Training a new missionary & playing some ball

Nick spent the month of July as a Zone Leader along with Elder Smith and they got to get to know so many missionaries each week, going on exchanges, including flying to Moloka'i to work with the missionaries on that small island. Local members of the church are often giving Nick teeny tiny pineapples and his favorite, pomelos. These are a big fruit that peels like an orange, but with a super thick, spongy skin. The fruit inside tastes like grapefruit, but it's sweeter. They are our favorite!

Elder Buckwalter's new companion, Elder Torkunoo, is from Saratoga Springs just 15 miles south of Herriman.

And there is a 3rd companion: Elder Tooke, from Portland, Oregon. He and Nick are Zone Leaders and doing all they can to motivate and encourage their districts and fellow Elders and Sisters. They have time at the ocean on their day off, hike and do their shopping; then the end the day off playing basketball. There are enough ballers that they have 5 on 5. They are going to get some matching jerseys and are excited about it! This week, they had zone conferences and their mission president, President Walker, hopped in their photo.

Here is his zone:

Photos of Nick talking to Mom - every week, Elder Bucky (Minty) is upbeat, excited, motivated and enjoying the work, the island, the people, and of course, the food! Shrimp, steak, fruit and poke (raw fish).

July in Maui: hitting my year mark in the Hawaii Mission