Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Sick :( All Blacks won :) and 3 things that have changed me


Kia Ora Mother,

Well this last week wasn't that exciting because I was sick almost every day last week. There was one day where my neck was hurting and I was wishing that dad was here to crack it. Then we went to Waiuku and there is a member there that did it and more. He did the whole body makeover thingy. It hurt alot but felt lots better afterwords.

So this week wasn't that exciting so I will start again next week. I am already planning to make mexican food for my companion this week so we will start from there. Also, this week was a bad time to ask my what I ate because of being sick. I mostly ate water and bread and unfortunately bananas. I hope it goes back to normal food this week.

The rugby world cup also finished and the All Blacks won. Things should go back to normal now that school holidays are over and that the rugby world cup is over. Before I forget, tell dad thanks for the address and all the other stuff he does. Also, thank you mum as well.

Three things that have changed me is how you feel when people accept the gospel. The importance of the scriptures being studied everyday. And, the importance of modern day prophets and revelation. That has definitely made a difference in how I study and pay attention for conference, the ensign, and in church.

We are short on time today because of Labor Day but I love you heaps, and hope all is well at home.

Arohanui,
Elder Beckstead

P.S. The bishops name is Peter Stanford and his Wife Cheryl. I don't know when they will call but I hope they see you and sorry for the crazy package. Enjoy! :) Love you!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Baptisms & Confirmations


Kia Ora Mother,

It sounds like you had an interesting week. I am glad Korin is feeling better and I hope she stays away from whatever she is allergic to.

That is really weird that I am the next one home from the ward. That is ages away. Anyways, things are pushing along at the moment.

We had a baptism for John this past weekend and that went really well. I got to baptize him and another girl that was getting baptized as well. She had an incredibly long name. Then I got to confirm both of them as well. Jackson finally got confirmed and another boy got baptized and confirmed as well. It was a good weekend for Pukekohe ward. I think the ward is going to be split soon because we had one of the stake presidency speak yesterday all about accepting callings. I trying to figure out if it is a hint or not.

Things are pushing forward but we need lots more people to teach. Our teaching pool is almost dry at the moment.

We also, had a fireside yesterday which was great. We had 11 people with us including the bishop and another active member, 2 investigators, 4 recent converts, 2 less-active returning members and one 7 year old. It was really good.

Also, before I forget. Bishop and his wife are coming to utah next week and staying for two weeks. I sent a package for yous with them and I gave them your phone numbers. Expect a call after next tuesday I think they fly in. They are staying in provo somewhere but I hope they get in touch.

I hope all is well and I love you all heaps,
Arohanui,
Elder Beckstead

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

General Conference and Trip to Waikaretu


Kia Ora Dad and Mum as well. And whanau.
 
It looks like you had a busy week again and a great experience at the BYU game. All I have to say is no fair but I am glad you had fun anyways.
 
First of all, I want you to tell sister Brousseau and the entire primary thank you for the letters. I appreciated all of them. You can tell Sam thanks personally or I can. Thanks Sam for the letter.
 
General Conference was this weekend and it was amazing. I will definitely keep track of My 5 dollar bills from now on:) The only bummer was not being able to see the priesthood session. The cd was faulty. Is there anyway you could download it and send it via email or something so I could put in on my flashdrive and watch it. Now that we have dvd players in the flat and it plays flash drives it could be possible. If not I will just have to read it in November.
 
Ok, the next news is that this week we drove 70 Kms out to a place called Waikaretu. It rained and we drove on a metal road so our car was way dirty. It was ridiculus. We did have a lesson out there though and the kids are really good but the mom is less-active and a bit interesting. We will see what happens.
 
Also, the last bit of news is that lots of blessing were given this week. It was crazy and good at the same time. It is always good helping others. We have a baptism this week as well which should be really good. It is a nine year old named John or Sione, whichever you prefer. Please pray for him and Jackson as hopefully he will be confirmed this week.
 
I love you all heaps and am grateful for all you do. I hope that everyone is healthy and happy and progressing in school, work, home, and church.
 
Arohanui,
Elder Beckstead

Monday, October 3, 2011

General Conference Weekend


Kia Ora Mother,

I will have to look for that talk (Forget Not by President Uchtdorf) when I watch it. Also, it sounds like you are always focused on time. I remember last year how Pres. uchtdorf talked on a similar subject. Don't worry though, I think you do a lot better than some people I know over here. All they do is drink and smoke all day. I like your choice of activity a lot better.

Good luck staying home and I know you can do it. Although, it will take the courage to say no to some people. We will see if you can do that or not.

Ok, this week was a pretty good week. We had 26 total lessons which was really good. I would go into detail but my planner is at home. Go figure. The major highlight and worst part of the week went together on saturday and sunday. We had a baptism which was short but went really well. Then him and his family didn't show up for church on sunday. So he wasn't able to get confirmed and won't be able to for 2 weeks. So frustrating but life happens.

Transfers this week so I will have to keep you updated. Oh, we had a tradeoff this week which went really well. I forgot about that. We also, traveled a lot this past week because it was the end of the month and we had lots of K's left. That was good.

Lets see, I will try to think about all that stuff for next week about the things I learned. Remind me though next week and I will include it.

Enjoy the rest of conference and I love you heaps,
Have a great week.

Arohanui,
Elder Beckstead