Life goes on....

This computer I am on is not working!   I can't upload photos nor can I see the photos that you have sent,  bummer.  

This week went by fast again.  Saturday we went to Martinborough, a farther city away with our district leader to really work hard out there because we don't go out there very much.  So, we started knocking doors, and only one person answered the door and was very rude to us but told us to go down to the fire station to look for service opportunities.  So, after that whole street of being rejected, we ended up at the fire station.  We asked if they would be interested in any type of service that we could give them.  They said "No", but I am about to wash the fire truck  so if you would like to help with that, you can.  We said "Of course!"  They let us wear their clothes, they took us for a ride, and we got eat lunch with them!  I have photos of this to send, but nothing is working here.  

I got two packages this week!  One from you and one from Sister Matthews.  Sister Matthews sent me valentines magnets and candy and a fun letter!  I am still waiting for Kylie's letter back!  You guys are all so funny!  I just love you all!  Thank you for everything that you sent me too!  I am going to be living off of the food you sent this week.  I don't have the handle for the razor blades though, as Elder Tomalti took my razor!  I have been shaving without the handle for the last couple of months.!  The new shoes are great.  They seem a little smaller that my other ones, I think I just need to work them in.  Thanks so much for everything!  I would appreciate it too, if you could give me an update on my bank account.  How much have I used and what I have left, etc.  

Today we are off to do shopping, maybe go dirt biking, and then tonight we are having FHE with some less actives.  I love my new area and my companion.  

Love you, 

Elder Tuckett

Welcome to Carterton!

Yesterday was a holiday, that is why I didn't get to email you.  It was the Anniversary of Wellington.  

It has been a fantastic week!  So many memories already here in Carterton.  Wednesday, I got on the bus and made sure to get a front seat.  It took about 2 hours to get to my new area by bus.  So, I arrived in Masterton, got off the bus, and no one was there, so I waited on the curb and asked how to get to Carterton, and they pointed me to the bus stop across the street.  I was waiting there, and someone drove by and honked and waved, then they turn around.  I found out they were members, so they called the missionaries, and they had forgotten me!!!!!  So, I hung out with them, then finally got picked up and got with my new companion in Carterton.  He is awesome!

Elder Uasila'a is from Tonga, but moved to Aukland when he was 13.  He has been on the mission for 18 months this Sunday!  He is fantastic, funny, and fun!
  

We have a really nice flat because a Senior Couple used to live here.  We have a dishwasher, gas oven and it is just so nice and fun.  However, there is nothing in the flat.... I plan on changing that.  I am going to Op shops [i think that is a 2nd hand shop] and looking for weights and other little things that we are missing.  

The most important part of the flat is that we have a really nice shower.  The pressure is too strong!  If you put it on all the way, it floods the bathroom so you feel like your are drowning.... It's great!  It is very hard to find a nice shower like this in New Zealand.  

This is a picture of our flat, and our flashy new 2013 Toyota hatchback.  It drives so nice!  It has a sports button that makes you go fast!  Talk about hastening the work!  We live in the nicest area of the city.  We work in 4 little towns, about 15 minutes in between each one.  Carterton, Greyton, Featherston, and Martinborough.  We have so many investigators that I still haven't met them all.  There is not a ward here -- only a branch.  But on Sunday, I believe that more people showed up to church than in Napier.  There were LOTS of visitors!  And, they are much more organized and helpful than in Feilding.   It is a really strong branch.  I love it!  

Yesterday was just a blast!  Since it was a holiday, we went on a 30 kilometer bike ride.  We met up with a part member family at Mt. Hallsworth.  We biked all the way out there and had lunch with them, then went down to the river to help them pack up, and that was the greatest part if you ask me.  While we were helping them pack up, there was a far away rumble/thunder sound and then the ground started shaking, the tree leaves we're shaking and going crazy, then there was a really big jolt!  Then more small movements.  We put our bikes in the car, and rode home with the family.  We found out that there was a 6.3 earthquake 50 meters deep near Castlepoint.  I was glad that we were out in the wilderness when it happened so there was nothing to fall on us.  

This is the beautiful river - it took us 2 hours to bike out there,  This was our first of many adventures!  I love it here! 

Love, 
Elder Tuckett 

I'm transferred!

I am getting transferred this week!  I will be going to Cartertown.   I don't know much about it.  I will not be district leader any more.... Just a "field soldier".   It will be nice not to have responsibilities for a while.  I do hope that I get to train next time.  I love training.  

I hate to leave here, but I am happy Elder Richardson will be taking over my district here in Feilding.  I hope they keep up with all of the people that I have found while here to to teach.  He is a great missionary.  

The highlight of my week was that we got to herd sheep back into their pen.  The sisters chased them into a corner, but then the sheep didn't know what to do so they charged a fence so that is when we stepped in and herded them back into the pen.    I got some of it on video.  

That is great news about Jared and Joe getting their mission calls.  Jared is going to open mainland China.... I just know it!!!!  

I am so glad that I am getting some more shoes.  When you send them, send me some insoles too.  Grandma Tuckett sent me some good ones that I like!  They make walking so much nicer!  

My new companions name is Elder Uasila'a. I can't even say his name.  I do hope that he likes to bike though because I love biking.  

I loved the pictures of your YSA Service Project.  That looked massive!!  Great work!  

Here is one last picture of my district! 

Love you mom!

Elder Tuckett

Happy New Year

New Year's Eve we had to be in at 7:00 pm.  We had exchanges with the Zone Leaders from Monday-Wednesday, so Wednesday night we changed back.  We talked to the Zone Leaders for 30-40 minutes or so, then on the way home I got a chicken sandwich from the only Wendy's in my mission so I loved it!!!  When we got home we watched 17 Miracles, one of the few movies we are allowed to watch on the mission.  That was my New Years!

Things have started to pick up again since the holidays are over.  We have had some great lessons with our investigators this week.  I never understood the reason why people believe in re-incarnation.  Some people are so concerned about this.  I don't understand why they think they need to come to life again with a different body.  Jesus Christ came once, but others need to come more than once to learn more?  I don't get it.... That was an interesting lesson that we had.  The lady with cancer that we do service for each week is going to start taking the lessons!  I am so excited for this!  Yesterday, after church we took our investigators uncle over to have a visit with him. He shared his conversion story and everyone really felt the spirit.  We are also teaching their friends.  So, this week we are going to have a combined lesson.  We have exchanges again this week as well. 

Church was great yesterday.  The members all bore their testimonies, so we didn't have to fill in the time with our testimonies.  We had an investigator with us and he loves the ward and how our church is run.  He should be getting baptized soon.  We had a baptism on Saturday for a lady that the sisters have taught.  She is so excited to be a member and is going to be the best!  

Transfers are next week, I may be getting transferred, we will see.  

Love you!!!

Elder Tuckett

This was our breakfast on Christmas morning at the Sr. couples house!

Don't you love my tree?

I am still trying to finish the brownies from my birthday... I eat them with the best ice cream in the world.  It's called Jelly Tip.  Good old New Zealand ice cream!

We had Burger Fuel again!  It was awesome!!!