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.