Our Booth at the Carnival
"Candy Floss" = Cotton Candy!
Our House -- sorry, I am only home at night to get a picture
"You're Welcome" Mom, I put some eggs in fridge for me -Comp still keeps his up top.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Best Week so Far....
Another AMAZING week! In fact, the best week yet! I wish I could tell you everything, but there is not enough time. We taught 30 lessons this week. That includes less actives, investigators and part-member families. So, this week we should have at least 4 baptism dates set so we will have 5 in total! We had a great start to our week by having Family Home Evening with the Bishop and our recently baptized member. We had a BBQ out on a hill that the Bishop lives on. It was so pretty and very spiritual when we all bore our testimonies.
This weekend we went to a carnival that was held in Flaxmere. The church had a booth at the carnival and we were able to talk to a ton of people. Two people stayed in the booth while the rest spread out in the crowd handing out copies of the Book of Mormon, Finding Faith in Christ DVD's, mormon.org cards, and various pamphlets. It was dandy! The Stake President came up to us and said he saw a group of boys (like a gang practically) and they were holding a Book of Mormon and walking around reading. It was pretty cool. And church this week... fantastic.... we had 80 people in attendance! Most left after Sacrament, but it was good to see so many there. This week we get our new Senior Couple! I am so excited about that, they will be a great help.
But.... the coolest thing that happened was yesterday. We were doing visits with the Bishop and he asked us who else we should visit. My companion said "Scott". (he is a less active member who is married to a non-member who we visit every week) We took the Bishop to his house to meet him, as he had never met him. We knocked on the door, and the kids let us in, and we saw that he was on the phone. He hung up and said that he was speaking with his mother and she had just said "Talk to the missionaries"! He closed the door behind him and started talking to the Bishop all about his problems with his family that he is going through and awww..... it was just amazing. He has an appt to meet with the Bishop on Tuesday night so that they can talk some more and help him out. He is just coming to Christ now and it is so humbling to watch. We just showed up at the right time with the right person.
We run in to the Jehovah Witness' a lot here -- and have had some good conversations with them. It is pretty funny when you find something that doesn't make sense in their religion then they just stop talking and shut down and walk away. They definitely have built up my faith about the Book of Mormon. We knocked on this ladies door once and she said, naw, you can't help me, the Jehovah Witness' came and they couldn't answer my questions but then we got her to ask us the questions and we answered all of them! Amazing! This was in a different area, so unfortunately, I don't know what happened to that lady.
I am excited for all my friends that got their calls this week. Nick Olson in Sweden... LEGIT! And I am happy for Ashley and Sid too.
This morning I got a big package, and I was thinking that it was yours. I opened it and there was no bike lock, so I opened the card and it was all New Zealand food from the Hamulas! [our good friends, Elder Hamula is the Pacific Area President, they live in Auckland] Can you please tell them thank you for me? The food is amazing and I want to know why I can't find any of it in the store we shop at! All of the missionaries thought it was so cool that I know the Hamulas. I feel pretty cool for once. I am looking forward to the package you sent. Don't send me too much stuff at once, I don't want to leave it behind if I get transferred. However, I expect to be in my first area for 4-6 months.
It was sure exciting to hear about all the new missions being formed this week [The church announced 58 new missions being formed]. And, we are getting a new Mission in Hamilton, New Zealand. I might even end up being in the new mission if I am still in Napier, but we don't know the exact boundaries yet, so watch for the boundaries to come out soon!
I can't believe that it snowed in Arizona this week, and the landslide -- I know that road well! [there was a landslide that buckled the road outside of Page that we always drive on going to UT, i sent him a pic] The weather here has been fantastic! Everyone here is complaining how hot it is at 60 -70 degrees. I am scared for the winter -- I am going to freeze. And I am on the North Island right now! I think you better send me some long underwear just in case!
Love to all,
Elder Tuckett
Sunday, February 17, 2013
The local stuff...
I hate that they have these coins -- $1 and $2, they are so heavy in your pocket
I had to add this receipts.... bacon, fruit, oreos... everything he needs
Our backyard -- I got to mow the yard last week.
[he feels deprived as he missed this opportunity as a child, we fail as parents]
The facilities -- Tell Paula, I can't tell if the water swirls the wrong way, it doesn't swirl at all and there is no water pressure what so ever, however we have the nicest facilities in the area.
We went to the beach on our P-day last week.
Getting used to New Zealand
This week was amazing! However, we asked one of our investigators what kingdom he wants to go to and he said the MOON! He said that is the one for him, and he doesn't want to live with God or Jesus, and he prefers to relax, and lay around. (he is crazy) We have some work to to. I don't know what we are going to do with him.
Anyway, all is good, What we do need is just to have the members show up for church. Yesterday, there were only 38 people at church. Everyone just shows up like once a month or not at all. We are getting a senior couple in our ward though so that should really help us out because their job is to motivate less actives and make sure the recently baptized people keep going to church.
I got mail for the first time on the 15th. It was sent on the 31st. Some was from Grandma and Grandpa Tuckett, be sure to thank them for me. I didn't even know it was Valentine's Day. I am excited to get the package that you have sent and get some American food.
The food here is different. Nothing tastes the same, even the milk, eggs, and bacon. I got oreos too at the store, but they are different as well. We have a lot of cans of spaghetti in tomato sauce, and beans in tomato sauce. I don't know what we are going to do with them. They are NASTY! And someone gave us some pork the other day, and I have no idea what to do with that. It would be great if you could send some simple recipes of things that I could cook. I have been cooking eggs in the center of bread and frying it like Mary used to do. One thing we do have is great fruit!!! We were knocking doors the other day, and the people had an apple tree in their front yard, and we got to pick one and eat it right off of the tree. It was delicious. I am in love with the fruit. [if you know Ryan, you know he has always been in love with fruit] We have grapes growing in our backyard as well as a lemon tree, the grapes are delicious, and a neighbor told us we could have all the grapes in her front yard so we don't have to shop for fruit. Everything is so expensive here. We get about $100 every two weeks to spend. And.... they make you pay for your grocery bags 20 Cents!!! I am also trying to get used to spray deodorant as that is all that they have.
My area is the biggest in the district and we do not have a car yet. I tried to get my drivers licence last Saturday, but the office to get it was closed due to a holiday, so hopefully next week. The holiday was celebrating the anniversary of an earthquake that happened in the 1930's and everyone comes from all around dressed in 30's attire -- it was cool. They also had a great air show! I loved it! As for now, we just stay in the suburbs. Most of our area is farm land but we can't ride our bikes -- Hopefully next week, once I get my licence, we get a car then we can go every where on our own. We keep having to ask members to go shopping for food, and take us to church and everywhere far.
I love my companion. We are becoming best friends. We are doing really well together. He has been out for 11 months, and I am the 3rd missionary that he has trained.
Love you all,
Elder Tuckett
Anyway, all is good, What we do need is just to have the members show up for church. Yesterday, there were only 38 people at church. Everyone just shows up like once a month or not at all. We are getting a senior couple in our ward though so that should really help us out because their job is to motivate less actives and make sure the recently baptized people keep going to church.
I got mail for the first time on the 15th. It was sent on the 31st. Some was from Grandma and Grandpa Tuckett, be sure to thank them for me. I didn't even know it was Valentine's Day. I am excited to get the package that you have sent and get some American food.
The food here is different. Nothing tastes the same, even the milk, eggs, and bacon. I got oreos too at the store, but they are different as well. We have a lot of cans of spaghetti in tomato sauce, and beans in tomato sauce. I don't know what we are going to do with them. They are NASTY! And someone gave us some pork the other day, and I have no idea what to do with that. It would be great if you could send some simple recipes of things that I could cook. I have been cooking eggs in the center of bread and frying it like Mary used to do. One thing we do have is great fruit!!! We were knocking doors the other day, and the people had an apple tree in their front yard, and we got to pick one and eat it right off of the tree. It was delicious. I am in love with the fruit. [if you know Ryan, you know he has always been in love with fruit] We have grapes growing in our backyard as well as a lemon tree, the grapes are delicious, and a neighbor told us we could have all the grapes in her front yard so we don't have to shop for fruit. Everything is so expensive here. We get about $100 every two weeks to spend. And.... they make you pay for your grocery bags 20 Cents!!! I am also trying to get used to spray deodorant as that is all that they have.
My area is the biggest in the district and we do not have a car yet. I tried to get my drivers licence last Saturday, but the office to get it was closed due to a holiday, so hopefully next week. The holiday was celebrating the anniversary of an earthquake that happened in the 1930's and everyone comes from all around dressed in 30's attire -- it was cool. They also had a great air show! I loved it! As for now, we just stay in the suburbs. Most of our area is farm land but we can't ride our bikes -- Hopefully next week, once I get my licence, we get a car then we can go every where on our own. We keep having to ask members to go shopping for food, and take us to church and everywhere far.
I love my companion. We are becoming best friends. We are doing really well together. He has been out for 11 months, and I am the 3rd missionary that he has trained.
Love you all,
Elder Tuckett
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Love a picture.....or two
Our fridge is full --[im freaked out a bit that they don't refrigerate the eggs.]
Up on top of our city -- Elder Godinet and I
One of the plants
These huge trees are all over
Rainy day, stopping to see the sheep!
Food someone brought them. [hopefully this is for two people]
Another week in New Zealand....
Dear family,
First of all, I can't believe that Jaron is going to Japan! [another friend got his mission call] I can't wait for Tyler to put in his papers so I can see where he is going. [yet another good friend and swimming buddy].
I am so glad that my truck is still around. [he mentions this in every letter, he must truly be concerned for his truck] The trucks here are so small compared to the US. They all have small little cars and they hook trailers to them and it is funny watching them.
I am so glad that you got to feed the missionaries. We get dinner from members every day and sometimes it is a bit questionable food. I will send some pictures! [he sent a pic, that i will post in another post, but it looks fine to me] We have been fed really well this week, too much food in fact. They have a soda that is supposed to be like root beer called ginger beer, it definitely takes getting used to.
Last p-day we got to go hike a mountain. It was so pretty. I love how clear blue the skies are. It did rain for a good day this week. The people have said that they are in a drought so it is good that it rained, however, it was not good to ride a bike in, but changed things up a bit! I am enjoying the foliage, and different trees and flowers. I have seen some kiwi birds, but they are not too cool looking.
Bike riding is not bad at all. We have to wear our helmets, so don't worry.
We are teaching 3 or 4 people right now. It is just great! We went knocking doors this week and found this really cute couple that are engaged and they are loving our message so far! This was our first time meeting with them. Johnathon and Shawni, and they are so nice! Shauni reminds me of Mary a little bit which is fun. We also found another guy named Gallen, and we haven't gotten to sit with him yet but he says he doesn't believe in Joseph Smith, so we have some work to do.! We have a baptism date with Anish for March 2nd, and many more! I have had some great experiences knocking and it is pretty cool, but scary too.
There were a lot more people to church yesterday, thank goodness! I am giving a talk this next Sunday and also teaching a lesson, so I will have a busy week preparing!
Love and Miss you,
Elder Tuckett
First of all, I can't believe that Jaron is going to Japan! [another friend got his mission call] I can't wait for Tyler to put in his papers so I can see where he is going. [yet another good friend and swimming buddy].
I am so glad that my truck is still around. [he mentions this in every letter, he must truly be concerned for his truck] The trucks here are so small compared to the US. They all have small little cars and they hook trailers to them and it is funny watching them.
I am so glad that you got to feed the missionaries. We get dinner from members every day and sometimes it is a bit questionable food. I will send some pictures! [he sent a pic, that i will post in another post, but it looks fine to me] We have been fed really well this week, too much food in fact. They have a soda that is supposed to be like root beer called ginger beer, it definitely takes getting used to.
Last p-day we got to go hike a mountain. It was so pretty. I love how clear blue the skies are. It did rain for a good day this week. The people have said that they are in a drought so it is good that it rained, however, it was not good to ride a bike in, but changed things up a bit! I am enjoying the foliage, and different trees and flowers. I have seen some kiwi birds, but they are not too cool looking.
Bike riding is not bad at all. We have to wear our helmets, so don't worry.
We are teaching 3 or 4 people right now. It is just great! We went knocking doors this week and found this really cute couple that are engaged and they are loving our message so far! This was our first time meeting with them. Johnathon and Shawni, and they are so nice! Shauni reminds me of Mary a little bit which is fun. We also found another guy named Gallen, and we haven't gotten to sit with him yet but he says he doesn't believe in Joseph Smith, so we have some work to do.! We have a baptism date with Anish for March 2nd, and many more! I have had some great experiences knocking and it is pretty cool, but scary too.
There were a lot more people to church yesterday, thank goodness! I am giving a talk this next Sunday and also teaching a lesson, so I will have a busy week preparing!
Love and Miss you,
Elder Tuckett
Sunday, February 3, 2013
I'm here....
The plane he flew to Napier on -- he said there is no security in New Zealand,
only in Auckland, but it was nothing like USA, and there was none in Wellington and Napier
His first district in New Zealand, minus the girl in the middle and kid in the back
Riding through the town... that is his companion up ahead
view from my front window
MTC photos
My district at the MTC, outside the Temple in Provo --- oh so cold
My MTC companion, Elder Kendell
Elder Bagley, one of my district leaders
From the Land Down Under
Ryan finally was able to sent some pictures.... (i will put those in a different post). We emailed back and forth for a little bit this afternoon -- He is so funny and had us in stitches.... We have pulled together bits and pieces to come up with what it going on -- He sounds like he is doing well. Everyone can email him, however, his time is limited on the computer. He would love to receive a "real letter" as well, as he only gets to get on email once a week. All mail must go to the mission home, and they will disburse it. Sister Kezerian updated the mission blog, so be sure to check it out as well (link on the right).
Hello!
It is Monday today and the time is 11:50. I have not had much of a problem with jet lag. It is pretty hot here, but not as hot as AZ, but almost!
Congrats to AJ! [his friend that just got called to serve in Bogata, Columbia] Tell AJ I haven't had to eat fish yet. [they are both worried about having to eat fish on their missions]
I am in Napier, New Zealand. [he had to fly there] My area is big, but small! [whatever that means] Our ward is the Omaho Ward (aka the old school ward) with lots of old people in it! In Ward Council they said there were 175 members and I was like, WOW, that isn't a lot. Then, I go to church and counted 27 people, there were 4 in gospel doctrine, and 8 in priesthood.... so it is a bit different here. I told my companion that we have some work to do. I got to bless the sacrament and it was awesome! I have met lots of members and less actives and a few investigators already. The first day I was here we went knocking on doors too!
My companion is Elder Godinet and is from American Samoa, so he is used to islands and beautiful seas. He speaks 5 languages and worked at McDonalds before his mission. He is a district Leader. We live in a little house here in Napier. Our address is 17 Waterhouse St, Napier New Zealand, but do not sent anything here, just in case you want to google it. I feel like I am already getting an accent as well as I am getting used to their accents.
All of my mail should go to the mission home. They don't trust the mail too much here, and I don't either to tell you the truth. So, tell people to email me or send me a letter to the mission home, or use dear elder.
We ride our bikes everywhere right now, but my companion is 'making' me get my drivers license so that we can hit the far houses out in the field. He is hoping I have this by next week. So maybe next week I will be driving if I am used to the roads. [they drive on the left, and not many of the native missionaries drive]
The food here is richer. I am just going to be getting chunkier! :( I don't know exactly what I have been eating, I just try to muscle it down.
I went to my first wedding here on Saturday, and then she got baptized on Sunday night! It was great! I loved it! (so much better than knocking on doors!)
Don't worry about me down here, it is so amazing and I am already getting lost in the work.
I love you!
Elder Tuckett
p.s. tell people to write me!
Hello!
It is Monday today and the time is 11:50. I have not had much of a problem with jet lag. It is pretty hot here, but not as hot as AZ, but almost!
Congrats to AJ! [his friend that just got called to serve in Bogata, Columbia] Tell AJ I haven't had to eat fish yet. [they are both worried about having to eat fish on their missions]
I am in Napier, New Zealand. [he had to fly there] My area is big, but small! [whatever that means] Our ward is the Omaho Ward (aka the old school ward) with lots of old people in it! In Ward Council they said there were 175 members and I was like, WOW, that isn't a lot. Then, I go to church and counted 27 people, there were 4 in gospel doctrine, and 8 in priesthood.... so it is a bit different here. I told my companion that we have some work to do. I got to bless the sacrament and it was awesome! I have met lots of members and less actives and a few investigators already. The first day I was here we went knocking on doors too!
My companion is Elder Godinet and is from American Samoa, so he is used to islands and beautiful seas. He speaks 5 languages and worked at McDonalds before his mission. He is a district Leader. We live in a little house here in Napier. Our address is 17 Waterhouse St, Napier New Zealand, but do not sent anything here, just in case you want to google it. I feel like I am already getting an accent as well as I am getting used to their accents.
All of my mail should go to the mission home. They don't trust the mail too much here, and I don't either to tell you the truth. So, tell people to email me or send me a letter to the mission home, or use dear elder.
We ride our bikes everywhere right now, but my companion is 'making' me get my drivers license so that we can hit the far houses out in the field. He is hoping I have this by next week. So maybe next week I will be driving if I am used to the roads. [they drive on the left, and not many of the native missionaries drive]
The food here is richer. I am just going to be getting chunkier! :( I don't know exactly what I have been eating, I just try to muscle it down.
I went to my first wedding here on Saturday, and then she got baptized on Sunday night! It was great! I loved it! (so much better than knocking on doors!)
Don't worry about me down here, it is so amazing and I am already getting lost in the work.
I love you!
Elder Tuckett
p.s. tell people to write me!
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