My Last Email

Dear fam,

my last email as a young missionary. it's so strange to have this happen. I finally made it though, and we are now pulling into the station, so to speak. love you all so much. Good luck to you all, see you on thursday! which, will be the longest day of my life, literally. I cross the date line in the middle of the day. 

I prefer less bear spray on my campouts. let me know if that is a possibility!!!

love,

Elder Kuehne

P.S. you have no idea how much I want to see you all. I have been interviewed by president Argana for my exit interview, and it was trunky. but, that's ok. Because I am now allowed to think about going home! can't wait to see you!

Just Work, and Do the Things that Please God

Dear fam,

Not a lot to say this week. We have been working to get more investigators, and we are the planters here in Oras. We plant, someone else will water, but God will give the increase. It's totally okay with me! I love the work, and am really excited to move forward in the work. it's odd to think that my time is coming so soon, but it really is here. here goes nothing! 

mom, my shoe size is still the same, at 10 1/2-11. thankfully, that has not changed. for garments, I wear a large shirt and waist size 34. I expect to gain weight when I get home, because the portions are out of control compared to here. i think that's really it. As long as a temple session and mandarin are part of the plan, I'm good for anything. oh, and milk. fresh milk. that's expensive here and hard to come by in some areas. 

I can't wait to see you all next week!!!!!! I miss you all so much, and I have so much to catch up and talk with you all about!

I have some spare time, so I want to share a verse that has helped me. This area is hard to find in, and most people don't make it past the first lesson. That has made me frustrated, and I was very discouraged. then, one day, as I was fasting and asking what I could do to help the area, I read in the new testament john 8:29, and learned what I need to do. Just work, and do the things that please God. it's really simple, and was a reminder to me not to lose hope as long as I am working as hard as I can. I am now working as hard as I can, and it is such a blessing!

looking forward to seeing you!!!

Love

Elder Kuehne

 

By the way, Elder D, my trainer, emailed me this week. It's now official, he is getting married in August. he sent me an invitation. just fun news

 

Pray For the People in Oras

Dear fam,

only 2 weeks to go. I never thought that I would ever say this. it's a strange feeling. before I forget, I got your package. I will be sure to give out all these items. thank you so much for sending them! it will make the members day! last week, we spent about 4 1/2 days in Borongan. it was useful, because we had some great experiences, but not so great because they happened outside our area. It was hard to accept, but we are now back at 0. we will be working hard to reverse the negative trend in Oras and work on getting some investigators. all I ask is that the family pray for the people in Oras that their hearts will be softened, that they will be drawn to the gospel and the blessing it can be in their lives. that's really all I can ask for right now.

Elder P is slowly becoming more social and excited for missionary work. this week is our last district training meeting, and we have baptismal interviews in Sulat, Dolores, and Borongan. We are going to be busy this week! next week, we go to Tacloban for a zone conference, also my last. lots of lasts these next 2 weeks. 

I love you all so much

Elder Kuehne

I Want There To Be No Doubt About It

Dear Fam,

I'm really not sure what to say in these emails anymore. Not trunky yet, despite my districts constant reminders of how many days I have left. 

to start, the potential here in Oras has not yet been fulfilled. Another hard week. we're trying so hard to teach, have new investigators, and accomplish something here. nothing yet, the members haven't caught the vision yet. we're working on helping them grow and increase their testimony and desire to share that testimony. Let's hope it works. :)

Elder P is doing well. nothing to really complain about. he's still shy to start a discussion, so we will be working on that this week. It will be a short week, though, because we have exchanges this week with the Sulat elders in our district, and the zone leaders in Borongan. also, zone interviews and district conference. We will only work here in Oras for 2 1/2 days. the rest will be in Borongan. As if that will help me not be trunky.........

anyway, miss you all so much! last week flew right by. so now we are trying to get some new investigators to prepare the area before I leave. I am really getting nervous. It's already week 4 in the mission, which will pass by so fast! week 5 and 6 are also busy with zone conference, baptismal interviews, and other responsibilities. it will be a short 3 weeks, I promise that!!!!

Lastly, I just want to share my testimony. It has grown since last time I shared it, and I want there to be no doubt about it. I know that God hears our prayers, that he is in the details of our lives and if we serve him, if we do our best to magnify our callings and lives, we will receive all we need. I know that Jesus is the Christ and Messiah, that the scriptures teach about Him and knew what role He would take. He is my Savior, and I love Him with all my heart. I serve Him. This is the true church, restored through the prophet Joseph Smith, who layed down his life for the truth. 

I love my mission. it has changed me. I look forward to seeing you all in a short 3 weeks!

Love

Elder Kuehne

p.s. Don't get too excited about pictures. but if there is anything that I can bring for souvenirs, let me know if you have any requests. 

You Must Have Gotten My Travel Itinerary

Dear fam,

You must have gotten my travel itinerary. Bit odd, but 2 days in Manila sounds pretty good! not to mention spending it with Elder D and Elder J. both very hardworking missionaries and personal friends. 

the work here was great this week! everything really seemed to click here, and it's starting to work. We got some new investigators, who have some great potential. everything else is just about the same. Elder P is really changing! he has become more natural in teaching and more hardworking in his work. he's wonderful, and I am blessed to be companions with him. I don't really know what else to say, because nothing else really happened. 

this week, it will be June. after this week, we are BUSY! we have district conference next next week, so that means 3-4 days in Borongan. then we have exchanges, baptismal interviews (A lot, because the zone leaders are the district leader for their district, I am the only one that can interview their candidates, and they are nearly 100% sure that they will have 8 in ONE DAY.) not to mention zone conference on my last week in the mission, in Tacloban. That will make me trunky as can be, I promise you that. 

Love you all

Good luck on your knee mom. Good luck with your calling dad. Good luck with your new empty and boring schedules, Morgan and Tyler.

Elder Kuehne

It's Officially My Last Cycle, My Last Area, My Last Companion, My Last Planner

Dear Fam,

Transfers happened, and believe it or not, I transferred. Elder P and I both transferred to Oras, in Borongan zone. This is a bigger branch then Maydolong, and it has a real meetinghouse, so that was nice. It's a beautiful place here. It's close to the ocean, the houses are all bright colors, we get some great breezes here, it's just beautiful. 

It is also, however, a bit of a struggling area. I say that because the last missionaries really did not take care of this place, and we came in with no area book and no map. So, we are working on it right now. Once again, no time to be trunky, because there's too much going on here. We have to get this area up and going in 5 weeks, so the next missionaries will be able to reap what we sow. It's officially my last cycle, my last area, my last companion, my last planner, it's all too real. The office is emailing me about confirming going-home documents, which is straight evil. we are working hard here, and have seen some good opportunities in this area. The travel is hectic, but the rest is well.

Not a lot of time today, as we are emailing in another area because there is no email in Oras. looking forward to hearing from you all, hope all is well.

Love

Elder Kuehne

That's Easy, I Have That!

Dear Fam,

it's been a pretty hard week. not a lot of success sadly. we do have a new investigator, Tatay N, who is the brother of one of our members. he said that wanted to know the requirements to join the church, so we talked about the gospel. He was funny, because we said, "first, faith in Jesus Christ." he said "that's easy, I have that." next, repentance. "I think I can do that." he was pretty funny, we set an appointment this week. not a lot of investigators have come to church, because they had a holiday in one of the barangays close by. When that happens, even the strongest members may excuse themselves to go to the fiesta. kinda rough, but it feels like all is well so far.

it's going to be a while before we can move, because We haven't found an apartment. we have no signal, and the house is pretty run down. we'll see what happens. 

Just a short one, because I had to take a survey for the church. I'm thinking for the skype, we can do it tomorrow. Filipino time, Tuesday, may 8, at 1:00PM. not sure what time that is in the U.S., but I do want to wish you a happy mothers day in person, so we'll continue the skype. We have to come here anyway in Borongan, so that will work out well. sound good?

Love you all

Elder Kuehne

We Have a Plan for that Though

Dear Fam,

this was a pretty hard week. the work is slowing down a bit, and we have dropped some investigators simply because they haven't been keeping commitments. It's hard to have it happen, but it's happening, and we need to get some new investigators. so far, we really don't have a lot of investigators. we are reaching out more. our 3 best investigators, who should be baptized this week, slipped and broke the word of wisdom, so we had to move the date of baptism for 4 weeks. unfortunately, we had to do it, but it gives them more time to read the scriptures, gain a testimony, and follow the commandments, so it's alright for them. the work is now much slower, and just isn't working as well as before. we have a plan for that though, so no need to be concerned.

Elder P is the best! he's so loving and is really growing in the gospel. The only thing now is he is so shy! but once he gets the hang of speaking Waray, he will get the hang of it. The time will come he will be a leader in the mission. he's power, and I am really enjoying having him around.

I'm doing good right now. the time in Tacloban was great, we learned a lot. now, we just need to apply what we learned. we plan on finding a new apartment as well, so wish us luck with that! for mothers day skype, we pick any day from may 7 to may 13. so, let's all pick a date that We can skype! let me know next week what the best is.

so far, that's really it. 

Love you all

Elder Kuehne

 

2 Nephi 31:20

Dear fam,

This week has been a slow week. We are working on getting some new investigators, and have made some progress with our investigators. firstly, we have the Y family, who were baptized 2 years ago and then went less active. We are working with them. They both said after the lesson, which had the elders quorum president, his wife, the primary president, and another member in it, that they felt they needed to come back to church and trust in the Lords blessings. it was very helpful to have those members in the lesson. without them, they may have felt left out. I am grateful that they helped us. it was a great blessing. other then that, life has been good. 

Elder P has been blossoming. He has been working so hard to accomplish the work, to learn the language, and he is also a scripture master. His scriptures are pretty marked, he's set for anything. it's been a great blessing to have him as a companion. he works hard, and loves the work. 

just a short one. We are in Tacloban for the next few days, which I am so happy about! It's good to be back, even if for a short while. I love the mission. I love you all as well!

Reading the scriptures has made a big difference in my life. I read 2 Nephi 31:20, and then the scripture was elaborated in a recent missionary broadcast. I encourage everyone to read it and see what it says about qualifying for eternal life.

Love you all!

Elder Kuehne

Working Together for the Common Goal

Dear Fam,

Lots happening. We are expecting 3 baptisms on May 6th. we have been working really hard, and have started seeing some blessings in the area. we have been working with the members, and have been getting some good referrals! one is sister N, who's husband is a long time less active. she agreed to a lesson, and we then visited the chapel, the elders quorum presidents house (I got it wrong, we actually don't have any counselors in the branch presidency), and we mentioned it. turns out that after church, we went to our investigators house, and we saw the EQP visiting that less active member, in a real and loving way. it's been so exciting to see all the members coming to the aid of their less active friends. just like a big clock is run by little gears moving together, so does the church work by everyone working together for the common goal.

I have been good! Elder P is a stud, and is committed to exact obedience and working by faith. he speaks Tagalog, which I understand on a first grade level :) and I respond in Waray, which he now understands. I speak in Waray because that helps him improve in his language. so far, he's doing great. We are focusing on the Book of Mormon this week, so we can help him prepare to use the Book of Mormon to answer people's questions. He's also not half bad at cooking and cleaning, so that helps me a lot to learn about those things.

I have been doing great. We go to Guiuan this week for a baptismal interview, then next week, we go to TACLOBAN!!!! so excited to go back to my old zone and area! we have zone conference, and also have our zone interviews there. so, I'm pretty excited!

That's all. Not a lot of time today due to some preparation we have to do. Love you all!

Elder Kuehne

Whiteout .... So it Doesn't Say What Week It Is

Dear fam,

boy oh boy, has this been a tough one. whitewashing an area, training, and district leader for the longest distance district in the mission. it's been exciting, but also terrifying. When we got here, there was no area book and only few active investigators, many not progressing. we are working on getting this work started in the branch, but right now it's just us doing the missionary work. We just have to go finding. 

the church building here is interesting because it's a PERSON'S HOUSE!! we meet in the 1st counselors house for Sunday services, because we don't have a meeting house just yet. We should be close, though. That's what everyone tells us, so we'll hope that's the correct information. the church hasn't been that progressing because the last missionaries didn't give much effort for missionary work, so it was closed down because it wasn't progressing. we are down to open it, it's just going to take a lot of sweat, tears, and work. the good news is my companion is great. Elder P is from Marinduque, which is in the Philippines San Pablo mission, where Elder C, my companion in the office, is from and where Sister Argana served her mission. He's a hardworking missionary, and despite the new language, lifestyle, and location, he hasn't complained, and has spent his time taking it all in. This week, we really focus on teaching him the 12 weeks program. I hate the 12 weeks program right now, because we study it every day, and it keeps freaking reminding me how many weeks I have LEFT in the mission! so I may take whiteout and color the book so it doesn't say what week it is. my planner also.

I got the package, and I love it! once I finish marking my current set of small scriptures, I will be marking the set you gave me for additional knowledge. The journal is also great! Thank you so much for the package! talking about vacations right now, I would be very excited to see some church sites. There's a missionary here from New York, and he has visited a lot. He says it's amazing! 

I love the mission. This is a unique challenge, but I accept it.

General conference was amazing! lots of changes, lots of new things, and lots of new responsibilities. Let's hope we can keep up with the Lord's pace!

Love you all,

Elder Kuehne

I Get the Blessing of Sprinting to the Finish

Dear Fam,

Right now, I have a great blessing of being the assistant to the president. however, that will change. We have seen the transfer board, and it is sure. I am transferring to Maydolong, Borongan zone, Eastern Samar. I will be opening the area (Because the area hasn't had any missionaries there for about 3-4 months), I will be the district leader for a district of 8, and I will be TRAINING A NEW MISSIONARY! That's pretty much the most responsibility that I can receive at one time. Heavenly Father doesn't want to leave me any time to be trunky!!! :) the area is Waray Waray, but a little different. All the new missionaries coming in are Filipino, so It's guaranteed that I will train a Filipino. 

I will miss Tacloban 2nd ward! We taught sister F yesterday after church, and we asked how she was doing in reading and finding an answer. She said, I have my answer. this is true. I am ready to join the Mormon church, I am ready for my baptism. I just about cried with joy. The only thing is she lives in another area, so we will hand her off to the missionaries in that area. She's ready!!!!!!!!!!!!! I won't be the one to baptize her, but that doesn't matter! she will be baptized, and I will have participated. that's all I need. 

I am very nervous, but excited. President Argana said that he felt this was the right way for me to go, and that he needs me to accept all the responsibility. so, I said yes. I said yes because though I am not perfect, God is perfect. Though I am not sure, God is sure. though I may not have the abilities, God has all power, all abilities, and all knowledge. HE will lead the area, not me. This is a chance for me to work harder then ever, and to leave my mission knowing I left it all here. My last 2 cycles, My last 3 months, and I get the blessing of sprinting to the finish. 

Elder J has been the best! he has been such a blessing in my life. He also got your package, and just about burst into tears. He loved it! thank you so much for making his day! It's this kind of Christlike act that makes me proud to wear the Kuehne name. 

I haven't seen general conference yet, I still have to wait for this week. But I have heard the highlights of the new apostles and the new temple built in Cagayan De Oro. That's in the south, and to hear there's a temple there is amazing! if they have a temple, we can't be too far behind! 

it's a long email, but I have a lot to say! I'll have more to say next week, for sure! Love you all so much!

Elder Kuehne

the 2nd pic is from the Agasagas bridge in Sogod. It's the highest bridge in the Philippines!

the last is in the hospital. We visit often if we hear there's a member there. 

Being Authentic is The Key Word

Dear Fam,

Bit of a tough week. We have been working to coordinate with the members about what we need to do to have 4 baptisms in Tacloban 2nd. That is the plan we have made, and I really want to do it. But, with our busy travel schedule, we have to rely a lot on the members. we hope that we will be able to help them realize their role in missionary work. sometimes we make member missionary work too complicated. We just need to live the gospel outside the chapel and someone will be interested. We just have to help others answer their questions about God and religion and help them realize if this is right for them. being authentic is the key word. sometimes that's something we struggle with. we hope to help the members help the ward to grow.

We traveled to Calbayog, and we had some time that we planned to work with the zone leaders. we had a very spiritual planning session, and I was all set to go and work. right as we ended praying, the phone rang, and it was President, who had finished his interviews. At that moment, I had a spiritual impression that we didn't need to teach these people. We needed to help the zone leaders create a good plan for them. That was the Lords will for that visit. We did it, And I felt that we did all we came there for. The conference was great, and we have been working since. So far, nothing really new with our investigators. We are planning on having 7 baptisms in April, so I am really excited for that. so far, they are promising. 

I am doing well. I have felt that I am really missing something so far in my mission. I am trying to figure out what it is, so we will just have to see what I lack yet. working hard every day. Elder J is amazing! he's hardworking and really working to increase. It makes me want to do the same thing. I need him right now, and we are getting along so well!

that's really it for this week. This is the week before transfers, so we are meeting with President this week to plan out what will happen. Excited to see!

Love,

Elder Kuehne

 

BEST. WEEK. EVER.

Dear Fam,

BEST. WEEK. EVER. 

we are working right up until the curfew now, Brethren and Sisters. I'm tired, I'm sore, but I LOVE THE WORK!!! We had the best week of the cycle last week! we committed that we were going to work even if we don't have a lot of time. We have seen blessings from it. we have 2 new investigators from Luzon. They are both Tagalog speakers, but we are able to piece the language together so that they understood us. Sister F and J are both AMAZING! they just need to ask their parents for permission to be baptized. The problem, both of their families are dedicated to their faiths, and F and J are both a little bit nervous about asking, but we were able to share some scriptures to help them. Pray for them please. 

I've been really feeling something in me all week. It's a strong desire for Conversion. Conversion means that we know the gospel is true and we are true to the gospel. I feel that It's something that I want to have. I am working toward it. I am committing to give it my all. no holding back, no saving energy. I'm giving it all now. I have to, because I now realize just how little time I have. It's just enough time for me to accomplish my purpose to "Invite others to come unto Christ." I love the Lord, I love his children, and I love who I am.

this week is the travel to Catarman and Calbayog. It's only my favorite travel of the cycle. We get to return to Samar and have a training and conference there. Looking forward to it!

not a lot more to say. I am enjoying the mission. Love you all!

Elder Kuehne

 

Weekly Email #845,023,716

Dear Fam,

The subject line makes me feel like I was born a missionary 😂😂😂

this week was another good week. We traveled to Ormoc, then Biliran. While there, we got to participate in a groundbreaking for a new chapel in Almeria, Biliran Island. that was such a unique opportunity! the mayor of Almeria was there, and he was so generous in his comments about the good that the church is for the area. It was fun! we also had a great couple trainings. 

We have received a lot of referrals form the members, so we are working so hard to contact them. With our limited schedule, that means we work even when we have little time to do so. Elder J and I are both unified in the decision that we both need to get going! we have been working harder then ever, and we have accomplished so much! we have investigators that are moving fast, and we have more and more that the Lord is bringing to us. My testimony of the "He will lead them to you..." sentence in preach my gospel is true. We decided to focus on our work as assistants. we have been diligent in doing that, and the Lord has rewarded us by supplying us investigators in places I never thought to look. it's so great to have those blessings. I know the Lord is looking out for us, and will reward us for doing the work.

We have 2 zone conferences this week, and then zone interviews in Borongan. That's a pretty far drive. But it's fun. 

Hope all is well at home. Love you all

Elder Kuehne

All is Well Here

Dear Fam,

Really, this was another good week! I have been enjoying my mission, and I have seen those blessings make a big difference in my personal growth. I am really loving my area, my companion, and my district. All is really well here!

F and J are the best investigators! we got to teach them in the institute building last week. We called our assistant ward mission leader a couple days before to find a responsible adult, because we cannot teach 3 girls alone. He couldn't find one, and we were scrambling to know what to do. we then went to the office of the 1st counselor of the mission presidency, and we, kinda sheepishly, asked him if he could help us teach. He accepted willingly!!! we had a great lesson, they stayed for MCM, and then came to church the next day! they are the best! they will make great members; sometimes, I forget they are investigators.

I have really loved being with elder J. He challenges me to push myself to be better, so I am very happy that he is here helping me. I got to say, it's been a roller coaster, but I still enjoy it! We go to Ormoc and Biliran this week for interviews, and we will also be working in Ormoc. Cebuano, so I hope I remember some...............

All is well here, I don't really have a lot to say about this week. We played ball earlier, then cleaned the house. Classic P-day. Life is really good. I'll be taking some pictures this week of our travels, So expect some pictures next week! Until then, Love you all!

Elder Kuehne

If All Men Were Like Captain Moroni, The Very Foundations of Hell Would Shake

Dear Fam,

Today was such a good week! we got to play ball earlier today, and we did our shopping. After we got into the office at noon, We stay here for today because we have to prepare for MLC. we are writing our training. The mission has been a long ride. We are really working to change the culture in Philippines Tacloban Mission. so far, we have seen great changes and miracles here in Tacloban mission. a lot of bad cultures existed here before, but they aren't here anymore. The mission has grown so much. there is so much that I would like to tell you, but unfortunately I don't have the time for that. I'll keep it brief

We have 2 new investigators that we met it at the church with their less active friend. the next day, the less active friend came to church with those 2 new investigators, and they both said that they would like to come back! they are so progressing and curious to know what this church is about. the rest of our investigators are also doing well. We haven't had a lot of time to visit, but we are still doing well with our new companionship. Elder J is the best! He just loves to work and really loves the mission. He's power. 

This week, I have been focusing my personal study towards my investigators. I have read a lot of the war chapters in Alma, and I have learned a lot of lessons from Captain Moroni and his men. the scriptures say that if all men were like Captain Moroni, the very foundations of Hell would shake. I want to be that kind of person, and It is possible to be that person. I know it. That kind of growth is possible and obtainable in this life. 

I miss you all. I hope that all is well at home. Love you!!!

 

Elder Kuehne

 

"Knowing is Not Enough, We Must Apply. Willing is Not Enough, We Must Do"

Dear Fam,

This is the big one. Transfer day. With Elder D preparing to go home, I am now the senior assistant. I am so nervous, and I don't Know why!!! I can do all things through Him who strengthens me, so why do I worry? You don't need to answer that, That's a question that I ask my doubts. it really helps. I will be asked to do a lot. But, I can do it. I am also blessed to have a companion that is the best! his name is Elder J, from Zambales, Philippines. He is a convert of maybe 3 years, and was assigned in Palo, my 3rd area. He is so humble, and relies on God for everything. He is also very quick to thank Heavenly Father for everything that happens. Not to mention that he is a persuasive teacher and does well in lessons. He is the perfect assistant. I am glad to be his companion.

Last week was mostly work, with some meetings. Elder D and I decided to keep it simple for his last week, and we spent it working. we visited a lot of members homes in hopes of referrals. we actually got some! and the ward is currently making their ward mission plan, which they haven't done in a while. The work is moving! we met sister J, and her family is all less active. But she is so good and wants to be baptized! we are also preparing to teach the son of sister K, and her niece and nephew. It's a little hard to teach them due to attention span, but they are still progressing and going much faster. we're still working to find new investigators, and we did met some people and got an appointment with them for Saturday. 

when I came in the mission, I had 3 Filipina sister missionaries in my batch. Now, they have all finished their missions and going home. That's just a little reminder to me that My time is coming pretty fast. The mission is so special, because I am on the Lord's errand of teaching the gospel full-time. once I go home, I will be only part-time. 

I have been working hard on reading the Book of Mormon and understanding and applying what it says. one of my favorite quotes is from Bruce Lee, who said "Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do." applying my scripture study in my day has made a big difference. I notice that I am more kind, more generous, and more ready to take on the challenges of the day. I encourage everyone to try it. It really helps me keep my head and stay cool in times of struggle. 

That's all for this week. Love you all, and I am anxious to see what this next cycle will bring.

Love Elder Kuehne

Living the Life!!!!!

Dear fam,

A road trip to Catarman, a conference in Calbayog, A night in the fanciest hotel in Region 8..... That's the week I had. I saw a less active member from Sta. Margarita at the restaurant where we ate. It was so good to see him! we had trainings in Catarman and Calbayog, followed up with the zone conference in Calbayog. we spend the night in Ciriaco, a 4 star hotel next to the beach. Living the life!!!!! after that, we worked. We had a baptism, sister K, who was practically glowing with joy during the service. I had often time been guilty of under planning, of just winging something. I now know that that usually isn't the right thing to do. The baptismal service was rushed, and not many people showed up. that wasn't good. showing love and support to each other, even if we don't know them, even if they aren't in our circle or quorum, is something that Jesus Christ would do, so I need to do it too. I have been expanding my friend circle, allowing others in, and I have gained some great lasting friendships from it. Even missionaries who are hard to love, I have somehow been able to feel love and brotherhood with them. It was a lesson that I am grateful Heavenly Father taught me.

This is Elder D's last week. He is freaking out!!!!! it's understandable though, he has been on a mission for 2 years. He's a little unsure how to move forward. but he can do it

For this week, We are only working. next week is transfers, we'll see what happens

Until next week

Elder Kuehne

When I Go Home, All is Not Done

Dear Fam, 

Last week, we got to work! We went on splits with the Tolosa zone leaders. I went with Elder M, from Oregon. yes Tyler, THAT OREGON. He came in the mission 6 weeks after I did, so we got to go work. We didn't get in a single house for a couple hours. then we decided to visit an active member family. We did, and then got introduced to the sister of the member who is not baptized. She was hesitant to accept a lesson, but we asked her, and she said yes. We asked her that before we come for the lesson, She needs to write down her questions about God, Jesus Christ, religion, and other things like that. She accepted it! then we retaught sister J, who was baptized a couple weeks ago. a simple day, but a great chance to work with the leaders. 

We then gave a training to the Tolosa zone, and followed that up with a ROADTRIP!!!!!! on Friday, we went to Sogod and gave a training. After that, we spent Saturday and Sunday in Hinunangan, in southern Leyte. the Hinunangan district is only 3 years old, and has 2 branches in it. It is the smallest district, by far. they had their district conference, which had as many people as an average sacrament meeting in Tacloban. still, it was great. Some of the highlights were the training from the 1st counselor in the mission president, president Alban. He trained about Alma 13, about how the priesthood members were ordained, trained, and chosen before the world began. It gave me chills. he talked about our divine destiny and the responsibility we have to be worthy. he gave another training about home teaching. As we all know, home teaching is a rough subject to talk about. only 9% of the members did their home teaching. He said "you all need to repent." in the middle of his training. he said it very seriously, and the whole room went completely silent. it was a reminder to me that when I go home, all is not done. It's only beginning.

not a lot more to say. this week, We go to Catarman and Calbayog. When I was assigned in Sta. Margarita, there was a member, Brother E, who worked with the missionaries every day. he was the greatest. Last week, I had to sacred opportunity to take him to the airport so he can go on his mission. He recognized me immediately, and we talked a lot. In addition, brother N came and brought him to Tacloban. He thanked us for our work, thanked me for the blessing I gave him almost a year and a half ago, and then said that when we got to Calbayog, He has a "token" for us. Being around brother N is a blessing by itself. I'm excited to see what will happen there. 

Mom, you ran right by our apartment. It's right before the chapel, coming from the CocaCola. you nailed it. That's not our area, but we spend a lot of time there, so you got it! technology is great. I have been hearing a lot about the super bowl right now. I'm trying my best to not care, but it's not working too well 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂. I'll be there for the next one, don't worry. 

that's about it. I miss you all, and love each one. until next week

Elder Kuehne

Eat, Travel, Eat, Travel, Sleep

Dear Fam, 

we had a good time this week. We traveled to Ormoc, and then Biliran for interviews and trainings. I have never been assigned there, but it looks beautiful! we gave a small training, then ate. the assistants life is eat, travel, eat, travel, sleep. Not complaining though. We still have lots of investigators, and we also get to see the mission more. It's exciting! 

this week, we expect a baptism of sister K. Her dad and mom are active members, and she has been investigating for a really long time. but, she feels her time is now for baptism! she will be interviewed this week. I am so excited for this!!!!

just a small one this week, but I still love you all. Looking forward to next week.

Elder Kuehne

It's Amazing How a Clean House Invites the Spirit

Dear fam,

How is everyone? I personally am doing great. I am enjoying the mission so much!! there's so much that I want to share with you and say, but I don't have much time for that. new rules and all.

Everything in the office is just about normal. We went to Borongan for interviews and zone conference, and also had the chance for some teaching (Not a lot, but enough.) we have been teaching about following simple commandments and about daily scripture study and daily companionship study. President Argana asked some missionaries to demonstrate a lesson about the restoration of the gospel (the first lesson) and it didn't go well. The missionaries were stumbling on their words, and the spirit was not very strong. it was lacking. Having the spirit with us means we have to do a lot of things. some big, like commandments, and some small, like clean the house. it's amazing how a clean house invites the spirit (I testify of that). It's been a great blessing to travel with president and see first hand what's up with the mission. 

We also got a new senior couple in the mission! Elder and Sister Gren are from Filmore, Utah. They're jokesters, and are amazing people to know. Elder Gren played ball earlier today, and that was terrifying, because he's about 6'4 and athletic for his age! They will be doing office work for their stay here. 

The travel secretary told me that my travel plans are in. I still have a long way to go, so I'm just ignoring him 😂. Hopefully he gets the hint. 

Just a small one. Lots to do today! but that doesn't mean that I don't love you all.

stay safe wherever you are!

Elder Kuehne

If We Look, and Trust in Him, Then We Can do Anything

Dear Fam,

Transfers came and went. Elder D and I are companions for his last cycle here! He goes home in February, so I will be working with him and making sure he doesn't go lazy on us :) He's the best. 

This cycle is going to be absolutely insane! last week was transfers, which was hard. we have 4 new elders in the mission. all studs. the day after transfers, we went to Sogod zone in the south and did some apartment checks, had some interviews, and attended district conference there. We spent 3 days in Maasin. now It's MLC, and after that, We immediately start doing trainings for interviews. It's all kinds of busy!

I have been having a hard time figuring out how I can do all the work that has been given me. President Argana gave me an answer during a training at district conference. He talked about Jesus Christ walking on the water. All the apostles marveled and feared, but out of those feelings, Peter asked if he could come to the Master. Everyone knows that walking on water is impossible, but Peter must have thought that if the Master can do it, then He can give the power to do it as well. Peter received the invitation to go to Jesus, and he started walking on the water. As long as he was looking at Jesus, he could do it. When he started looking at the storms, waves, and thunder, he lost his ability and sank. If we only look around at the trials, then we will sink. If we look at the Master, Jesus Christ, and trust in Him, then we can do anything. that was a big help to me, and it has made me feel more confident.

Congrats to Dad on being ordained. I figured half the congregation would have opposed, but I guess not :) it's the Lord preparing you for future assignments. Wish I could have been there. Happy to know that everyone is still ok. Braces are easy Ty. Just make Dad buy Jamba juice. 

Email time has now been reduced to one hour. that means my emails will be shorter. Bear with me, please!

Love,

Elder Kuehne