Sweetness

Ever since we arrived on Oahu for our mission, the one constant in our service has been ... cookies! Sister Mundell loves to bake cookies, loves to share her favorite cookie recipes, loves to find ways to incorporate cookies into our volunteer service activities, loves how a plate of cookies can open doors and soften hearts to our gospel message of Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice for all of us.  Elder Mundell pretends to grumble sometimes about restocking the pantry with baking supplies every week, but it's all part of our calling and responsibility to serve others!

This week's cookie adventures continued, this time by inviting the Olomana ward sisters to create their own "Cookie in a Jar" - and even getting our seminary students involved in the same activity during our Friday class. Activities like this serve a dual purpose - they are a fun and interesting way to learn something new and different, and it builds unity, love and friendship between the participants. For some people social events are a better way for them to feel a connection and closeness to ward members than religious functions, so we make an extra effort to try to help them feel God's love and concern for them by giving them opportunities to have fun with their ward family. Our seminary kids just need to get up out of their chairs and have something hands-on and fun to do that they can take home and share with their families.

We had over 25 sisters join us for Cookie in a Jar for Olomana ward

Waimanalo RS sisters putting layers of ingredients into their cookie jars.

On Thursday evenings we serve at a faith-based rehab facility called One Hope Ministry. We try to incorporate fun faith-based games as a diversion for them. As we were leaving this week, one of the clients gave Sister Mundell a hug and told her how much he loves having us come each week, because for that one hour he doesn't feel like he's in rehab. We never know what kind of impact we may have as we reach out to others and strive to make a difference in our communities.

With Elder Latu (Texas) and Elder Eddington (Ohio) at zone conference

We also had a wonderful experience at zone conference this week in Waipahu. We are blessed to serve with hard working faithful young elders and sisters. We're particularly impressed with Elder Eddington and Elder Latu, who are assigned to our wards in Olomana and Waimanalo. Even though he's a brand new missionary, Elder Latu radiates a level of maturity and devotion that (sadly) we haven't seen in a while. The big difference is he's much older than other elders -- 26 years old -- and it shows! We enjoy every opportunity we have to serve, teach and assist these young men in their sacred calling, and fulfill their missionary purpose.


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