Iokwe! I am doing great! Sorry that I have not emailed in a while. I love the Marshall Islands the people are so nice. It is hot here but not really humid. It is nice, it seems like every other day it rains here. When it rains or when it is really hot the Marshallese people usually sleep, but not all of them. Marshallese people are so nice. If you want to make an appointment to study with they will say yes even though they really don't want to study. so they set up a time when they are working or gone. But it is still good.
Me and my companion are getting along! Since he is an AP (Assistant to President) some days he works in the mission office with the other AP, so I go out with Elder Wakefield. There are four missionaries living in the apartment; Elder Hart, Elder Wakefield, Elder Helgenburger, and me. They are all nice, and cool. We live in the apartments in Long Island by the Mission office. I have not eaten any weird things because we have not had a lot of dinners with the members. But we usually eat rice, ramen, spam, and tuna almost every day. The hot and spicy spam is the best! On a good week we have around 15 lessons a week. we have 3 progressing invesigators, and we got 4 new potential investigators last week.
I am happy, and heathly. I just dont understand when people speak. It seems like everbody has their own accent, so it is really hard to understand. When you speak marshallese you use your tongue a lot. For thanksgiving we went to Bishop Ackleys house, he is the bishop for Uliga. When he was young he moved with his family to the Marshall Islands, and then back to the States. He even lived in Arizona. He served his mission here and married a Marshalese girl. It was nice, we had turkey, corn, stuffing, and mashed potatoes.
At church I pass the sacrament and help teach. There are two deacons in my ward. The reason for the emergency transfers is because of certain missionaries who do not get along with their compainions. I love the Islands, Majuro has more stuff then the outer islands. Majuro has electricity, cars, air conditioning, and other stuff like the us. The thing I was surprised about was that the ward has a lot of less actives, and a small number who are active members. The reason for that is because the members do not fellowship the new converts. When there is a new convert in your ward please fellowship them, and go out of your way to get to know the new convert, and be there friend! The members now are trying to fellowship more, so it is getting better. have a great week! I LOVE YOUS, sorry for the short letter, and the spelling mistakes. Please tell all my friends and family thank you for the birthday emails.
Elder Sien
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Friday, November 25, 2016
Photo Update
The Internet has been very spotty for Jacob. He does not have much time to write and the Internet is very slow. We have been able to chat with him on IM a few weeks in a row on his Preparation Day; and he sounds very optimistic, happy and healthy.
He told us he really likes his companion, who is an Assistant to the Mission President, and they live in Majuro near the mission home. He lives with three other Elders. The other companionship is Elder Hart and Elder Wakefield. When the AP's have office work to do, he serves with Elder Wakefield.
He eats ramen, tuna, spam, and rice the most. He said spicy spam is the best. He mentioned he cannot really see the sunsets because he is in the middle of the Island. On Halloween a ton of Marshallese kids came to his apartment complex and knocked on all the doors and sang, "Happy Halloween" over and over again. When they teach investigators he shares his testimony in Marshallese. The language is very difficult and the work is pretty slow. They have about 4 investigators. Often when they go to teach them, the people are busy. He said the Marshallese has their own accent and it is really hard to understand them because they use their tongues a lot when they speak in the back of their throats, so he said it is hard to get used to that.
He ended the chat, "I love the Marshall Islands, I love the people even though I do not understand them yet and I love and miss you guys."
It is amazing to be able to live chat with him for a few minutes from far across the world, technology is amazing! Thank you to all of you who e-mailed him for his birthday, which is this Friday December 2! He mentioned he received a lot of e-mails and was very happy.
He told us he really likes his companion, who is an Assistant to the Mission President, and they live in Majuro near the mission home. He lives with three other Elders. The other companionship is Elder Hart and Elder Wakefield. When the AP's have office work to do, he serves with Elder Wakefield.
He eats ramen, tuna, spam, and rice the most. He said spicy spam is the best. He mentioned he cannot really see the sunsets because he is in the middle of the Island. On Halloween a ton of Marshallese kids came to his apartment complex and knocked on all the doors and sang, "Happy Halloween" over and over again. When they teach investigators he shares his testimony in Marshallese. The language is very difficult and the work is pretty slow. They have about 4 investigators. Often when they go to teach them, the people are busy. He said the Marshallese has their own accent and it is really hard to understand them because they use their tongues a lot when they speak in the back of their throats, so he said it is hard to get used to that.
He ended the chat, "I love the Marshall Islands, I love the people even though I do not understand them yet and I love and miss you guys."
It is amazing to be able to live chat with him for a few minutes from far across the world, technology is amazing! Thank you to all of you who e-mailed him for his birthday, which is this Friday December 2! He mentioned he received a lot of e-mails and was very happy.
Photo Update
The Internet has been very spotty for Jacob. He does not have much time to write and the Internet is very slow. We have been able to chat with him on IM a few weeks in a row on his Preparation Day; and he sounds very optimistic, happy and healthy.
He told us he really likes his companion, who is an Assistant to the Mission President, and they live in Majuro near the mission home. He lives with three other Elders. The other companionship is Elder Hart and Elder Wakefield. When the AP's have office work to do, he serves with Elder Wakefield.
He eats ramen, tuna, spam, and rice the most. He said spicy spam is the best. He mentioned he cannot really see the sunsets because he is in the middle of the Island. On Halloween a ton of Marshallese kids came to his apartment complex and knocked on all the doors and sang, "Happy Halloween" over and over again. When they teach investigators he shares his testimony in Marshallese. The language is very difficult and the work is pretty slow. They have about 4 investigators. Often when they go to teach them, the people are busy. He said the Marshallese has their own accent and it is really hard to understand them because they use their tongues a lot when they speak in the back of their throats, so he said it is hard to get used to that.
He ended the chat, "I love the Marshall Islands, I love the people even though I do not understand them yet and I love and miss you guys."
It is amazing to be able to live chat with him for a few minutes from far across the world, technology is amazing! Thank you to all of you who e-mailed him for his birthday, which is this Friday December 2! He mentioned he received a lot of e-mails and was very happy.
He told us he really likes his companion, who is an Assistant to the Mission President, and they live in Majuro near the mission home. He lives with three other Elders. The other companionship is Elder Hart and Elder Wakefield. When the AP's have office work to do, he serves with Elder Wakefield.
He eats ramen, tuna, spam, and rice the most. He said spicy spam is the best. He mentioned he cannot really see the sunsets because he is in the middle of the Island. On Halloween a ton of Marshallese kids came to his apartment complex and knocked on all the doors and sang, "Happy Halloween" over and over again. When they teach investigators he shares his testimony in Marshallese. The language is very difficult and the work is pretty slow. They have about 4 investigators. Often when they go to teach them, the people are busy. He said the Marshallese has their own accent and it is really hard to understand them because they use their tongues a lot when they speak in the back of their throats, so he said it is hard to get used to that.
He ended the chat, "I love the Marshall Islands, I love the people even though I do not understand them yet and I love and miss you guys."
It is amazing to be able to live chat with him for a few minutes from far across the world, technology is amazing! Thank you to all of you who e-mailed him for his birthday, which is this Friday December 2! He mentioned he received a lot of e-mails and was very happy.
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
No Internet Service in the Islands
We received this letter from the mission office this week:
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
The underwater internet cable between Guam, Ebeye, and and the Marshall Islands will be undergoing some major repairs. During that period of time we will have no internet service and consequently our missionaries will not be able to communicate via email with family.friends. The repairs are due to begin Saturday, October 29 and it is hoped they will be completed by November 6. However, there is always the possibility (even likelihood) that the repairs will extend beyond November 6.
So please do not worry when you don't hear from your missionary for 2 weeks. The silver lining to this inconvenience is that without internet, folks will be less distracted and perhaps more inclined to take time to visit and study with our missionaries.
Please be assured that your missionary is well cared-for.
Christmas Package Information
We recieved the following instructions for Jacob's Christmas package. The mission has asked that he only recieve one Christmas package.
If you have any photos or a letter you'd like to include in Jacob's Christmas package please e-mail it to josephsien@gmail.com or contact us. We are planning to send his package out by November 7, 2016.
If you have any photos or a letter you'd like to include in Jacob's Christmas package please e-mail it to josephsien@gmail.com or contact us. We are planning to send his package out by November 7, 2016.
October 2016
Dear Parents and Family of Marshall Islands Majuro Missionaries,
Thank you for supporting our missionaries as they serve with us
as full-time missionaries in the Marshall Islands Majuro Mission. It is
our desire to help them become the missionaries the Lord needs them to
be. We love and appreciate them and their service.
As we approach the Christmas season we are aware that many of
our missionaries will be receiving Christmas packages from home. That is
wonderful; however, we would ask you to be aware of the very modest family
circumstances of many of our missionaries. Being sensitive to those
economic disparities, may we ask you to consider your son or daughter’s
companion in your gift plans.
There is an additional consideration for your gift giving.
Packages will NOT be forwarded from Marshall Islands to
Kiribati. It would not be appropriate to pay those fees from the sacred
tithing money used to administer our missions. Please use the appropriate
address when mailing your package and we ask that you send only ONE Christmas
package per missionary. It creates
negative repercussions when a few missionaries receive multiple packages and
others receive none. Furthermore, please limit your box size to no
larger than 12”x12”x6” or 30 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm. Thank you.
For those in the USA mailing to the Marshall Islands, the most
effective method for mailing packages is USPS Priority Mail. The Flat
Rate boxes are the most economical.
The address to use if your missionary is serving in the Marshall
Islands (Majuro, Ebeye, Jaluit, Lae, or Wotje) is:
Elder/Sister____________
Marshall Islands Majuro Mission
PO Box 1107
Majuro, Marshall Islands
96960
Finally, in case you
might need a gift idea, here are some things our missionaries have suggested:
small flashlights, head lamp and flashing backpack light for nighttime use,
Leatherman tool, a waterproof backpack, batteries, shampoo, especially dandruff
type (very expensive here), copies of General Conference talks, Christmas
stories, and the most popular gift suggestion was letters and pictures from
home.
Thank you in advance for
your kindness and cooperation.
The Marshall Islands Majuro Mission
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Letter 7: October 23, 2016
Iokwe!
I am doing great! It is beautiful here in the Marshall Islands! I love the weather here it is way better than Utah. A lot warmer , it is nice , and humid. I like the humidity, it is nice. I am serving in Long Island which is an area in Majuro. there is a lot of trees here. There are Pandanus trees, breadfruit trees, banana trees, and other trees. I will send pictures next week. I live with the assistants to the presidents, they live in an apartment close to the mission office, and to the president Larkins house. My trainer is Elder Helgenburger he is one of the assistants to the president. Monday is my new p-day. I have mostly eaten rice, ramen, tuna, and spam. There is a ton of children everywhere, there is also a ton of dogs, and cats.
Hawaii was good, when we got to Hawaii it was around 3:30 p.m. We took the hotel bus to the hotel, which was 15 minutes away from the airport. right in front of the hotel is a highway then a freeway right on top of it. Since Elder Uitu leaves on Thursday, Elder Kendrick was my temporary companion. once we got our luggage in our room. Me, E Kendrick, E House, E Dunn took a taxi to Costco. To fix E Kendrick, and I glasses, we also ate there, I had a Hot dog, and a chicken bake. I wanted to see the USS Arizona memorial but it was already closed. At around 8:00 p.m. I went with E Hansen, E Barrow, E Koleni to a grocery store to get fresh fruit. E Hansen got a pineapple, and a dragon fruit. the dragon fruit was disgusting, and the pineapple was not ripe enough. Hawaii is beautiful, and green.
I love you guys!
Elder Sien
Arrival in the Marshall Islands October 20, 2016
Just to let you know that your wonderful son, elder Sien, arrived safely in Majuro today. We had a wonderful orientation meeting and lunch with all our new missionaries followed by a brief tour of Majuro.
Tomorrow we will hold our "Train-the-Trainer" meeting for all trainers and new missionaries, after which, the "work" begins.
Elder Sien has been assigned to the Long Island area and his trainer is Elder Wakefield.
We are so grateful to have your son serving in our mission.
With love,
President and Sister Larkin
Photo taken at the airport
Saturday, October 15, 2016
Letter 6: October 14, 2016
Iokwe!
I can't believe I am leaving to the Marshall Islands this coming Tuesday at 6:20 a.m.I felt like the 6 weeks here in the MTC went by fast, but also I felt like I have been here for years! My district, and I leave out of the Salt Lake city airport to Hawaii, and stay in Hawaii for the whole afternoon. We stay the night in Hawaii at a hotel, then wake up, and get to the Hawaii airport to fly straight to the Marshalls. I am so excited to leave the MTC! I can't wait to spend time in Hawaii.
Mom,
I can't believe I am leaving to the Marshall Islands this coming Tuesday at 6:20 a.m.I felt like the 6 weeks here in the MTC went by fast, but also I felt like I have been here for years! My district, and I leave out of the Salt Lake city airport to Hawaii, and stay in Hawaii for the whole afternoon. We stay the night in Hawaii at a hotel, then wake up, and get to the Hawaii airport to fly straight to the Marshalls. I am so excited to leave the MTC! I can't wait to spend time in Hawaii.
I love the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how it has helped me make good choices. I know that Jesus Christ loves us because he died for us so that we may be able to repent of our sins, and live with our Heavenly Father again. I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, I know that reading studying, and pondering its pages will helps us receive answers to our questions. Having the Book of Mormon should not be taking lightly. We need to study, and ponder the pages of the Book of Mormon everyday. I know that Joseph Smith saw God the father,and His son Jesus Christ. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet, and through him the true church, the Priesthood are restored to the earth. I share these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Love, Elder Sien
It looks like Jacob figured out his camera, and sent lots of pictures this week:
One of the pros of sending packages full of food to Elder Sien and his companion, is we also get to hear from Elder Sien's Samoan companion's (whom I am sure appreciate all the food) Jacob shared with us that Elder Uitu ate all 24 twinkies within 2 days! The "Island guy" can eat! Their letters were both very positive of Elder Sien:
Mom,
I wrote u this letter, to show how supportive I am to ur son...I am so happy to be Siens companion.. He is a good elder, he nas a strong heart..and i thank him for that...thank u for trusting me, I will always take care of him...like i told him everytime, Sien i always got your back, dont worry about anything. And i promised u that no harm things will stop us from moving forward in gods work.....I love him so much, I always treat him as my Brother, cause i am from a family with only 3 sisters, but no brother....BUt anyways, thank you again for being such a great mother. Send my love to ur husband and also the Kids...much love from the island guy...lol....
Ulimasao Vincent Uitu!!!!!!!!!
Ulimasao Vincent Uitu!!!!!!!!!
Hi Mom,
i'm Elder Sien samoan friend here in the mtc..we'll be leaving nextweek for Marshall Island..yeah..i am so amaze of how you raise your son..he is a really really HUMBLE missionary.i love working together with Elder Sien and i love helping him.I just wanna embrace you with your husband for teaching and supporting Sien to come here in the mission.It really is a blessing for me to have Elder Sien here with us.We are all excited we're leaving next week..We are taking care of each others here in the mtc and we will always take care of each others..Love You..May God Bless Elder SIEN's Family.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Letter 5: October 7, 2016
ej et am mour? How are you? I have been doing laundry today. I went to the temple with my district. We did Intiatory. We have a BYU bookstore in the MTC. I ate breakfast at the temple. The food at the temple is so much better then the food at the MTC. Then we did laundry.then went to the bookstore, ate lunch and now i am in the computer lab.
I am doing great! I am wearing the lava lava I got from my companion. Yeah it is really cold here. I am so cold. I got a jacket from the BYU bookstore. My district ,and I got our flight plans today! We leave the Salt lake airport at noon to Hawaii, we get to Hawaii at 3:00 p.m so we have the whole afternoon in Hawaii! I am so excited!!! Now I can say I have been to Hawaii! The next day we leave to the marshalls at 7:25 am and get there at 10:35 am. I cant wait! Everyone is excited! I want to leave but I feel like I don't know a lot about the language, so I am a little nervous.
We got the Conference package you sent for me and my companion, thanks for all the letters too. I saw the video you sent of August, I miss him. I loved it, thanks for sending it. I love you too, and yeah I am doing alright emotionally. I will take lots of pictures.
Conference was amazing!! I loved all of the talks! I liked Elder Gary E Stevenson talk about the Book of Mormon. I liked when Stevenson said "As you look to the book, you look to the Lord" I like that, I never thought that when you read the book of mormon you look to God.
I just can't concentrate right now, I am so excited to leave on to the Marshall Islands. I am going to send you a written letter about my week. I feel like it will be easier for me. I will write in nice handwriting. I will try this only once.
Ij iokwe kom! I love yous!
Friday, September 30, 2016
Letter 4: September 30, 2016
Iokwe!
This week I got a stuffy nose, and I got a cough, and also a headache. It was terrible. Thankfully I brought Ibuprofen to relieve the pain.
Thank you for sending those packages, I really liked receiving my favorite snacks. I feel a little bit better today. I got the picture book, thank you. I like it a lot. Thank you! You have a great General Conference too! Do you read my emails together on Friday nights? Love you! Thank you for sending the packages! I will send the camera I have next week. I don't really need anything right now. Just the black crocs and the smaller camera. Thank you!
Kajin Majel (Marshallese) is still hard. When I teach the investigator (our teacher) with my companion I don't use notes. Which is good! I am trying to memorize the first vision in marshallese. this is what I memorized so far: Iaar lo juon juorn meram lukkuun ioon wot bora. ilontok meram.
I am not sure when we leave the MTC, but I do know that we have three weeks left. I have made friends with my whole district, and others in other districts. Elder Hanson, Elder Barrow, Elder Anderson are close friends of mine.
Brother Switcher,and Sister Switcher spoke to us on Tuesday. Sister Switcher talked about living with no regrets, and Elder Switcher talked about the commandments, and how to teach, and apply them to investigators. Something that surprised me about the MTC was the schedule, every day at the MTC is planned for you.
Saturday: At 2:00 p.m. we have to teach two TRC. The lessons are 20 minutes long. TRC's are members who know your mission language, and come to the MTC so you can teach them, help them come unto Kraist, and you are able to practice your mission language. I was so nervous, but when we started teaching, the nervousness left. We taught them the importance of keeping the sabbath day holy, and the blessings that come when you are obedient.
Sunday: I love Sunday's, I love the Sacrament, and renewing my covenants with God, I love listening to the inspirational devotionals, I love watching spiritual movies that uplift, and edify me. I was not called to give a talk during Sacrament meeting, but I liked the talks that were given, I felt the Spirit. Brother Allen gave a great talk, about keeping your head held high, not in a prideful manner, but to be happy. I watch 17 miracles with my district. The saints went through alot just to get to Zion (Salt Lake Valley) they had so many trials; ran out of food, people got sick then eventually died, physical pains, but the Saint's had immense faith. They pushed through there hard trials, and they were blessed, because of there faith. I encourage you guys to watch 17 miracles. It is a great movie!
Monday: Today has been a good day! I feel like throughout the day me and Elder Uitu are being friendlier and kinder to each other. We had service again this morning. My favorite breakfast in the MTC is sausage, egg, and tator tots, it is the best! I had two plates of that! Got my first package of the week from you! My teacher served in the Marshall's and Kiribati, He says "yous" a lot, his name is Brother Tonini. He is from Texas, but he now has an Australian accent.
Tuesday: For the devotional, Brother Switcher, and Sister Switcher spoke. Sister Switcher spoke about living with no regrets. Brother Switcher spoke about the commandments, and how you can teach, and apply them to the investigators
Wednesday:Today my mottan (companion) had to get an interview for his temple reccomend with President Beurgess the MTC president. Played volleyball during exercise time. Had so much fun! I am starting to get pretty good at volleyball, and starting to spike the volleyball.
Ij iokwe eok! I love you!
Elder Sien
This week I got a stuffy nose, and I got a cough, and also a headache. It was terrible. Thankfully I brought Ibuprofen to relieve the pain.
Thank you for sending those packages, I really liked receiving my favorite snacks. I feel a little bit better today. I got the picture book, thank you. I like it a lot. Thank you! You have a great General Conference too! Do you read my emails together on Friday nights? Love you! Thank you for sending the packages! I will send the camera I have next week. I don't really need anything right now. Just the black crocs and the smaller camera. Thank you!
Kajin Majel (Marshallese) is still hard. When I teach the investigator (our teacher) with my companion I don't use notes. Which is good! I am trying to memorize the first vision in marshallese. this is what I memorized so far: Iaar lo juon juorn meram lukkuun ioon wot bora. ilontok meram.
I am not sure when we leave the MTC, but I do know that we have three weeks left. I have made friends with my whole district, and others in other districts. Elder Hanson, Elder Barrow, Elder Anderson are close friends of mine.
Brother Switcher,and Sister Switcher spoke to us on Tuesday. Sister Switcher talked about living with no regrets, and Elder Switcher talked about the commandments, and how to teach, and apply them to investigators. Something that surprised me about the MTC was the schedule, every day at the MTC is planned for you.
Saturday: At 2:00 p.m. we have to teach two TRC. The lessons are 20 minutes long. TRC's are members who know your mission language, and come to the MTC so you can teach them, help them come unto Kraist, and you are able to practice your mission language. I was so nervous, but when we started teaching, the nervousness left. We taught them the importance of keeping the sabbath day holy, and the blessings that come when you are obedient.
Sunday: I love Sunday's, I love the Sacrament, and renewing my covenants with God, I love listening to the inspirational devotionals, I love watching spiritual movies that uplift, and edify me. I was not called to give a talk during Sacrament meeting, but I liked the talks that were given, I felt the Spirit. Brother Allen gave a great talk, about keeping your head held high, not in a prideful manner, but to be happy. I watch 17 miracles with my district. The saints went through alot just to get to Zion (Salt Lake Valley) they had so many trials; ran out of food, people got sick then eventually died, physical pains, but the Saint's had immense faith. They pushed through there hard trials, and they were blessed, because of there faith. I encourage you guys to watch 17 miracles. It is a great movie!
Monday: Today has been a good day! I feel like throughout the day me and Elder Uitu are being friendlier and kinder to each other. We had service again this morning. My favorite breakfast in the MTC is sausage, egg, and tator tots, it is the best! I had two plates of that! Got my first package of the week from you! My teacher served in the Marshall's and Kiribati, He says "yous" a lot, his name is Brother Tonini. He is from Texas, but he now has an Australian accent.
Tuesday: For the devotional, Brother Switcher, and Sister Switcher spoke. Sister Switcher spoke about living with no regrets. Brother Switcher spoke about the commandments, and how you can teach, and apply them to the investigators
Wednesday:Today my mottan (companion) had to get an interview for his temple reccomend with President Beurgess the MTC president. Played volleyball during exercise time. Had so much fun! I am starting to get pretty good at volleyball, and starting to spike the volleyball.
Ij iokwe eok! I love you!
Elder Sien
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Letter 3: September 23, 2016
Iokwe! This week has been a pretty hard week for me because learning Marshallese is so hard. And some of the time me, and my companion get frustrated at each other.
But I just got back from the temple. I feel happy, and ready to do better this next week.This next week I want stay focused on using my time wisely by studying my scriptures, studying Kajin Majol(Marshallese), and working with Elder Uitu (my companion) to have a better relationship.The food in the MTC is not great, but it is not terrible. I eat pretty well, I usually take one plate for meals, but sometimes I eat two plates.
In our resident building, we have a vending machine. Mostly every night, I get pizza, chocolate milk, and an ice cream. I only get homesick when I read your emails.
Friday: We as a District were going to wake up at 5:00 a.m., so we could go to the temple at 6:30. But we were so tired we decided not to go, and sleep some more.Did laundry. At 1:30 we as a District went to the temple except Elder Uitu, Elder Koleni, and Elder Covington( from Sandy, Utah) The reason why my companion didn't go to the temple is because he left it at his house in Samoa, by accident.
Saturday: Woke up at 6:38 a.m, I was so tired,and did not want to wake up at 6:30. Again me, and Elder Uitu were late for study time in our classroom. Played Volleyball for exercise time.
Sunday: We have Sacrament at 1:30 p.m. So we have time to write our talks. Today I was not asked to give a talk in sacrament meeting, thankfully! After Sacrament meeting we have Priesthood for an hour. Then we walked around the Temple.
Monday: As a District we have service on mondays for an hour in the morning. I swept the all the bathrooms, and the staircases. Elder Uitu, and I traveled the world during the first 20 minutes of Class. He needed to take his passport to check the statis for his visa, at the travel office.
Tuesday: On Tuesday nights we have Devotionals. Elder Clayton, and sister Clayton spoke to us. I felt like I needed to improve myself, and work harder to improve me, and my companions relationship.
My District: left to right, Back row: Elder Barrow from Texas, Sister Greenburg from Murray Utah, Elder Hanson from Missouri, Me. Middle Row: Elder Tingey from Mesa Arizona, Elder Kendrick from South Ogden Utah, Elder House from San diego California, Elder Uitu from American Samoa, Elder Covington from Sandy Utah, Elder Koleni from Western Samoa. Front Row: Elder Dunn from Pleasant Grove Utah, and Elder Anderson from Farmington Utah.
But I just got back from the temple. I feel happy, and ready to do better this next week.This next week I want stay focused on using my time wisely by studying my scriptures, studying Kajin Majol(Marshallese), and working with Elder Uitu (my companion) to have a better relationship.The food in the MTC is not great, but it is not terrible. I eat pretty well, I usually take one plate for meals, but sometimes I eat two plates.
In our resident building, we have a vending machine. Mostly every night, I get pizza, chocolate milk, and an ice cream. I only get homesick when I read your emails.
Friday: We as a District were going to wake up at 5:00 a.m., so we could go to the temple at 6:30. But we were so tired we decided not to go, and sleep some more.Did laundry. At 1:30 we as a District went to the temple except Elder Uitu, Elder Koleni, and Elder Covington( from Sandy, Utah) The reason why my companion didn't go to the temple is because he left it at his house in Samoa, by accident.
Saturday: Woke up at 6:38 a.m, I was so tired,and did not want to wake up at 6:30. Again me, and Elder Uitu were late for study time in our classroom. Played Volleyball for exercise time.
Sunday: We have Sacrament at 1:30 p.m. So we have time to write our talks. Today I was not asked to give a talk in sacrament meeting, thankfully! After Sacrament meeting we have Priesthood for an hour. Then we walked around the Temple.
Monday: As a District we have service on mondays for an hour in the morning. I swept the all the bathrooms, and the staircases. Elder Uitu, and I traveled the world during the first 20 minutes of Class. He needed to take his passport to check the statis for his visa, at the travel office.
Tuesday: On Tuesday nights we have Devotionals. Elder Clayton, and sister Clayton spoke to us. I felt like I needed to improve myself, and work harder to improve me, and my companions relationship.
My District: left to right, Back row: Elder Barrow from Texas, Sister Greenburg from Murray Utah, Elder Hanson from Missouri, Me. Middle Row: Elder Tingey from Mesa Arizona, Elder Kendrick from South Ogden Utah, Elder House from San diego California, Elder Uitu from American Samoa, Elder Covington from Sandy Utah, Elder Koleni from Western Samoa. Front Row: Elder Dunn from Pleasant Grove Utah, and Elder Anderson from Farmington Utah.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Photos!
Shout out to Elder Tingey's Mom, thanks to her we have some photos this week. Hopefully Jacob has more time to upload his photos next week.
In Elder Tingey's letter he explained Jacob's MTC Companion as follows,
"Elder Uitu, is like a big soft gorilla haha he wears his shades everywhere hahha and he calls him comp (Elder Sien) spiderman, because he looks like him apparently. just imagine him saying spiderman with his Samoan accent its hilarious."
In Elder Tingey's letter he explained Jacob's MTC Companion as follows,
"Elder Uitu, is like a big soft gorilla haha he wears his shades everywhere hahha and he calls him comp (Elder Sien) spiderman, because he looks like him apparently. just imagine him saying spiderman with his Samoan accent its hilarious."
Letter 2: September 16, 2016
Iokwe! Ej et am mour? Hello! How are you doing? Marshallese is hard to learn, but I am slowly memorizing words, and pronouncing words correctly. Also I can say the whole prayer in Marshallese! It was hard but I got it down. I am so happy, and feel the spirit so strongly here.
Saturday: Today was a normal day we had class. Taught Alton a lesson in marshallese. My companion Elder Uitu, and Elder Kolani are both from Samoa. Both of them are super funny.
Sunday: Every Sunday the Branch President chooses two people to give a talk in Sacrament meeting so I was nervous. Thankfully I didn't get chosen. I also passed the Sacrament. It was amazing!
Monday: We had service and I cleaned the toilets. Our Marshallese district ,and another Marshallese district combined for class. Me and Elder Uitu lost them so we just hung out in our classroom for three hours!
Tuesday: Tuesday nights are when the an Apostle comes ,and speak to us. It was amazing! I also with all my district sang in the choir. It was amazing! We sang Nearer my God to thee.
Wednesday: Today me and Elder Uitu got fustrated with each other so I had a rough day. Also I had a hard time in class learning Marshallese. It was so hard understanding the teacher. Wednesday night we taught Alton the Atonement . I felt the spirit strongly. I am trying to be more loving ,and patient with my companion.
Thursday: Thursday was a regular day. During exercise time I played volleyball. We gained two new investigators. one named Henry, and Jarbon.
I love you guys!
I love you!
Elder Sien
Saturday: Today was a normal day we had class. Taught Alton a lesson in marshallese. My companion Elder Uitu, and Elder Kolani are both from Samoa. Both of them are super funny.
Sunday: Every Sunday the Branch President chooses two people to give a talk in Sacrament meeting so I was nervous. Thankfully I didn't get chosen. I also passed the Sacrament. It was amazing!
Monday: We had service and I cleaned the toilets. Our Marshallese district ,and another Marshallese district combined for class. Me and Elder Uitu lost them so we just hung out in our classroom for three hours!
Tuesday: Tuesday nights are when the an Apostle comes ,and speak to us. It was amazing! I also with all my district sang in the choir. It was amazing! We sang Nearer my God to thee.
Wednesday: Today me and Elder Uitu got fustrated with each other so I had a rough day. Also I had a hard time in class learning Marshallese. It was so hard understanding the teacher. Wednesday night we taught Alton the Atonement . I felt the spirit strongly. I am trying to be more loving ,and patient with my companion.
Thursday: Thursday was a regular day. During exercise time I played volleyball. We gained two new investigators. one named Henry, and Jarbon.
I love you guys!
I love you!
Elder Sien
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Letter 1: September 9, 2016
Hey,
The MTC is pretty awesome! I felt so nervous going into the MTC, but when I went in I felt the spirit, and was comforted. I am short on time because my companion arrived last night and I had to get him ready for the MTC. My companion is Elder Uiutu, he is from American Somoa.
Wednesday: I got all my stuff for the MTC. Then took it to my room. Then straight to learning a bit of Marshallese in my classroom. My district is amazing!Thursday:We went to the classroom to learn more about Marshallese. We already have to teach a lesson in Marshallese Friday night!Friday is my P day.Love you,Elder Sien
September 7, 2016: Missionary Training Center
Jacob was ready and excited to go to the MTC on Wednesday.
On Tuesday night he wanted his "last supper" to be Indian food, and so we enjoyed naan, tandori, and curry at India Palace in Provo, Utah across from the Provo City Center Temple. We spent the afternoon walking around the new Provo temple and the BYU bookstore. We stayed the night overlooking the beautiful mountains in Midway, UT. Jacob was able to Facetime with Bryn, Aevyn and Eden and his Mom and Jack that evening.
Wednesday morning Jacob finished reading the Book of Mormon and requested french toast for breakfast. We went to Kneaders and he ordered all you can eat french toast. Jacob had a quiet confidence about him all morning. We had a sweet family prayer and thought together, and we shared this quote with Jacob.
"Heavenly Father knows all about you—your strengths and your weaknesses. He knows perfectly who you are, but He also knows who you can become. And with that knowledge, He has placed you here, now—at the exact place and time in which you can do the most good with the talents and gifts He has given you." - Elder Craig C. Christensen
On the drive to the MTC Jacob made a few phone calls to say his final goodbyes. When we arrived at the MTC we were directed to the right and began to help Jacob unload. Jacob was warmly greeted by his host missionary who met him at the curb of the MTC was Elder Brown. Elder Brown was called to serve in the Oakland mission Tongan speaking. He was friendly, and very helpful to Jacob. Jacob gave us all hugs and walked away from us with a big smile and a lot of confidence.
We are so proud of him.
On Tuesday night he wanted his "last supper" to be Indian food, and so we enjoyed naan, tandori, and curry at India Palace in Provo, Utah across from the Provo City Center Temple. We spent the afternoon walking around the new Provo temple and the BYU bookstore. We stayed the night overlooking the beautiful mountains in Midway, UT. Jacob was able to Facetime with Bryn, Aevyn and Eden and his Mom and Jack that evening.
Wednesday morning Jacob finished reading the Book of Mormon and requested french toast for breakfast. We went to Kneaders and he ordered all you can eat french toast. Jacob had a quiet confidence about him all morning. We had a sweet family prayer and thought together, and we shared this quote with Jacob.
"Heavenly Father knows all about you—your strengths and your weaknesses. He knows perfectly who you are, but He also knows who you can become. And with that knowledge, He has placed you here, now—at the exact place and time in which you can do the most good with the talents and gifts He has given you." - Elder Craig C. Christensen
On the drive to the MTC Jacob made a few phone calls to say his final goodbyes. When we arrived at the MTC we were directed to the right and began to help Jacob unload. Jacob was warmly greeted by his host missionary who met him at the curb of the MTC was Elder Brown. Elder Brown was called to serve in the Oakland mission Tongan speaking. He was friendly, and very helpful to Jacob. Jacob gave us all hugs and walked away from us with a big smile and a lot of confidence.
We are so proud of him.
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