First Talk in Guam

Eric gave his first talk in the Guam Ward early August 2012.  He recalls that Sacrament service started without power (welcome to Guam), but as the opening prayer started, the power turned on (welcome to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints). His very first baptism, Teoni, was confirmed a member of the Church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then Eric spoke and he felt the talk went well, and he bore his testimony in Chuukese for the very first time. The Spirit was so strong that Teoni's mother, who is not a member, was crying. It was an amazing experience for all.

God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again

 

August 12, 2012

 

A member of the Ward in Guam has a family that is mostly Catholic. Sadly, his nephew hung himself. Elder Kata and Eric attended his first Rosary Mass at the Catholic Church out of respect. On Tuesday, members of the Church, with Elder Kata and Eric, are singing "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again" and "I Know That My Redeemer Lives", songs from the LDS Hymnbook, at the Catholic Rosary. These are two beautiful songs and appropriate in any religious setting. It was an amazing missionary experience.

 

Sadly, our own Ward lost a very righteous man, Brother Mark Hamelwright, around this same time. We will all miss them. Sweet is the peace the gospel brings when you know that families can be together forever through the sealing ordinances. I am grateful for this knowledge.





Enjoying the People of Guam & A Ukulele?

Eric is pretty tall by United States standards at 6 foot 3 inches (or slightly taller). But in Guam he looms large:

Eric and Elder Kata have been enjoying the people of Guam and getting to visit and teach many. One family in particular he LOVES and he has spent some quality time with their family:

Some nights at their home, Elder Kata will play his ukulele and sing.

Eric shot some footage of Elder Kata singing. Unfortunately, with no lights on, it was too dark to show, but I have included the video for the sound quality of the singing. The songs are in Chuukese.

Sometimes the children would sing along!

Food on Guam

The Elders are "spoiled" on Guam, because there are many yummy things to eat. Eric reports that he is eating a lot of coconuts, bananas, rice, chicken, pork, apples, bread, peanut butter, jelly, cereal and a lot of water! Eric says there are all types of coconut trees and different types of coconuts. And they taste differently too. Some are wonderful and some are gross! I never thought of that, as all the coconuts I have at the store are all alike and I have only tasted one "type" of coconut. There are many kind people who have helped feed the Elders. As parents, we are so grateful for those people. It has made us be more aware of the Missionaries that serve in our Ward boundaries. We try to sign up to feed them as often as we can. It is a way to pay it forward for the kindness of the Guam people to our son as he serves.

GIFT HINT: Send Eric peanut butter and beef jerky! He loves it, they ship easily, and have a long shelf life. Because most things must be shipped to Guam, the prices can be quite high. As a splurge treat, Eric may buy a gallon of milk for $8 (in Arizona we pay about $1.89 on sale) and a gallon of fresh orange juice is $10 EXPENSIVE

This is a picture of a fruit called pandanus, which flowers effortlessly in Micronesia. Because of its distinctive flavor, it is used to flavor drinks and other items, such as ice cream.

Not sure if this guy is for eating - he sure looks like he can rule the road. Wild!

Breadfruit is a staple on Guam. Eric loves the way it tastes and he has had lots of opportunity to eat it.

First Baptism

Eric was honored to baptize Tieoni, a 19-year old Chomorro girl on Saturday August 11, 2012. This is his first baptism with Elder Kata.

 

 



The people the Elders teach on Guam speak English, Chomorrow, Chuukese, Pohnpeian, and Palauan. For Eric and Elder Kata, they teach the lessons in English and Chuukese. They will stay as companions for 12 weeks. Eric will give his first talk in Sacrament on August 12, 2012 in English, but will bear his testimony at the end in Chuukese. What a wonderful moment for the Elders and new Sister.

Witnessing an Ocean Baptism

Many of the baptisms on Guam on in the ocean. Eric was able to witness his first one on Saturday, August 4, 2012:

 

 

Online Chatting and Mission Plaque Picture

We have figured out that Sunday night in Arizona is Monday afternoon for Eric in Guam. With Monday as his P-day, we are able to "chat" online if we happen to be online at the same time. So I write a letter to Eric for him to read and then I camp out online Sunday night and hope to catch him. This has been such a gift to have this time with him, no matter how small. To be able to ask questions and get answers and just "visit" together- it has taken some of the sting out of having him gone for so long. I requested that Eric send some nice pictures for his Mission plaque in the Ward hallway. Here are the ones he sent me:

He had to borrow a Member's coat, because his suits are locked up in the Mission home. No need to wear a suit with the weather in Guam! And no Temple, so short sleeved white shirts are acceptable with durable dress pants and crocs or heavy shoes. I think Eric looks amazing! We picked the first picture for his Mission plaque, and it hangs in the Ward building waiting his return. Sometimes when I am at Church I will walk down the hall and see his picture, smiling back at me. And my pangs of missing him are a little less, knowing he is happy and is serving and doing exactly what he wants to be doing with his life. We are so proud of you, Elder Hadder!