Kia Ora Xane,
It sounds like a good week for you over there. I like that gravitron ride and I miss those scones the grandpa so expertly makes. I glad the weather sure shaped up though. I wish it would here as well on days other that sunday :)
I remember digging the hole for the basketball hoop and thinking the same thing. I hate rocks. I think that that there is so many changes happening at home that I won't recognize it especially the people there. I heard Korin is taller than Tara now. Jeez louise.
Things are algoods out here except for getting the people we are teaching to come to church. It's always a challenge!
Anyways, have a great week and I will try to do the same. Keep up the good cooking.
Love you heaps,
Elder Beckstead
Xane Beckstead wrote:
Dear Elder Trevor Beckstead Sunday, June 12, 2011
This week was pretty fun. At the end of the week, on Friday, I got to take the kids to the summerfest thingy. We rode the gravitron ride in memory of you, and I think it was the first time I had the chance to ride it with Sam. It was fun to see his reactions and all of that. It was still something like $1.50 per ride, so that was all we did.
Yesterday, we had a huge celebration for all of the birthdays in June. It was Grandpa’s 80’th birthday so we made it a pretty big deal. Plus, it is the last one of these celebrations that Tara will be coming to because she leaves soon. We had a cook-off like we usually do, and this time it was cupcakes, which was appropriate for the occasion. I basically made our cupcakes, although mom did help me with some of them. We made rainbow cupcakes that are layered different colors, ROY G. BV style (I left out indigo). We ended up winning (hurray) and got to keep the traveling trophy and a Minnie mouse cupcake that everyone wants me to put on my bike, and a new cookbook. It was a lot of fun.
For Grandpa’s birthday present, we gave him a flag pole that is twenty feet tall. I had to dig the hole and fill it in with the cement that helps anchor the pole. It was terrible because it had to be about 12” diameter and 26” deep. There were so many rocks that it seemed like there was two parts rock to every one part dirt. It probably wasn’t that bad, but it sure seemed like it when I was digging it. It now looks awesome though.
Keep up the good work. I am excited that you get to do such an amazing thing. Elder Faifai (or something like that) has a cousin, Sister Fafai (not necessarily that spelling) in New Zealand, so if you see her, tell her your family likes to feed her cousin. I saw Nate Mansanarez on Friday and he said to tell you hi for him, so hi!
Love,
Your Cupcake-baking brother Xane.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
Birthday Packages - Senior Companion
Talofalava Mother,
It looks like I beat you to the email but that is ok. I appreciate this one all the same. In answer to your question I love your emails just how they are. I like news, craziness, dreams, aspirations and spiritual experiences. Just keep being the mother that I love.
I heard that you sent my birthday package already. I am so excited but I will have to wait forever to open it. Algoods:) Thanks in advance for all the stuff you sent. I am quite as excited as Korin is.
Ok, now for my week. Yesterday was the hardest day that I have had yet on my mission as well as this weekend. I was made senior companion to my new companion Elder Allred and nothing has seemed to go right since that has happened. We had heaps of lessons to go to in which most fell through. My first day, thursday we didn't have any lessons at all. We have had an incredible amount of flat tyres these last few weeks and most of the investigators didn't come to church yesterday. One of the two that did had a pretty bad experience as well. I just don't know how senior companions handle it and it seems Satan is influencing the people more than ever.
How did you and dad, deal with the stress of unreliable members on your mission. I just want give up and do everything myself which is ridiculus and impossible but some members are driving me up the wall at the moment. There are some that are awesome and I can trust 120% but others just don't do what they say they are going to.
The last thing is that our district leader is still in Niue and so we have sort of a threesome at the moment at our flat. The flat is just not big enough for three people and that has increased our irritation as well.
I am sorry for venting my frustration. Enough of that. I included a picture of my new companion so it can be on the wall. I am just happy that last week is over and this week is a new one. We had one set for this week but he refused to come to church so I don't know if that will happen. We will just keep working and praying and doing our best to succeed. That is all the lord asks even though sometimes it seems too much.
I got a letter from Brynne saying that she has been going through some hard times being away from home, but how else will they learn. I guess heavenly father just wants me to learn so that I can be the best senior companion I can be. I just hope that happens sooner rather than later.
Thanks for all that you do and I love you and Dad heaps and heaps. I love our family more than I can ever say. Have a fantastic week and I will try to do the same.
Ofatu,
Elder Beckstead
It looks like I beat you to the email but that is ok. I appreciate this one all the same. In answer to your question I love your emails just how they are. I like news, craziness, dreams, aspirations and spiritual experiences. Just keep being the mother that I love.
I heard that you sent my birthday package already. I am so excited but I will have to wait forever to open it. Algoods:) Thanks in advance for all the stuff you sent. I am quite as excited as Korin is.
Ok, now for my week. Yesterday was the hardest day that I have had yet on my mission as well as this weekend. I was made senior companion to my new companion Elder Allred and nothing has seemed to go right since that has happened. We had heaps of lessons to go to in which most fell through. My first day, thursday we didn't have any lessons at all. We have had an incredible amount of flat tyres these last few weeks and most of the investigators didn't come to church yesterday. One of the two that did had a pretty bad experience as well. I just don't know how senior companions handle it and it seems Satan is influencing the people more than ever.
How did you and dad, deal with the stress of unreliable members on your mission. I just want give up and do everything myself which is ridiculus and impossible but some members are driving me up the wall at the moment. There are some that are awesome and I can trust 120% but others just don't do what they say they are going to.
The last thing is that our district leader is still in Niue and so we have sort of a threesome at the moment at our flat. The flat is just not big enough for three people and that has increased our irritation as well.
I am sorry for venting my frustration. Enough of that. I included a picture of my new companion so it can be on the wall. I am just happy that last week is over and this week is a new one. We had one set for this week but he refused to come to church so I don't know if that will happen. We will just keep working and praying and doing our best to succeed. That is all the lord asks even though sometimes it seems too much.
I got a letter from Brynne saying that she has been going through some hard times being away from home, but how else will they learn. I guess heavenly father just wants me to learn so that I can be the best senior companion I can be. I just hope that happens sooner rather than later.
Thanks for all that you do and I love you and Dad heaps and heaps. I love our family more than I can ever say. Have a fantastic week and I will try to do the same.
Ofatu,
Elder Beckstead
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
2 emails - Memorial Day & Grandma's Birthday
Kia Ora Mother,
It sounds like a lot has been happening and congrats on the new phone. I am currently wishing our companionship had one to communicate outside of the flat. It makes missionary work a million times easier. Anyways, I had a pretty good week. I got fed way too much though. I had mexican food and kfc and subway and hamburgers and american food and heaps of other things thrown in. It was ridiculus and yet really good after it happened. I think it is in south Auckland that I will gain the most weight.
We have been getting up early four times a week to play basketball and it is really good except that I am really tired during the day. Also, we had another baptism this week which went really well. We were supposed to have two but one couldn't make it because of a funeral that the family had. We are hoping for this week though.
Well we are just waiting to meet this new mission president while trying to finish strong. We comes at the beginning of July so we will see how that goes. Will he be strict of not is my question but we will just have to wait.
Have a great week and I love you heaps. Don't be on the phone too much but use it for its purpose. Thanks for all the advice you always seem to have and Know that I am doing well over here. I will keep you updated on transfers this week.
Love you,
Elder Beckstead
----
Kia Ora Dad and thanks for the effort.
Tell Grandma and Grandpa I love them and appreciate the letter from them through you.
I am doing well looking forward to transfers wondering how it arrived so fast. Anyways, it did so I will update you on the news.
I sent a package today for you and I hope it arrives soon. It is for a Happy Birthday for you, Grandma and Grandpa.
We had dinner with the Marshall Family yesterday and he is from Orem. He was the allstate halfback in 1970-71. I thought that was pretty cool. He wasn't sure if he knew you or not but it was a probably not.
Anyways, Have a wonderful trip and I love you all heaps. Thanks again dad and wish Grandma and Happy Birthday tomorrow for me and on Tuesday for you.
Love you,
Elder Beckstead
It sounds like a lot has been happening and congrats on the new phone. I am currently wishing our companionship had one to communicate outside of the flat. It makes missionary work a million times easier. Anyways, I had a pretty good week. I got fed way too much though. I had mexican food and kfc and subway and hamburgers and american food and heaps of other things thrown in. It was ridiculus and yet really good after it happened. I think it is in south Auckland that I will gain the most weight.
We have been getting up early four times a week to play basketball and it is really good except that I am really tired during the day. Also, we had another baptism this week which went really well. We were supposed to have two but one couldn't make it because of a funeral that the family had. We are hoping for this week though.
Well we are just waiting to meet this new mission president while trying to finish strong. We comes at the beginning of July so we will see how that goes. Will he be strict of not is my question but we will just have to wait.
Have a great week and I love you heaps. Don't be on the phone too much but use it for its purpose. Thanks for all the advice you always seem to have and Know that I am doing well over here. I will keep you updated on transfers this week.
Love you,
Elder Beckstead
----
Kia Ora Dad and thanks for the effort.
Tell Grandma and Grandpa I love them and appreciate the letter from them through you.
I am doing well looking forward to transfers wondering how it arrived so fast. Anyways, it did so I will update you on the news.
I sent a package today for you and I hope it arrives soon. It is for a Happy Birthday for you, Grandma and Grandpa.
We had dinner with the Marshall Family yesterday and he is from Orem. He was the allstate halfback in 1970-71. I thought that was pretty cool. He wasn't sure if he knew you or not but it was a probably not.
Anyways, Have a wonderful trip and I love you all heaps. Thanks again dad and wish Grandma and Happy Birthday tomorrow for me and on Tuesday for you.
Love you,
Elder Beckstead
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sunny Day
Kia Ora Mother,
That first picture is for Korin.
The next two are the same family that has had to be baptized in three different weeks. 5 out of 6 are baptized with one due this week. three got baptized last week which was very cool.
Something else that happened this week was that there was a zone conference. My first real one of my mission. It was a great experience. We have had a few miracles lately and we are desperately trying to complete them off.
One that happened yesterday was a man that was brought by a returning member to church. He was a catholic but is sick of it and he wants to be baptized. We had the first lesson with him yesterday and he is hopefully going down on the 11th of June.
We are also shooting for three baptisms this weekend although it might only be two. We are trying to find out where all of our investigators are. It has been incredibly hard to get them to church up here in the city. Why won't they just come? Oh well. there is always next week.
Beside that this week was fairly quiet. I have had fast food like 10 times last week and it was ridiculus. We will see how this week goes with members feeding us.
Thanks for all that you do and I love you all heaps.
Love you mother heaps too.
Elder Beckstead
That first picture is for Korin.
 |
| Elder Beckstead is a wanted man! |
The next two are the same family that has had to be baptized in three different weeks. 5 out of 6 are baptized with one due this week. three got baptized last week which was very cool.
Something else that happened this week was that there was a zone conference. My first real one of my mission. It was a great experience. We have had a few miracles lately and we are desperately trying to complete them off.
One that happened yesterday was a man that was brought by a returning member to church. He was a catholic but is sick of it and he wants to be baptized. We had the first lesson with him yesterday and he is hopefully going down on the 11th of June.
We are also shooting for three baptisms this weekend although it might only be two. We are trying to find out where all of our investigators are. It has been incredibly hard to get them to church up here in the city. Why won't they just come? Oh well. there is always next week.
Beside that this week was fairly quiet. I have had fast food like 10 times last week and it was ridiculus. We will see how this week goes with members feeding us.
 |
| Elder Thomas and Elder Beckstead |
Love you mother heaps too.
Elder Beckstead
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Another Week
Kia Ora mother,
I just looked at my time and I have 4 minutes to complete this email. typing slow is my middle name so lets see how much gets done. I think I am going to come home to Utah and ask where are house got moved to. So many changes seem to be happening. It is the same out here as we prepare for a new mission president and try to send president porter off with a bang. We have 6 set currently for the coming weeks with one this week. I am praying everyday that all will work out.
A few things about me this week is that I got soaked, no baptisms and come and see fireside for investigators put on by president and I finally got out a pair of thermal garments. Are they supposed to go to your ankles and wrists or like on my do they go six inches above the ankle and about halfway up your forearm. They kept me very warm though.
Thanks for all the updates and yes we just love you around us.
I better send this before it cuts me off.
Love you tons,
Elder Beckstead
I just looked at my time and I have 4 minutes to complete this email. typing slow is my middle name so lets see how much gets done. I think I am going to come home to Utah and ask where are house got moved to. So many changes seem to be happening. It is the same out here as we prepare for a new mission president and try to send president porter off with a bang. We have 6 set currently for the coming weeks with one this week. I am praying everyday that all will work out.
A few things about me this week is that I got soaked, no baptisms and come and see fireside for investigators put on by president and I finally got out a pair of thermal garments. Are they supposed to go to your ankles and wrists or like on my do they go six inches above the ankle and about halfway up your forearm. They kept me very warm though.
Thanks for all the updates and yes we just love you around us.
I better send this before it cuts me off.
Love you tons,
Elder Beckstead
Monday, May 9, 2011
Mother's Day
It was great to get to talk to Trevor. He sounded happy and glad to be a missionary. He assured his mother that he was keeping his apartment clean and that he was eating fairly nutritious meals :)
Trevor did say they had two baptisms this week (a 10 year old and an 11 year old).
We love him and are very proud of him.
Kristin & Ryan
Trevor did say they had two baptisms this week (a 10 year old and an 11 year old).
We love him and are very proud of him.
Kristin & Ryan
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Short Testimony
Kia Ora Mother,
I am grateful to hear your testimony and I want you to know that I know those things to be true as well.
I know you do things in spurts but I wouldn't have you do it any other way. Be consistent in Spiritual things but know that I love the way you love us and care for us even if it is sporatic.
This week was a manifestation of that talk. We had a marriage and a baptism this week of a Samoan named Fau. She is awesome and yet went through some tough times this week. We boiled it down to she hadn't been to church, prayed or read and that is why things weren't going right. You can boil most of your problems down to one of those three things not being done properly. Once she started doing those things, things turned right and the marriage and baptism went beautifully. She was confirmed on Sunday and things seem to be ok for the moment.
We also have a family that I wish the family would pray for. There last name is Teulilo. Two of the kids are scheduled for baptism this thursday and the rest are in the weeks to come. Pray for us and wish us luck.
Thank you for all you do. I love you tons and am grateful that I got the best mother in the world. I wouldn't have you any other way than sporatic and one with an excellent testimony.
I love you mom,
Elder Beckstead
I am grateful to hear your testimony and I want you to know that I know those things to be true as well.
I know you do things in spurts but I wouldn't have you do it any other way. Be consistent in Spiritual things but know that I love the way you love us and care for us even if it is sporatic.
This week was a manifestation of that talk. We had a marriage and a baptism this week of a Samoan named Fau. She is awesome and yet went through some tough times this week. We boiled it down to she hadn't been to church, prayed or read and that is why things weren't going right. You can boil most of your problems down to one of those three things not being done properly. Once she started doing those things, things turned right and the marriage and baptism went beautifully. She was confirmed on Sunday and things seem to be ok for the moment.
We also have a family that I wish the family would pray for. There last name is Teulilo. Two of the kids are scheduled for baptism this thursday and the rest are in the weeks to come. Pray for us and wish us luck.
Thank you for all you do. I love you tons and am grateful that I got the best mother in the world. I wouldn't have you any other way than sporatic and one with an excellent testimony.
I love you mom,
Elder Beckstead
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