Apostle Visit: Elder Bednar in Hawaii

Aloha everyone! I'm back. We spent the last couple days on Oahu actually for meetings. One of which was with Elder Bednar, one of the 12 Apostles! It was amazing. I was expecting a sermon but he actually made it more of an interactive discussion and I thought that was really interesting. He admonished us to stop taking notes on what's being said (which I've heard him say several other times in other talks of his) and so most of my notes are just my personal thoughts and feelings. The whole mission flew in for this meeting and so we filled an entire chapel and gym. And it's crazy because I didnt know or recognize more than half of them hahaha. The majority of missionaries serve on Oahu and so you get to know each other better, but I havent served on Oahu for almost a year soooo.

that's pretty much the highlight tho. Elder Bednar also said testimonies aren't 20 minute stories about your gall bladder surgery, they are brief powerful statements of things you absolutely know to be true. Following that counsel I would like to bear my testimony. I know Jesus Christ atoned for our sins. I know that His Church is back on the earth today and it's the only way to achieve exaltation in the kingdom of God. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Ahhh yes I remember on Friday we did car wash tracting. That's where you knock on doors with all the supplies to wash a car and ask people if you can wash their car right then and there. So as we're doing this, we have this one uncle call out to us a couple houses down and ask if we can wash his cars. Now I hope my aunt and uncle Tami and Chad see this because they will appreciate this, but my man opens up his garage and theres a 2003 Porsche and a Tesla. My companions and my jaws dropped. We were so scared. This guy, named Hedgie by the way (interesting name), was super particular and was watching us like a hawk. I mean rightfully so though, I'd prolly do the same. Both of those cars looked brand spanking new and this guy was just living the dream. Although we brought our own car wash soap he actually requested that we use his 50 dollar one instead. Later I joked that that was prolly the cheapest thing he owns haha. Sadly, I was too scared to ask for a picture with these beautiful vehicles. I apologize! Our breakfast when on Molokai

Everyone have a wonderful week this week. Always smile. Look for opportunities to serve others. Please go check out SimplySew808 if you looking for ties or masks. I will see y'all in 4 months. Also including pictures in this email as well! Aloha and Malama Pono

I'm Training a new missionary

Starting tomorrow I will be training a new missionary for the 4th time on my mission. Similar to last transfer with Elder Tooke and Elder Torkornoo, Elder Del Rio and I will be training this new missionary together as a trio.

So I'm staying in Wailuku, Maui until at least December 14th (which is also known as Neller's Eve, a holiday I created in 5th grade with one of my friends named Caden Trice). I've been on Maui since June 29th. I could finish my mission here or I may have one last area. Its been a great week this week. We were able to get this Filipino family we're teaching to the ward trunk or treat activity and church on Sunday so that was big!

Tonight and tomorrow night we'll be hearing from Larry Gelwix the coach of Highland Rugby from the movie "Forever Strong" so thats exciting. It should be super good. When I got to this zone there was only 1 companionship of Sisters. Now there's 3. That will be fun. I've never met a Sister missionary who isn't ridiculously outgoing, cheerful, and enthusiastic.

Last Tuesday night our stake president here took all of us missionaries out to eat to break our fast. We ran some calculations and he probably spent upwards of 600 dollars on us. He's an incredible man and he has a son attending Mountain Ridge High School in Herriman, Utah where I'm from so that's cool! And he's going to go visit my parents in Herriman when he goes to watch his son play football. THE VISIT (later that month)

I'm not sure if I've already shared this but in my studies recently I found my new favorite quote and I feel it describes me perfectly. It's by a former prophet named Joseph Fielding Smith. He says, "if we fully appreciated the many blessings which are ours thru the redemption made for us, there is nothing that the Lord could ask of us that we would not anxiously and willingly do." That is so true! And I think about it everyday! What the Lord asks of us is so small compared to what he went thru for each of us. Another quote for ya by a bloke named Robert J Matthews, "the greatest display of wisdom that we can demonstrate on the earth is to follow the Lord and keep His commandments." Again, SO true!! I just hope we can all appreciate our Savior Jesus Christ and realize that it is in Him and thru Him that our resurrection is guaranteed and eternal life is made possible if we choose to make and keep special promises with Him and our Heavenly Father. Say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen! Can I get an amen?!

Just wanna welcome Joree back to the United States of America. And Go Cougs! I will include pictures below! Would love to hear from each of you.

Malama Pono Elder Nicolas B Buckwalter 🤙🏽🌴🌊