What's up my people?! On Saturday evening, we had 2 people we've been teaching enter the waters of baptism and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. One was Kawika, a 39 year old horse trainer, who has been taught by the missionaries for 9 months. The other one was Auriana, an 11 yr old girl with various health issues including a brain tumor I believe. I was fortunate enough to be the one that actually baptized Kawika. It was a neat experience. Some COVID restrictions have loosened up so we were able to open up the baptisms to anyone who wanted to come. A decent amount of members from the ward came and loaded up Kawika and Auri with lei's and all sorts of other gifts which is typically at baptisms here. I will definitely include some pictures!
The other exciting news is that I'm heading to Wailuku Maui! The subject of my email actually means "Maui is the best" in Hawaiian. After 5.5 months in Honokaa, I'm definitely sad to leave but I know that getting transferred is just part of being a missionary. Yesterday was my last time at church and the whole ward sang Aloha 'Oe to me and came up and loaded ME up with lei's. It was a neat experience. I definitely felt the Spirit and it was amazing to hug some of my favorite people. As missionaries we're not supposed to hug people but in Hawaii that's kind of hard - haha.
Honoka'a holds a special place in my heart and I definitely intend to come back. There's a part member family that I've worked with here and even taught and baptized 3 of their daughters. I told them I want to come back in 1 year when they hopefully get sealed in the temple. I also have to come back for Kawika's dog. Kawika said I can have her. For those of you who are on Facebook, it's the dog in my new profile picture.
I could write a lot more but those 2 things are pretty much the highlights. I know that Jesus Christ forgives our sins when we accept Him, repent, and obey His commandments. Through Jesus Christ’s Atonement (suffering for our sins, dying on the cross, and being resurrected after 3 days) and living the gospel we can enter the presence of our Heavenly Father permanently. That is something I am tremendously grateful for. I also want to include a link to something else I am really grateful for: The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here is the link:
I challenge every one of you to read this. I know it will bless your life. If you have questions, ask me or your local missionaries. They would be happy to help. Through the Restoration, the priesthood authority given to Jesus Christ's original Apostles was given back to us in these modern days. This priesthood authority allows us to do things in Christ's name such as baptism or sealing families together for all time and eternity. I am so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His Church and Gospel to the earth today, Love you all. Pics below!! Shoutout to the boys: Bren, Drew, Jay, P, Tay, JWoods, TPug, etc.,
Elder Minty Buckwalter
just sent me (his mom) his suit pants for a second time to have the waist let out...this pic is an exaggeration for sure... but is BIG sign that he's eating often and WELL!
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