Whitewash

Little things count. The Savior said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me". This week we were talking to a man from the Philippines that attends one of our groups at the health center. He showed us his bare feet, bemoaning the loss of his only pair of shoes the day before which had fallen apart. So Elder Mundell went home and gave him a pair of his slippers. When we saw him later that week, we noticed he was wearing the slippers and feeling much better. It was the least we could do for him!

It's a challenge for young missionaries to be assigned to an area where both of them are new and don't know anyone. They have to start from scratch getting acquainted with ward leadership and those who are investigating the church. Normally one elder or sister remains in the area when the other is transferred away, but when both leave it's called "whitewashing". That was the situation we were faced with this past week. What made it doubly hard was the requirement to whitewash two wards, not just one. Our job as senior missionaries is to help make this transition as smooth as possible for them. We sat down with our new elders and discussed in detail the three men we're aware of who are very close to being baptized. We asked to help with their lessons so they can feel comfortable with familiar faces. We usually don't get too involved with teaching most of the time, but this was a unique situation where we were needed to help the missionaries and their friends. We enjoy every chance we get to share our testimonies.

One such opportunity came on Monday. We stopped at McDonald's to get something to eat, and Elder Mundell talked with a man we've seen several times at the Kupuna breakfasts we volunteer at. His name is Jim, and he had a lot of good questions about the church that Dan was able to discuss with him. They talked for over 30 minutes, and he promised to get together soon to learn more about our beliefs.

Chloe Cheney and her son Levi are visiting us from American Fork Utah

The very next day Elder Mundell had another opportunity to share his testimony. We were busy all morning with the arrival of one of our children at the airport, and he didn't check his phone for text messages. While Chloe and her baby were settling into our apartment for their visit, Dan felt it was important for at least one of us to attend the Come Follow Me lesson as a show of support, so he went. Little did he realize it at the time, but he was expected to lead the discussion that evening because the teacher was sick. He hadn't even read the lesson or any of the chapters in the Book of Mormon! But God blessed him with another of His tender mercies, and he was able to give an inspiring lesson about Captain Moroni and how the "war chapters" in Alma apply to us today. It's moments like this that are some of the most memorable parts of our mission! 


We are thrilled to have our little 9 month old grandson Levi and his mother with us this week. It's the first time we've had any of our grandchildren visit us, and it's so much fun to see him explore everything around the house at that inquisitive age! Chloe lived on the Windward shore of Oahu for four months a few years ago, so she's catching with some old memories and seeing some familiar places during her visit. She attended the PCC for the first time and really enjoyed all of it. Dan's son Korey will also be here this week for an Air Force conference, so this evening we've invited him over for a big family dinner. What a joy it is to serve in a place where everyone wants to visit you! 

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