senior and the driver, but so far I've been doing everything but the driving. He's a lot like me, quiet unless he needs to talk. So in order to keep the lessons moving with the investigators I've had to start leading the lessons. I didn't know how stressful it was to be senior companion (unofficially).
But things are moving along here. Te Aroha is going to be baptized this Saturday, but because of Stake Conference, she'll be confirmed the following week. She's super excited and ready for baptism. She's also got some friends that are looking into it a bit. Hopefully we'll be able to start teaching them soon. Other than that there's not work here. I've knocked on literally every door. So we're hoping to go to Otorohanga as much as possible. We just have to plan out how many K's we're going to use for District Meeting and other trips.
We're heading into Fall here. The temperature drops to about 50*s at night. And so the rivers are making some pretty mean fog. I took some pictures on the way to Te Awamutu for transfers. They're pretty good. And last week for P-day we climed to the top of Brooke Park. And so I had to take the Kevin picture. Got a pretty good picture of all of Te Kuiti. Not much else is going on here. Well, the tsunami hit Auckland at about 40 cm high. Basically nothing. But I heard Cali got hit by it, and Hawaii, and of course Japan. Pretty scary stuff, especially right after the Christchurch earthquake. They say that Christchurch is having about 5 aftershocks every day. Some getting up to 4.0 on the scale. But no need to worry about me, I'm safe and in-land in basically the middle of NZ.
Random fact. When New Zealander's say the alphabet, they don't say 'z'. They say 'zed'.
Love you all, and I'll stay in touch. Thanks for the love and prayers.
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
Monday, March 7, 2011
March 7, 2011
Kia Ora Whanau!
This last week has been pretty enjoyable. The rain has been back to cool everything off. I guess winter is on its way. In fact, this morning was 50*F and 65% humidity. Really cold with the humidity and when you're used to pretty good heat. Everybody says its about time for the winter rain. On Saturday one of our investigators finally got married. It was nice and small. Filled up the small chapel, and the reception was pretty good too. Not too fancy, but it served its purpose, and they're happy. His name is Wayne, and she's a member, Daniella. All went pretty smooth, and now we're working on Wayne getting baptized. Going to be a very slow process, especially since he is on weed, said about 3 sessions a day. Wow. I don't know how people can afford to smoke, drink, drugs, and still provide the necessities for their family. We are truly blessed following the word of wisdom, and the rest of the gospel.
This Thursday is transfers, and our predictions is that Elder Luckhardt, and Elder Mayer (my DL) will both be shifted. And Elder Luckhardt thinks that this will be my 6 month area. He says most missionaries have a 6 month area in the country. I've learned heaps, but it was difficult learning. Learning from experience is hard a lot of the time. But everything is all goods. No major fights or disagreements with any companions...yet? Hopefully I'm pretty easy to get a long with. I'll let you know what results come from transfers next Monday. We don't have any major plans for this week other than transfers, and no baptisms till the 19th. But Tiaroha is pretty excited about it. She's gone through true conversion, and is ready and looking forward to baptism.
Oh yeah, we had Zone Conference last week. It was pretty good. Elder Callister, President of the Pacific area, and member of the 70, came and spoke. The whole conference was on the atonement. What it means to us, what it can mean to an investigator, and how to teach it simply and powerfully. Really spirit filled. And my companion and I won the tim tam award for cleanest car.
Right end
I've picked up a few things in Maori. If you want to say hi, its Kia Ora (kyora). How are you is Kete pehe a kue (kay-tay pay-hey ah kwey). I'm good is Kete Pae (kay-tay Pie). Family is Whanau (fah no). Work is Mahi (mah hee). I'm trying to pick up some Samoan too. Its pretty fun to learn lots of little phrases in different languages. It really helps people open up when you talk to them in their native language.
Love you all, and I really appreciate your prayers in mine, and other missionaries behalves. Appreciate all you do for me.
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
This last week has been pretty enjoyable. The rain has been back to cool everything off. I guess winter is on its way. In fact, this morning was 50*F and 65% humidity. Really cold with the humidity and when you're used to pretty good heat. Everybody says its about time for the winter rain. On Saturday one of our investigators finally got married. It was nice and small. Filled up the small chapel, and the reception was pretty good too. Not too fancy, but it served its purpose, and they're happy. His name is Wayne, and she's a member, Daniella. All went pretty smooth, and now we're working on Wayne getting baptized. Going to be a very slow process, especially since he is on weed, said about 3 sessions a day. Wow. I don't know how people can afford to smoke, drink, drugs, and still provide the necessities for their family. We are truly blessed following the word of wisdom, and the rest of the gospel.
This Thursday is transfers, and our predictions is that Elder Luckhardt, and Elder Mayer (my DL) will both be shifted. And Elder Luckhardt thinks that this will be my 6 month area. He says most missionaries have a 6 month area in the country. I've learned heaps, but it was difficult learning. Learning from experience is hard a lot of the time. But everything is all goods. No major fights or disagreements with any companions...yet? Hopefully I'm pretty easy to get a long with. I'll let you know what results come from transfers next Monday. We don't have any major plans for this week other than transfers, and no baptisms till the 19th. But Tiaroha is pretty excited about it. She's gone through true conversion, and is ready and looking forward to baptism.
Oh yeah, we had Zone Conference last week. It was pretty good. Elder Callister, President of the Pacific area, and member of the 70, came and spoke. The whole conference was on the atonement. What it means to us, what it can mean to an investigator, and how to teach it simply and powerfully. Really spirit filled. And my companion and I won the tim tam award for cleanest car.
I've picked up a few things in Maori. If you want to say hi, its Kia Ora (kyora). How are you is Kete pehe a kue (kay-tay pay-hey ah kwey). I'm good is Kete Pae (kay-tay Pie). Family is Whanau (fah no). Work is Mahi (mah hee). I'm trying to pick up some Samoan too. Its pretty fun to learn lots of little phrases in different languages. It really helps people open up when you talk to them in their native language.
Love you all, and I really appreciate your prayers in mine, and other missionaries behalves. Appreciate all you do for me.
Arohanui!
Sincerely,
Elder Sorensen
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