Man-scaping and Fire Chasing

Howdy y'all! yes i am still speaking in a Texan accent and its gotten to the point where Elder Orme is slightly annoyed by it, but i just can't stop. I've even began to write in a Texan accent. In fact, as I type this email out, I'm speaking a Texan accent so if anything sounds out of the ordinary, you know why. 

Robyn: I wish I knew more behind this pic...

Elder Orme quote from this week: "I just wanna be Shawn Mendes honestly". If that ain't a mood, idk what is. I love me some senorita and ruin: both great songs. 

Eating lots of fish (in our house, we say, "FEESH")

Soooo I don't really know anything about cars and don't care to, but I've realized BMW's are pretty sick. Its mainly just because their logo is BYU colors, but they've got some pretty cool cars too. So if either denski boots or brother McAllister wanna hook it up w a BMW in 18 months, I wouldn't mind. 

(Robyn inserts: Clearly, my son doesn't know the COST of these cars...he was always aghast at clothing prices at JC Penney as opposed to Ross, TJ Maxx or even his favorite, Desert Industries'. I think he'd dead faint if he knew how much BMWs cost) ;)

This ain't no BMW but it's got a strong 'theme' plate...

We are teaching a Filipino man named Joel who told us he is just below the pastor at his church so he was feelin pretty skeptical. he still agreed to have us over again luckily. hopefully our secret weapon (a Cebuano speaki'n missionary named Elder Jensen) will be able to come to the next appointment and say some things that will change this man's mind. 

On Saturdee, we walked some member's dogs and I was in heaven. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love dogs!! 

Also on Saturdee there was a massive fire up by our pad (apartment) and Elder Orme and I decided to track it down. After some reckless 20mph driving, we located the fire and got out to check it out. We didn't get close enough to see the flames, but we sure did get in the smoke. It was a smokey microclimate! Our clothes, masks, and car smelled like a campfire when you go camping-but probably 10 times stronger! 

So that explains the fire chasing part of my title of the email; now let me explain the man-scaping part of it.

Its exactly what it sounds like, land-scaping, but on your body. We decided to shave our legs. 

Part 1 of man-scaping began Sunday morning where we used hair clippers to shave our thighs & then part 2 of man-scaping was Sunday night where we shaved our lower legs. This is where all heck broke loose: I was peacefully shaving my legs when Elder Orme jumps in to help me and was doin' a mighty fine job I might add, until he cut me and I was bleeding like a mad man!! I nearly had a panic attack. but hey you know what they say...no pain, no gain. and now I'm rocking some freshly shaven hindquarters smoother than Michael Jackson's moonwalk. 

I now realize that was probably TMI (too much information) but oh well. I also realize this email sounds incredibly stupid now too because I wrote it in a Texan accent. and now I just feel like a completely embarrassed and ashamed gazelle. 

SPIRITUAL THOUGHT: Helaman 3:27-30

"The Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name. 

The gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.

Whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—

And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven."

These are some great scriptures! President Benson once said, "Certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures." and that is so true! 

As a mission, we were challenged to read 18 pages of the Book of Mormon a day in an effort to read the whole Book of Mormon in the month of September. I've really enjoyed this challenge! The Book of Mormon gives me so much joy. I love learning all that i can about it. If these verses don't make it clear enough, the Book of Mormon is awesome and I invite you to read it this week!!

~ ELDER BUCKWALTER

interesting sign we saw this week:

Sweet coastal hikes, fresh coconuts and yardwork

It all started last Monday night when in the car Elder Maniol, "the Filipino man" as we call him, very abruptly announces, "okay i need to fart" and then let out an absolute bomb. I'm not sure if I've ever laughed harder. 

Then Tuesday we had a member give us 6 fresh coconuts from their backyard. We husked them all that night and then drank the water that next morning and it was delicious! 

Also Tuesday was my first time driving on the mission! and what better way to drive for the first time on the mission than a 30 min drive to Honolulu and back! Talk about getting thrown into the fire, haha. So now I'm the designated driver for our companionship and I'm loving it!! The highest speed limit here is 40 and it's so awesome to be able to just cruise. I remember back home, sometimes I'd drive 10 miles under and that didn't go over so well-- haha. And even now my companion isn't the biggest fan of my slow driving. I drive like a nonchalant gecko for those of you that are needing further description. 

Wednesday we had a great lesson with our Athiest video gamer investigator named Randon. Try keeping track of a Bryan, Bronson, Brandon, Randon, and Branson! Because we sure struggle at it! 

Thursday we did our "companionship inventory" which is basically like marriage therapy, but for missionary companionships. In an effort to try to be more Christlike, I asked Elder Orme if there's anything I could work on. I specifically asked, "What lack I yet?"  He then quickly replied, "a 6 pack"...ouch! that one hurt. But don't worry we do ab exercises every night so the 6 pack will eventually make a return. Also on Thursdee we had a great lesson with our Filipino investigator named Joel. He was really intrigued by the restoration of the priesthood. Both him and us were extremely blessed with the gift of tongues because normally it's hard to communicate with him because of his limited English. 

Friday was Elder Reed's birthday! He's an Elder in our apartment. For his birthday we went and watched the sunset over the ocean. 

We also had many goodies. Also, on Friday, Elder Orme and I, in the span of just one hour, were chased and nearly killed by 3 dogs on 3 separate occasions. You know dogs are really cute until they are barking at you and sprinting at you like a bloodthirsty banshee. Good golly - that was quite the experience! and it didn't help that every time I tried to run away I was slowed down by my shoes falling off my feet. I'm just glad to be alive, honestly folks. 

In between all of this canine madness, or maybe earlier that morning we met an old man named Joe! We also had a great chat with Joe about our church, the restoration, the Book of Mormon, and that fun stuff. Joe was just really friendly and not to mention he had beautiful blue eyes. It's just not everyday you see an old man with beautiful blue eyes. Also, Friday night we had a zoom lesson with the area Seventy, who just so happens to live in our ward I believe. His name is Elder Voi R. Taeoalli.

Saturday we helped a new family in the ward clear some extremely thorny trees from their backyard. It was a good time. They are a great family with 5 kids and a dog named Polly. Polly is not the smartest. we're literally hacking at trees with hatchets, chainsaws, and the whole 9 yards and Polly decides to stick her head in the hole where we're working at. Haha, good old Polly. Saturday we also met 2 very cool members. one named Brother Kelii who was very happy to see us and wanted to take us on some exclusive local hikes. Another member we met was Anela. She was dope and hooked us up with some Hawaiian Sun Lilikoi Lychee drinks. If you have the opportunity to get your hands on some of that stuff, I highly suggest it. Really good drinks. 

Speaking of good stuff: STAR FRUIT!

Sunday (yesterday) was supposed to be lesson filled day but all of our lessons except fell through which left us to walk our area from 4-6pm. Let's just say I gained a newfound appreciation and empathy for the pioneers. I don't know how they did it. We also really enjoyed the "Face-to-face" with Elder Rasband, one of the current 12 Apostles. I made the mistake of chowing down on 2 pieces of Elder Reed's cakes which caused me to drift into a deep slumber in the middle of this face to face devotional. Elder Orme, the only one still awake, took pictures which I find very hysterical. 

And last but not least, we went on a beautiful hike this morning up to some old WW2 lookouts. it was awesome!

Well, all that and I know I forgot a lot of stuff too, but this has been quite the email. 

In conclusion I echo the words of Alma in Alma 5:48, "I know that Jesus Christ shall come, yea, the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, and mercy, and truth. And behold, it is he that cometh to take away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who steadfastly believeth on his name."

 AMEN and AMEN!! Please find a time to read the Book of Mormon this week. It will bless your life immensely!! i have so many pics to choose from to send this week!! I'll do my best though!

love y'all

aloha

🤙🏽

Monday's letter: Six month mark: Going strong!

Howdy everybody. Believe it or not, I've been speaking in a Texan accent and my companion Elder Orme has been speaking in a wicked Aussie accent for the past couple of days and its been hilarious!! 

Thank you! From Elder Bucky's mom, for feeding him and giving him opportunities to do service / projects!

Last Monday night the best thing happened: we met Larry. Now let me tell you about Larry. Larry is an 83 year old black grandpa veteran. We knock on his door at the late hour of 7:30pm (it's about dark here then) and he miraculously answers the door and greets us warmly. He brings out a 3rd chair on his porch and we chatted for the next 40 minutes. It was a blast. I met a similar old black man named Art back in Vegas and loved that man as well. You gotta love these grandpas out here, honestly. Larry was tellin' us about his strenuous efforts to maintain his yard and we quickly offered our services. I'm excited to go back sometime this week and 1) talk to this man some more and let him know about the glorious plan of salvation and 2) help him out in any way with his yardwork. 

Wednesday we went back to mama and papa G's out in Wainae to build a desk for them. I may not have written about the 1st time we went to mama and papa G's but all you need to know is they are the coolest, funniest grandparents I've never had. Also papa G is pretty high up at my homie Taylor Mccann's beloved Buffalo Wild Wings. So of course before we got to work on the desk, he brought us wings and burgers from Buffalo Wild Wings. The 1st time we went to Papa G's he brought wings marinated in the 2nd hottest pepper in the world and my companion Elder Orme wasn't too phased by it. Soooo papa G, sensing the competition this time around, brought wings marinated in the 1st hottest pepper in the world (Ghost Peppers) and these actually had Elder Orme sweating this time, surprisingly. Don't quote me on the specifics of all that, but moral of the story is papa G gets the hottest wings he can find on the island just to try and stump Elder Orme. Papa G got Elder Orme this time and he was very satisfied. Better yet, papa G is like me and doesn't do spicy at all! es' not about it. BUT THEN papa G sent it for the boys! He literally took a bite of this crazy hot wing and was choking and chowing down on some jello trying to get rid of the taste. It was SO FUNNY. My man definitely sent it ferda boiz!! Next time we're at mama and papa G's, I GOTTA get a pic with them. They're just so legendary. 

Friday we did some service for a woman named Yoellah Yuhudah and if that's not the craziest name you've heard west side of the Mississippi river than idk what is!  Missionaries go rearrange her garage on a weekly basis and she's basically a hoarder so you can imagine how that goes. And apparently one time she asked the missionaries to pick up her subway order as a service project. HAHA. Bless her heart. 

Countless other stories and memories this week but seeing as this email is now a Harry Potter book, I will conclude with a scripture. 2 Nephi 10:23-25 ⬇️

"23 Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.

24 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.

25 Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen."

A-freaking-MEN!!

I know that if we exercise our faith in Jesus Christ, make the necessary changes in our life to be more like Jesus Christ, enter in the waters of baptism, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands after baptism, and endure to the end faithfully and diligently keeping the commandments, we can and we will be received into the eternal kingdom of God in a state of never ending happiness as another killer scripture (Mormon 7:7) says. 

Love each one of you and keep killin' it in whatever business pursuits you may currently be involved in. Don't let Satan make you feel like a emotionally disenfranchised rooster. Satan sucks!! 

Here's some pictures of me living the dream in Hawaii and 1 throwback of me and the beasts™️ in Mexico🤙🏽

~Elder Nicolas Benjamin Buckwalter at your service