Letter from Elder Meyer: Island fire IQ2). Island Traditions (Q4). Dogs run (Q7).

Hello Everyone

Weaving leaves to create a new roof

Dad

That is interesting. I never really thought about all of Nephi’s vision being related to the Tree of Life. That is cool.

Question 1:  Are you studying any particular gospel topics at the moment? If so, what topic and why?

Answer: I mostly study for people. So, not really a specific topic, just a way to help them. I am always studying the lessons that we teach, too.

Question 2: About the fire in Maap, what actually was damaged or burned. Seems like jungle area wouldn't burn much?

Answer: That part of Yap was not so jungley. It was pretty much just grass and a short tree.

Question 3: Did you decide whether to work on that 2nd outer island language?

Answer: Well, I have put that on hold for now. I am going to get my Yapese language mastery and then get it. If my companion switches to Outer island language, then I will study it with him, but I will not make the full switch until I have the mastery for Yapese. The reason is because my Yapese is really starting to grow right now.

Question 4: Remember from the “Other side of Heaven” when Elder Groberg has to “relieve his waters” and they all escort him to the outhouse?  Have you experienced any funny exchanges with local traditions?

Answer: Well, when you get to the airport, there is a naked lady that puts a lei on you. That is really it. Something not so funny, is getting people to places in different villages. You have to get permission to go to some places, especially if you are related to them.

Question 5: Was there an occasion this past week when you were particularly directed by the Lord to do/say something?

Answer: Yes, with the chief and his wife. We have been unable to set an appointment. They are very busy. But this last time, I got her to commit. I was not going to ask, so I didn't sound so pushy, but I felt like I needed to.

Question 6: What opportunities do you get to provide service?

Answer: On Saturday, we went to the Thool branch and we cleaned out the volleyball court. It was covered with weeds and we took them all out. It is mostly sand now.

Question 7: Have you experienced any challenging run-ins with dogs or other animals?

Answer: Well, there are no other animals. Dogs are not too big of a deal here. There are a lot of them, but all you have to do is bend down and pick up a rock and they run. Dogs are kind of abused here.

Question 8: Did something happen this past month that put a huge smile on your face?

Answer: Yeah when I understood a whole conversation in Yapese. It always puts a smile on my face.

Mom

Have fun at girls camp. 18 girls is a lot to keep track of.

Question 9: Did you get the package with Grandma's rolls?

Answer: Nope

Question 10: It seems that you are always near the water (I know you are on an island) - how close can you get to the water? Or how deep can you do into the water?

Answer: I can get my feet wet. We are not supposed to go out very far.

Question 11: What advice would you share with a  young woman getting ready to go on a mission?

Answer: I would tell them to read the Book Of Mormon at least one more time before they go.

Question 12: What fun thing did you do on Prep-day today?

Answer: We have not done anything yet. We email and shop first. But I think we are planning to go up to Maap at the beach up there. If not that, maybe we will go to the tower again. I am not sure.

Question 13: Tell me a time this week when you or you witnessed someone having an a-ha moment.

Answer: When I was reading the Yapese Book Of Mormon, I found out that a big word is really just a couple small words together. Like Mo'oniyean. It means devil. Mo'on means first and iyean means away. Put it together and it is first away = SATAN.

Question 14: What is your favorite Yap Island food?

Answer: Coconut of course. Breadfruit and Bananas are really good here to.

Staheli

Hope you are doing great. How is work?

Reed

Have fun at Encampment. Dont get in crash with your new car. ha ha

 

Hello Everyone

It has really started to rain here. It is beginning to be wet season. So, that is pretty good. It really needs to rain here. It was really dry here for a long time. The roads got really wet and my car got stuck. It was not too bad, we just called the other elders and they were able to punch us out. We all got pretty muddy. 

C*rding is all ready to be baptized, all we have to do is get him legally married to his wife now. But once that happens, he should be ready. So that is getting pretty exciting.

Sorry it is short, I am running low on time. I will send a couple of pics though.

You are the best family in the world. I love you guys so so much.

Elder Meyer