The Bleak Midwinter

Hello my loved ones in the bleak midwinter:)

I'm doing just fine here in the Waipahu zone. A little tired as per usual, but doing well haha. Today a few elders and I went and played rugby with the Tongan youth from 7 to 12. Soooo yeah a little tired haha, and a little beat up too, but it provided a lot of happiness haha. I'm not in as bad shape as I could be haha.

Speaking of my shoes and walking in the rain, I can't remember if I ever told you guys of the adventure that Elder T. and I had about 3 weeks ago. Our car had to have some body work done so Elder T. and I were out a car for a little over a week. That meant catching bus... a lot. And walking... a LOT. So one day we were in Western Waipahu and we were going to walk to the East side of Waipahu to our chapel for a little bit of planning for the rest of our day. So we begin to walk from our appointment that we were at to the chapel, and it begins to sprinkle. So Elder T. and I say a quick prayer that included a request for the cessation of rain, but a willing heart to go do the work either way. So we began walking again and it began to DUMP. And I mean absolutely DUMP. It was what I imagine the rain for 40 days and 40 nights would be like to flood the earth haha. So we kept walking figuring it would end soon as it typically does in Hawaii, the rain comes and goes. But in reality it continued to rain the entirety of the trip over to the chapel which was like 2 miles or so. Raining so hard at times that I couldn't wipe the water away fast enough to be able to see properly. Needless to say we were absolutely ruined haha. BUT we walked past a school as school got out so we also got like a solid 35 or more street contacts on the way. So we finally got to the chapel and assessed the damage. I'm thankful that I have the Under Armor backpack because it seemed to have at least moderate water proofing. My scriptures were dry and all the things I had in my backpack were pretty much safe, but I was a different story. Shirt: soaked; Pants: Wet(but not terrible surprisingly, I think Haggar is an excellent brand for pants!) but oh, my poor shoes. I've had them for neigh on 3 years now and they were wet, wet, wet. I brought them home and put some newspaper in them and hoped. But the leather was ruined, and began to mold in the humidity of Hawaii. So luckily, at least, they were an old pair, the soles were cracked and had a couple cuts on the front of them. So they had a well lived life and managed to make it being worn every day for 6 months. No I didn't play taps or give them a funeral, but they can now enjoy their rest haha;) But one pair down, two to go!

Anyways, that was the past, this is the present. It sounds like things have been going pretty good for my beloved family, I am SUPER jealous of the good sandwich shop. I'd love to go there someday. Things have been going pretty well here too, we have a baptism on Thursday!!! Elder T. and I, but mostly the spirit, taught him everything he needed to know to drop smoking and drinking entirely and commit to living the law of chastity and prepare himself for baptism. It's nice to reap the benefits of what you sow, with a lot of hard work haha:)

But not much else has happened besides that! I'll be sure to send pictures next week:) Being a District Leader is stressful, training is just about finished, Elder T. and I are doing well, and I might be transferred next week, so I guess we'll see!!!

I love you all and wish you all the best:)

Ofa Lahi Atu!

Elder Brooksby