Elder Misi is behind me. Elder Egbert is short and dark
hair. Sorenson is blond one in front of me. Elder Mafi is hiding.
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-December 2, 2013
Dear Dad,
What up? I missed y'all too. It just didn't seem the same! I
was telling Elder Mafi all about our Thanksgiving Day cooking fest! They really
need to learn how to make the sweet potato stuff down here. They just like
slice them into chunks and then they fill it with nasty syrup and cover it with
marshmallows.
I can't wait to hear that my Saints killed the Seahawks
haha. Sweet that Ethan and Noah are getting going on basketball. Let me know
how the games go and how hard Ethan dunks it on somebody's head. Awesome that
they both got their Eagles and I heard mom did a killer job. I only got mine
finished cause you helped me out Dad so you get some credit too.
1. How was Thanksgiving
for you? Thanksgiving was fantastic here. We ended up going to 3 different
Thanksgiving dinners! Haha
2. What member house
did you go to? or family? The first was an awesome member family named the
Lubbes (Loo-bee), The second was actually an investigators home named Jim Brott
so that was pretty awesome. Then Saturday we went to the Carrols and they are
super awesome too. They had sooooooo much food.
3. Favorite food?
Newest food? Worst food? Favorite food? Pecan Pie. Newest? Cornbread
dressing. Fantastic stuff. Worst? Collard greens. *shaking head and spitting*
4. Did you go get a
blanket or comforter? Is it still cold? Sweater working well? It's only
really cold at night, but now we decided to turn on the heater so I am pretty
warm now. The sweater fits perfect.
5. Thanks for the
pictures! Is your rain coat good or do we need to get something that makes you
look more Professional? I'm glad you got them! I look pretty good huh? haha
The rain coat works great!
6. Did you guys do a
turkey bowl football game? Yes we did a turkey bowl at the high school
stadium so that was pretty awesome. We had about 6 on 6 and my team killed it.
Elder Egbert played at Dixie State so we had a little advantage.
7. How is your
excerise going? push up for chest and burpies are great to get you in good
shape. I am still exercising regularly mostly maintaining haha.
8. bike fixed? Yeah
the bike is all fixed up! Thankfully. Only problem is that Elder Misi doesn't
get his bike until Friday so we are still walking.
9. So what was the day
of thanksgiving like? what did it consist of? Thanksgiving consisted of
Turkey bowl from about 8 to 10:30 and then getting ready and going to the
Lubbes at 11:30 and then we were there for 2 hours. Then to Jim Brott from
about 2 ish to 4 ish. Then we were mostly in the apartment weekly planning and
chilling with some members and we had a few lessons that night.
10. When is transfers?
It should be coming up soon right? How is Elder Mafi doing? Transfers are
on December 11. Elder Mafi is doing great trying to send stuff home.
Crazy thing happened this Saturday! I got a call from the
APs on Friday and they were like "hey we are bringing an Elder to stay
with you guys and making you a trio tomorrow. Is there any way you can find a
mattress for him by tomorrow night?" So Saturday night we got Elder Misi!
crazy huh? Randomly out of nowhere. So yeah he is from Kailua I think on Oahu
right? He went to Kamehameha the private school on the east side of the island?
So there are three polys in one apartment haha.
Thanks for the thought Dad. I love you and I am so thankful
that I can be your son and learn from you more and more.
Have a great week Dad!
Alofa Atu Oi
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-December 2, 2013
Hey Momma,
The nights get really cold over here! I definitely got the
packages and thanks so much for them! The boots are going to help out a lot for
service projects! That's so awesome that all of the court of honor stuff is
finished and they finally have their eagles. I know that they wanted that stuff
really bad so now we are all on the same page as Eagles. Noah and Ethan sound
like they are their same goofy selves haha. I hope you got my letter with the
testimony and stuff! I am working on getting a Christmas package for y'all so
what do you want for Christmas?
Thanksgiving was pretty awesome over here. The
Southern food was super good! We actually went to 3 different houses and had
Thanksgiving dinner! haha Elder Mafi said that he bruised his stomach. We had
an awesome week teaching people and we continue to lead the district and I
think the Zone in member present lessons. It sure was a lot of fun. Not too big
of stories this week.
Oh! Actually I got another companion this week! His name is
Elder Misi also from Hawaii so now there are three Polys in one apartment!
Crazy huh? He is awesome so far!
We got him on Saturday night so that was pretty sweet. I watched a possum get
stabbed in the neck. So that was pretty sweet haha. Other than that great week!
I really missed our cooking time with everybody! We just went and ate so that
was a lot of fun! I love you guys and I want to y'all to watch a Mormon Message
called Mountains to climb! It's awesome. I love you Mom! Have a fantastic week!
I love you so!
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-November 25, 2013
Hey Mom!
My week has been pretty awesome! I have been pretty cold
sometimes and I think I have let the cold air get into my lungs to sleep at
night. So I have a bit of a cough and stuff like that, but I have an awesome
deep voice! haha
I'm glad you got all of the stuff! We are going to like 5 different member homes throughout the weekend
and they all are feeding us heavily hahaha. I'm not sure what we are going to
get, but I am praying for no roaches in my food haha. We have tried to get up
with them (the Samoan Family), but no luck so far. It isn't their time yet, but soon!
It sounds
like you have had an awesome week! The conference sounds like a lot of fun!
Really spiritual! This week has been pretty awesome and we have been teaching a
lot of people. We had to go on splits twice this week and that was awesome.
Other than that pretty basic week! I love you guys and hope that you have a
great week! Happy Thanksgiving!
I love you so!
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-November 25, 2013
Hey Dad,
I'm doing great Dad! Excited to hear about everything with
Ethan and Noah's game! That's so sick that you guys went! Who won? Sounds
like an awesome time Dad!
1. How were your
exchanges? The exchanges are a lot of fun! I went with Elder Sorenson and
Elder Hill this week and both are great Elders. It was a lot of fun this week.
2. When you feel like
there is a problem with a missionary, do you take care of it or talk to the
ZL's? I try to pray about it throughout the day and the week and help them
set goals to get better, but I often ask for guidance from my Zone Leaders.
3. Tell me about your
District? The District is awesome! We have 8 missionaries including me,
Elder Mafi, Elder Egbert and Elder Sorenson, Elder Hill and Elder Wilcox, and
Sister Christopherson and Sister Barton. The District really knows how to work
hard in their areas even though right now they are kind of struggling with
finding people to teach. They continue to work hard and I am just trying to
help them when they stumble a little bit.
4. Are you guys
checking on less active members too? We try to check on and work with LA.
It's hard to get out to some of them, but the Bishop here has enlisted the help
of the quorums every Tuesday and Thursday to be able to go to the LA.
5. Is Elder Mafi
getting excited to go home? He has mixed feelings he wants to see his
family, but he loves being on a mission doing missionary work.
6. How do you get
members to do stuff for you like sew your pants? They usually are offering
to do things like that so I accepted the offer. Haha
7. Is your bike fixed
now? I am going to pick up the tire tomorrow! Finally!
8. Sounds like your
pretty tough on your bike? tire? Chain? Mostly the tires are beat up. I try
to keep all of the stuff together and keep it clean.
9. Sleep? still going
good? I am sleeping really well.
This week has been pretty awesome! We had to go on splits
with members 2 times this week. We had 9 member present lessons, 4 people come
to church and 4 New investigators! So we have had an awesome week! We taught a
couple new families and they are all progressing! This week has been just a ton
of fun! We keep teaching a lot of people and they are feeling the Spirit as we
teach and as they read! It has been a real blessing to be out here and finding
some amazing people wanting to change and be better!
Not much this week. I have
been kinda sick like with a cough and a little congested, but I have an awesome
deep voice that sounds like Darth Vader. One amazing thing about being sick on
a mission is when you start teaching a lesson and suddenly every single symptom
that you had disappears and you can teach just fine and as soon as you leave
the home... POW! (in Mom's voice) They hit you like a hammer. It's been a
fantastic time this week!
I love you Dad and thanks for the message!
Alofa Atu Oi
Elder Wilson Atagi
P.S. How do you make the Rolls
soaked in Coconut milk?
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-November 18, 2013
Hey Mom!
Sounds like an awesome week. Good to hear about Zach and G.
I am excited for both of them to get to the real world! The banquets sound like
a lot of fun! Awesome to hear about Noah and Ethan lettering and making the
team. Thanks for sending the package I can't wait to see if I have gotten it. I
was wondering if y'all could send the EFY 2013 songs and then the boots that Dad
got before I left. That would help out in some service projects.
Let us if there are
things that you need. People are asking us about what things they can send to
you, clothes, food, treats, scripture stuff or things like that from the
distribution center. Maybe give me some ideas of what you'd like.
If they want to send clothes send some ties, but make sure
they are polyester because silk ties ruin easy. If they want to send food, hit
me haha. I eat a lot of tuna as of late and ramen and Cream of mushroom. I am
trying to cut some weight off. If they want to send treats I welcome anything
they want to send. I think I have nearly perfected making Chocolate chip cookies.
I would love the missionary library and like a quote book and maybe even like
sports motivation quote book and stuff like that. That would be pretty sweet
and tell whoever to send pictures of their families and stuff like that so then
I know who they are. haha
I pray for you too Mom!
Love you so!
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-November 18, 2013
Hey Dad,
3. Anything crazy happen to you yet?
Nothing too crazy yet. We went to a place called Happy Acres where people stick
their family members that are not right in the head and there is a member that
lives there. Creepiest place ever. We got some sweet Bamboo sticks from this
guy that is just a good Christian wanting to protect us from dogs haha. I also
accidently left the car key in a member’s car and this morning we had to walk
in the pouring rain to go and get it from the member at work. When I say pouring,
I mean like 5 minutes in my pants were soaked through haha
It's going good Dad! It sure is a lot of fun with Elder
Mafi.
1. Have you had
exchanges with those in your district? Exchanges are this week. I'm excited
though they're really fun.
2. What does Elder
Mafi say about other Polynesian missionaries? Was there an Elder Unga in the
Mission? There aren't a lot of Polynesian missionaries in the mission.
Elder Mafi was actually companions with Elder Unga, but he left a year ago.
4. Anything else other
than your bike broke down on you? Nothing has really broken down on me
quite yet. I tore 2 pairs of pants along the seams from kneeling wrong haha. I
had a member sew them for me though.
5. Have you fallen off
of your bike yet? I have eaten it twice on my bike haha. The first was like
2 weeks in. We were going to talk to some members at their cabinet shop and I
hit a soft spot of sand and the front tire veered hard right and I was still
going straight and my whole body just smashed into the ground haha Elder
Frederiksen thought I was going to have to go to the hospital haha. I jumped up
and brushed the sand off and walked it off. Then the other was right
before the end of last transfer. The chain came off and my bike swerved
and I tried to save it but I couldn't so I one pushed off the bike, took
one step and combat rolled/jump rolled over a ditch. It was quite epic haha.
Thanks for the message Dad! I was reading in Mormon 8
this past week and I think it is verse 35, but I am not sure. It is Moroni
talking to all of us. He says he has seen us. That means the Book of Mormon is
written for us right Now. It applies to our lives and will until we have
finished the work. I was wondering if y'all could send like a picture
book with pictures of the family and stuff like that. And also those work boots
that you bought before I left I could use them!
Thanks Dad Love ya!
Alofa Atu Oi
Elder Wilson Atagi
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-November 11, 2013
Hey Dad,
It goes good! Sounds like everyone is doing well! I'm excited for
Zach and G, I hope he can get into Brasil! Sorry to hear about your Raiders and
some members were watching the game when we went to go and visit so I asked for
the score. That's awesome your calling is a lot of fun. I hope you can do
a lot of work!
1. Tell me how
was your first district mtg? My first district meeting was awesome! I did feel
like I talked a lot, but I guess I am the teacher now haha.
2. What did you
decide to teach to your District? And how was it received? I decided based
on the numbers we are struggling with and also what the companionships wanted
help on. I have felt as I prayed for guidance, it came to me what I needed to
do.
3. How is your
companionship? It’s good to hear that your comp wants to work hard until the
very end! We work well together because
we know how to work around each other with our family experiences. Like we help
each other with chores and food and stuff like that.
4. Do you ever
have to play the piano for any mtgs? I tried to play piano yesterday, but I
still need to practice a little more.
5. How did your
fixing your bike wheel go? I guess I'm waiting for your answer on this so I can
then help with it. You probably know by now that I talked to Sister Mills in
the Office about it but I can do and will do more if I need too. I put my tire
into a bike shop this morning and will have someone pick it up in about a week.
6. How are your
work outs? The workouts are good. I am working on my jump rope as of right now.
7. So are you
guys getting a lot of dinners still? Any good types of food? The ward still like you guys? We are still
getting a lot of dinners and the members love me and Elder Mafi.
8. So do you guys
go and do less active member activation? And how does that work? We just
try to teach them or have them come to like FHE at some active members home.
Thanks Dad. I am trying to do the best I can. It's been a lot of
fun out here so far and it seems to fly by more and more. The message this week
is from Alma 34:32-34. I helped Elder Mafi memorize it and it was just cool to
think that this is our only chance to earn it.
Alofa Atu Oi,
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-November 11, 2013
Hey Mom!
I told dad in an email just barely if I could get a grayish
charcoal Sweater vest that would be awesome. I don't really get cold haha. Thanks
for getting all the stuff. If I could get all of the Nashville Tributes, that
would be awesome. No worries on everything else haha just whenever y’all have
time.
The work is going great and I am having a lot of fun and we
are kind of stuck with our 2 most progressive investigators, all they need to
get married. We are still getting into the Samoan family. They are wanting us
to just drop by most nights to teach them about the church.
I heard Mollie's baptism was awesome! I miss all those
little guys tell them all I say hi. Noah is going to do great! He just needs to
play hard.
Not much from me this week. We played basketball on some
street courts with some kids and dominated them and we got a ton of potential
investigators. It is really hard to play in a white shirt and tie. We also got
a new investigator named Bridget that was really random. We were going to meet
with a less active and she walked up and started asking questions and Elder Mafi
sat and taught the LA and I taught Bridget all about the gospel. That was
awesome to know that I was able to do that for sure. Like by myself does that
make sense?
It was a great week and I wanted to share the message
contained in Alma 34:32-34. This life really is our only chance to become like
Christ and we need to do all that we can to make it. I love you, Mom.
Love you so!
Elder Wilson Atagi
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-November 4, 2013
Hey Dad
1. How is your new comp? My new comp is awesome. He is a lot different from Elder Frederiksen, but he has had his experiences.
2. What part of Hawaii is he from? Makakilo Hawaii on the west side of Oahu
3. Is he really leaving for home at the next transfer? How do you like having another Poly as a companion? Has he told you any cool stories about his mission so far. Does he speak Samoan? He leaves December 13th. I really like having a Polynesian. He has told me some pretty sweet stories.
4. What is he like? Is he as big as you? Where did he go to High School? Did he play any sports? He is like a lot of Polynesians, really loud and laughs a lot. He is almost as big as me, skinnier, but he has gained 50 on is mission. He went to high school at Kapolei . And he played football for awhile and then paddling and wrestling.
5. What do you have to do as the new DL? Have you had to be tough on some of your missionaries yet? I just have to call the district on Sundays and Thursdays and work out different goals for the district like member-present lessons and new investigators. I don't really have to be tough on our district, they are pretty good. I also have to prepare for District meeting on Tuesdays.
6. How did they tell you that you were going to be the DL? They told me an email on a transfer sheet. Not too much direction yet just a good luck and do work haha
9. How is your procrastination? What did you learn from Elder Fredrickson that you think will help you the rest of your mission? and as a DL? My procrastination isn't very apparent now. I just start doing things now because then I can just hang out later. I think one thing I learned was to give myself time to unwind. Elder F never left himself anytime to just chill. So I will be doing that pretty consistently.
10. Is your new comp Trunky? You know talking about going home or is he trying to work as hard as he can until he goes home? He isn't trunky too bad. He just keeps freaking out that he is coming home.
It goes well! Being a DL really isn't that bad. That's so
awesome you got a new calling dad! I'm excited for you! We have a high council
member in Chipley that is so spiritually in tune it is just ridiculous. I'm
really happy for you dad! I can almost dunk a volleyball now from all the
biking!
1. How is your new comp? My new comp is awesome. He is a lot different from Elder Frederiksen, but he has had his experiences.
2. What part of Hawaii is he from? Makakilo Hawaii on the west side of Oahu
3. Is he really leaving for home at the next transfer? How do you like having another Poly as a companion? Has he told you any cool stories about his mission so far. Does he speak Samoan? He leaves December 13th. I really like having a Polynesian. He has told me some pretty sweet stories.
4. What is he like? Is he as big as you? Where did he go to High School? Did he play any sports? He is like a lot of Polynesians, really loud and laughs a lot. He is almost as big as me, skinnier, but he has gained 50 on is mission. He went to high school at Kapolei . And he played football for awhile and then paddling and wrestling.
5. What do you have to do as the new DL? Have you had to be tough on some of your missionaries yet? I just have to call the district on Sundays and Thursdays and work out different goals for the district like member-present lessons and new investigators. I don't really have to be tough on our district, they are pretty good. I also have to prepare for District meeting on Tuesdays.
6. How did they tell you that you were going to be the DL? They told me an email on a transfer sheet. Not too much direction yet just a good luck and do work haha
7. Do you have any different Missionaries in you District as
well? The only new one is Elder Mafi.
8. Did you get the package and are you sleeping better yet?
I am worried if you are continually not sleeping!! I got the package and I
sleep great now. Thanks Dad for always checking on me, because otherwise I
would just push through it!
9. How is your procrastination? What did you learn from Elder Fredrickson that you think will help you the rest of your mission? and as a DL? My procrastination isn't very apparent now. I just start doing things now because then I can just hang out later. I think one thing I learned was to give myself time to unwind. Elder F never left himself anytime to just chill. So I will be doing that pretty consistently.
10. Is your new comp Trunky? You know talking about going home or is he trying to work as hard as he can until he goes home? He isn't trunky too bad. He just keeps freaking out that he is coming home.
Thanks dad. I'm only awesome because you taught me how to
be. I'm trying to be confident and humble and the mission has really taught me
how to listen to the spirit. Thanks for the message Dad. Mine is from 3 Nephi
11:5.... I think that it is 5. It talks about how the people opened their
hearts and their ears to hear the voice. I think that sometimes the only thing
that is holding us back is that we aren't open to it yet.
I love you Dad and good luck with the calling!
Alofa Atu Oi
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-November 4, 2013
Hey Mom!
Sounds like y'all's week has been a pretty awesome! The
scout fireside thing sounds so sweet. I'm trying to look it up, but I can't find it
on the websites! It will probably work out in the end!
I think that I miss Jake
the most out of everybody. I am hoping to Email him next week.
I asked Dad if
he could call and order a new tire for my bike. I broke 10 spokes on that
sucker and I am becoming the bike mechanic of the district. haha
This week i
got my new comp Elder Maui Mafi. He is a Tongan-Hawaiian Elder. He is from
Makikilo Hawaii on Oahu. He has already taught me a couple different songs on
the guitar and other
experienced missionary tricks. We taught Danielle and Paige
a few times this week and it has just been awesome. They are both ready for
baptism the only thing we are waiting on is for them to get baptized.
We went out with Bro Joey Evans this week. He is like 6'
5" and just massive and me, him and Elder Mafi had to fit into his 2 door
truck.
Thanks for the package and everything you sent! Sleeping
this week has been phenomenal. My message this week is from 3 Nephi 11: 5 I
think. Open your heart and ears to the spirit to hear its direction.
I also got pulled over in the mission vehicle this week
haha. I was just driving down the road and the cop turned the corner and I
pulled into the post office parking lot and he came up to the car and was like
why aren't your lights on. They weren't automatic like in the truck haha. No
ticket though he understood because this is the first time having me be the
designated driver. So that has been my week!
I love you so Momma!
Elder Wilson Atagi
Friday, November 1, 2013
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-10/28/13
Hey Dad,
I made sure to right it all down in my journal! (about his first baptism) It was an
awesome experience! I knew my Saints would win haha and congrats to the
Raiders!
My Comp got transferred and I am now the District Leader.
Also my new comp is Elder Mafi from Hawaii, but he is Samoan. Transfer day is
Wednesday so that is exciting stuff!
I will try to get the recipes for the foods I eat but most of them are just
fried stuff haha. The members are still feeding us thankfully haha.
I am getting used to riding a bike but I am thinking about buying a bigger bike seat
haha
A new calling?! that's cool let me know! That's exciting
about Kaden! Thanks for the advice Dad and don't worry I am not letting it get in
the way of my work here.
Thanks for the message Dad. Mine is in Mom's email!
I love you Dad.
Alofa Atu Oi
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-10/28/13
Hey Mom!
Sounds like everyone is doing well! I'm excited for Zach and Abbey! Mom, I'm
really not that great haha. I'm just out doing what I think is right. I look
dang good in that rebel cowboy hat haha. If I really wanted to be a rebel, I
would buy a Confederate flag, but I won't because that is really dumb. I have
now officially popped 3 spokes on the back rim of my bike and I'm becoming quite
the mechanic, but next week I will email you if I need a new one next week.
Okay, so crazy story for this week. I have just today been
called as a District Leader in my area. Elder Frederiksen is leaving Bonifay to
become a Zone Leader in the Pensacola. I am getting a new comp that will leave
for home next transfer named Elder Mafi so we will be the Samoan Companionship.
I'm really freaking out right now so I don't really know how much I am going to
say in these emails today and I will write home this week. So I am really
excited, but also totally terrified. Oh well haha.
The message from me this week is about the stripling
warriors in Alma 56 and i can't remember the verses but Helaman says
"well my sons, shall we go to battle?" and the message is if God has
asked us to go to battle with our scriptures and prayers in mind throughout the
day, will we answer the question: I am afraid? or will we say "Behold
our God is with us!!"
I love you Mom and thanks for worrying about me and how I am
handling my communication. Wish me luck I'm leading a district!
Love your neglected Elder ;)
Elder Wilson Atagi
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-October 21, 2013
Hey Dad
That's so sick that they started varsity this week. I knew
they would eventually. Noah told me a little bit about it.
Sounds like fall break was a party. Where were y'all going to go on your road
trip? I hope SLC was fun! Has it snowed back home? I never hear anything over
hear about weather or politics which I guess is a good thing.
1. How is your guitar playing? We will be sending you stuff (cords, etc.. let us know if there is something in particular that you need? The guitar playing is good. I am trying to keep it tuned,
but the strings are pretty loose. I don't think I need anything in particular.
Maybe Ethan and you could find songs for me to play like the one about Jesus
Christ that the polynesian group does.
2. Are you still struggling with sleep? Does it happen even on the days that you ride your bike a lot? I am still struggling with sleep, but it doesn't seem to
be affecting me too much. It's really weird. I hardly sleep but at the end of
the day I am not tired at all. weird.
3. How are your teaching skills? Do you have the lessons down? I am always going over the lessons and the principle but
I have them down pretty good. It's a lot of fun.
4. Do you have a scripture mastery, scriptures that you have to memorize and pass off? We just use scriptures with lessons. I have been working
on memorizing where they are at and I have a lot memorized but we don't pass
them off.
5. Is it still hot now? Do you know if you guys get any cool weather at all? It has cooled down a ton but sometimes it is still hot
because we are in Florida. Elder Frederiksen seems to always be cold but I am
always so hot haha.
6. Anything strange happen to you or your companion lately? Nothing too strange lately. We did get called prophets the
other day and the same lady said we were still on the milk instead of the meat
like the bible scripture says so I was pretty fired up after that.
7. What is something that you have learned thus far on your mission, that you will use the rest of your life? Thus far on my mission I have learned that everything I do
and get is directly from Heavenly Father. I used to just think that I was
relying a lot on myself and giving myself credit, but really it's Heavenly
Father.
8. So is your bike holding up? new tube? or new tire? how are the rims? I have had to get 2 new tubes for the bike and may need
new tires soon. I popped 2 spokes on the back rim of my bike and i am trying to
fix those.
9. Are you happy? and why? I am happy! Because missionary work may be hard and
taxing, but in the end this is the single greatest thing i could be doing right
now and i will continue to do with the people I love when i get home. Can i get
Jed's Email address?
10. Do you guys play any basketball? on my mission we could only play half court. on p-days. We play basketball in the mornings sometimes. It's
pretty chill.
Other than that pretty chill week I sent a different email
about all of my stories. Thanks dad for the thought! I can't wait to see what
happens at 2 years!
I love you Dad! Have a great week!
Alofa Atu Oi
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter from Bonifay-October 21, 2013
Hey Mom and Dad!
Today we decided to come and email kinda early because we
had to make another trip to Walmart. My bike has been giving me some trouble
this week. I have to buy another inner tube but its been doing alright. I hope
everyone is doing okay!
This week has been pretty interesting and a lot of fun.
We found a new investigator last week and from October 14 to the 20th, we had a
lesson with her every day. She has already gained a testimony, told her
boyfriend they have be separated until they can get married, and quit drinking
sweet tea. We haven't even taught her the Word of Wisdom or Law of Chastity
yet. Paige is her name. She is so awesome! She told us a story of seeing
on the news of a little girl taking her own life because of being bullied, but
also having learned about the Plan of Salvation knowing that she would be okay.
She told us right then she knew that it was true. I loved that it was so
awesome to see that.
There was also a ward party this week at a members
home! It was Brother George. He used to be the owner of the bank in
Bonifay so he has some money but he is one of the most humble people I have
ever met. He has a large house and then another house/barn thing that is
entirely just a kitchen and a place to hang out in. They had a hay ride and a
ton of food. I baked cookies for it and they were gone in a few second haha. So
that was awesome I took some pictures of some little kids we were hanging out
with. It was awesome to see how many people came out to it that don't come to
church that often. Sister George made this awesome Brunswick Stew. It was so
good.
On Sunday, we had a lesson with Paige at the Mork's house. He
is an avid FSU fan and he has a jacked up golf cart that is all decked out in
FSU stuff and it can get up to 30 mph. It was so crazy. We got to ride in it
and everything. So there is a touch of the social aspect of missionary work.
Is everybody doing alright? How was the long weekend? And
the last game? I got to go to the beach this week too. We had an exchange with
the Zone Leaders in Panama City Beach and that morning for exercise we ran down
there for it. That was a lot of fun! Other than that though, not much going on
this week.
I love you guys and hope Y'all are having a great
week/day.
Love
Elder Wilson Atagi
P.S. new favorite food is boiled peanuts
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-October 14, 2013
Hey Dad,
2. Do a lot of Elders have ukes there? Saw a Uke in a picture on the Mission blog. Not that I have scene in my Zone so far. I think there are a couple somewhere.
3. Zone conference is every month? Zone Conference is usually every other transfer so every other month or something like that.
5. What is your biggest challenge now almost 3 months into it? The hardest part so far? It's hot and sometimes in a companionship is frustrating, but oh well. That and I just can't sleep lately. It's weird.
8. Is the bike holding up? Still using it a lot? The bike is holding up, but my tires are almost bald and I had to buy an inner tube this week. so that's really the only issue. I still use it a ton.
I will definitely be sending a letter to Grandma. Dang my Saints are stilling
winning the Super Bowl and sorry to hear about your Raiders, but they just
can't be helped haha. Good to hear they got a win. I heard Noah played a lot.
The booth was fun, not a lot of fruits yet, hopefully some come. I missed you
guys at the conference too, Bonifay does a Pancake and Sausage supper before
which was pretty good.
1. Do you have a guitar yet? I do have a guitar!
2. Do a lot of Elders have ukes there? Saw a Uke in a picture on the Mission blog. Not that I have scene in my Zone so far. I think there are a couple somewhere.
3. Zone conference is every month? Zone Conference is usually every other transfer so every other month or something like that.
4. Does it look like you will be transferred next? I don't think so. We just found that Polynesian family
the other week and President seems to think I am the one to teach them. By the
way was Grandpa a High chief? and What Island are we from?
5. What is your biggest challenge now almost 3 months into it? The hardest part so far? It's hot and sometimes in a companionship is frustrating, but oh well. That and I just can't sleep lately. It's weird.
6. Have you had an interview with your Mission President lately? How was it? I had an interview this past week which went
really well! He seems to really like me. He's an awesome man!
7. How are your work outs? The work outs are good. I'm trying to eat better but the
members just feed me some horrible unhealthy food. In Elders Quorum
yesterday, they were talking about how people in the West don't cook with grease
and oil and they all looked totally mortified. Some were like "I would die
without Grease and Oil to cook with." hahaha
8. Is the bike holding up? Still using it a lot? The bike is holding up, but my tires are almost bald and I had to buy an inner tube this week. so that's really the only issue. I still use it a ton.
10. We hope to be sending you a package here soon let us know if there is anything in particular that you need? I could really use some melatonin and guitar chords
so I can get to know some more chords to play and then some
guitar music. Other than that I think I am doing pretty good. I'm making
brownies for a dinner tonight to teach an investigator and this Saturday is the
Fall Festival for this ward and it's supposed to be a big deal.
Thanks Dad for the advice and the update! I don't
know if you guys got the September Ensign, but the talk I
want you to look at is in there called "His Grace is
Sufficient" by Brad Wilcox
Thanks Dad for always being there!
I love you Dad!
Alofa Atu Oi
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-October 14, 2013
Hi Mom!
The week is pretty good. A little rough on sleep, but it's
all good. The mission song was pretty cool. Thanks for the thought Mom! I
love you so much!
So story time, This week I got to go on 2 exchanges
because Elder Frederiksen is a DL so I went to Chipley, FL and we were riding
our bikes and Elder Wilcox and I were headed to an appointment and we both saw
a guy farther down the street that was out of our way. We started to turn down
the other street and then simultaneously without even thinking about it, we just
went towards the guy. We stopped and talked to him and the Spirit was super strong
the whole time we were talking then I gave him a Book of Mormon and he was
almost crying as I bore my testimony which was awesome. I love the Gift of the
Holy Ghost!
My thought for this week is all about a talk in the
September Ensign called "His Grace Is Sufficient" by Brad Wilcox. Let
me know what you think and I'll share more next week.
I love you Mom thanks for everything you do. I hope your eye
still gets better. I pray for you constantly!
I love you
Elder Wilson Atagi
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-October 6, 2013
Hey
Mom!
Watching
conference was amazing! I learned so much from each talk! I think I had like 15
pages worth of notes, but I write pretty big so probably about 10. The blog
looks awesome! I love it! Thanks so much for setting that up. That's
exciting to hear Kaden is home! Good to hear about your eye! No worries
about the CD's and book! It's not a big deal! Just get better. Thanks for the
thought this week! I always love Elder Holland's talks!
Not
much to talk about this week. We set a couple baptismal dates! Hopefully they
turn out. Bonifay is still going strong and Elder Frederiksen and I seem to be
carrying the district. Not bragging I promise. Pretty good week though!
Conference was phenomenal. The Spirit was so strong throughout each session! I
learned so much of how I can help my investigators and myself come closer to
Christ! My message this week is:
Everything
that we will earn in Heaven is up to US. In the end there is no one else
to put it on. We choose what happens. Everyday is either moving forward or
sliding back. Make the chose to apply the Atonement. The God given Agency we
have means we can choose to be Happy.
I
hope you have a great week this week Mom! Keep Moving Forward! As President
Uchtdorf said, "You can do it NOW"
Love
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-October 6, 2013
Hey
Dad,
3. So do you guys just watch it at 12 , 4, 8 on Saturday and 12 and 4 on Sunday? We just watched it from 11-1 and 3-5 and then 7-9 for priesthood session.
4. So is the storm affecting you? The storm died down a lot and the only effects we are getting is more rain.
Which is good, but I keep getting the feeling that sometime during my mission
there will be a hurricane over here. Don't tell Mom I said that haha
5. So how have they divided the town with having two sets of missionaries in Bonifay? We haven't divided the town because it is too small to. We just coordinate who we plan to go and see so we don't step on each others toes.
6. You talked about sisters coming to your District are they there now? There
are sisters in the district. They are in Chipley.
7. What about pictures? have you been taking any? Do you need to send anything home yet?
I have been taking pictures, but haven't sent any yet because the computers are struggling but I will send them soon.8. Mom has worked hard on your Blog. make sure you thank her and add to it so it can be moved forward. but what do you think? The blog is awesome and I will try to add some when I figure out how to. 9. I've see a few of your classmates and they all say to say hi. Colby Bedford, Nihao, Croyle, Zumbo, Bro. Jones, and others. When I see others anything you want me to say? Tell
them I said what's up. Not much to say just hello and don't forget about me
haha.
10. So is there anything you need? Not anything that I can think of that I need. I may need a SD card for my camera when I send the other one home, but that won't be until next week.
Thanks
for checking out Ray Hudson for me. haha He's a pretty cool guy, just kind of
different, I think the football got to him. Conference was great this week! I
learned a ton. Good to hear about Ethan and Noah I know that they will keep
going strong! Missionary work was definitely a big influence in Conference this
time huh? Great to see the General authorities trying to get members going!
1. How was General Conference (GC) for you? General
Conference was fantastic! I learned so much for myself and my questions, but
also a ton of stuff to help out the members, investigators, and Less actives! I
had a boat load of notes on the whole thing. Like 15 pages.
2. Where did you watch it? We
watched it at the church because we had invited a few investigators there.
Otherwise we would have been at a members house with our other investigators
there.3. So do you guys just watch it at 12 , 4, 8 on Saturday and 12 and 4 on Sunday? We just watched it from 11-1 and 3-5 and then 7-9 for priesthood session.
4. So is the storm affecting you?
5. So how have they divided the town with having two sets of missionaries in Bonifay? We haven't divided the town because it is too small to. We just coordinate who we plan to go and see so we don't step on each others toes.
6. You talked about sisters coming to your District are they there now?
7. What about pictures? have you been taking any? Do you need to send anything home yet?
I have been taking pictures, but haven't sent any yet because the computers are struggling but I will send them soon.8. Mom has worked hard on your Blog. make sure you thank her and add to it so it can be moved forward. but what do you think? The blog is awesome and I will try to add some when I figure out how to.
10. So is there anything you need? Not anything that I can think of that I need. I may need a SD card for my camera when I send the other one home, but that won't be until next week.
I
really appreciate you Dad. Thanks for helping me grow and learn. I hope you have a great week! I
love you Dad. Message that I got from conference is this:
Everything
that we will earn in Heaven is up to US. In the end there is no one else to put
it on. We choose what happens. Everyday is either moving forward or sliding
back. Make the chose to apply the Atonement. The God given Agency we have means
we can choose to be Happy.
"You
can do it now"
I
love you Dad.
Alofa
Atu Oi
Elder
Atagi
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-September 30, 2013
Hey Dad!
3.What's the weirdest thing you have eaten so far? Smoked Mullet is probably the weirdest. I pulled it straight out of the scales haha
4. How are your work outs? The work outs are good. I've been doing core a ton too.
Did you ever get a description of the exercises though?
5. Do you guys go to any High school Football games? We haven't gone to any yet. The team here is awful. They lose like we did last year.
6. Do you meet with the Ward Missionaries every week? We meet with the Ward Mission leader every Wednesday.
7. What Meetings do you have every week? We have District meeting on Tuesday and then coordination Wednesday and PEC Sunday morning.
8. Have you seen the Gulf yet? I've seen part of the gulf not any beaches though.
9.What stories do you hear about in the Mission that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.? I haven't heard a ton of stories. Elder Frederiksen's last companion drove a mission vehicle into a flooded road and drowned the car. So that is probably the dumbest thing I have heard missionaries do.
10. Are you having fun Yet? Why? I think I have been having fun since day one. I realized that this whole 2 years will be as good as I make it. I just love the people and I know that the Lord is just constantly leading us to people to teach. I love my mission!
I 'm doing great! It's been a great week. In my email to mom
are all the stories!
I'll keep praying for Mom. And i will work on my letters. I heard
Noah was slayin em huh? Hopefully the team can turn it around.
1.Where do the new Elders Live? They live in the apartment across the street
2. Do you guys watch Movies on P-day? We watch like Prophet of the Restoration and The
Testaments haha3.What's the weirdest thing you have eaten so far? Smoked Mullet is probably the weirdest. I pulled it straight out of the scales haha
4. How are your work outs?
5. Do you guys go to any High school Football games? We haven't gone to any yet. The team here is awful. They lose like we did last year.
6. Do you meet with the Ward Missionaries every week? We meet with the Ward Mission leader every Wednesday.
7. What Meetings do you have every week? We have District meeting on Tuesday and then coordination Wednesday and PEC Sunday morning.
8. Have you seen the Gulf yet? I've seen part of the gulf not any beaches though.
9.What stories do you hear about in the Mission that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.? I haven't heard a ton of stories. Elder Frederiksen's last companion drove a mission vehicle into a flooded road and drowned the car. So that is probably the dumbest thing I have heard missionaries do.
10. Are you having fun Yet? Why? I think I have been having fun since day one. I realized that this whole 2 years will be as good as I make it. I just love the people and I know that the Lord is just constantly leading us to people to teach. I love my mission!
Thanks for the quote Dad that means a lot. Even though I am
imperfect I can change the world with the Lord's help.
We met a Samoan family straight from the islands. What
island did Grandma and Grandpa come from? what does our name mean? I hope I can
teach and baptize all of them. I love you Dad. Thanks for always taking care of
me and nagging me to do what is right. I don't think I would be out here
without you.
Alofa Atu Oi
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-September 30, 2013
Hi Mom!
My week has been just fantastic! I think I may just start
writing the story segment to you for now until I get faster at typing. If
that's okay with y'all. It's good to hear that you are doing better. Don't get
too frustrated with them. Remember you were the one that ran into the pole. ;)
haha I can just see little Beckham haha. He probably looks like a lady that we
are teaching when she feels the Spirit in our lessons. It is quite the
spectacle. I haven't seen anyone speak in tongues yet. I want to though I just
want to see what they do.
Riley emailed saying something about Mason, but I guess what
happened isn't as bad as what I thought happened. I just need to not think the
worst possible thing haha.
All Riley said about it was did you hear about mason? and I freaked out for a
second. She seriously got called to New Zealand? That's soo lucky, not nearly
as good as Tallahassee, but still cool. Thanks for the thought mom! I love you
so much! Thanks for getting all the CD's and address book together I can't wait
for those! I pray for you everyday! I hope you get better!
Alright story time now. Elder Pino was sooo awesome! He was
just super spiritual and the lesson that he taught was so cool and I have a
mini back up lesson to it too. He taught about how everything that we do as
missionaries should all lead back to our purpose. We exercise in the morning to
stay fit to invite people to come unto Christ. We have P day to chill out and
let off stress to help us be spiritually ready to invite others to come unto
Christ. We can relate this all to our lives as members of the church. We go to
work, play football, hang out with friends, go to the doctors, have certain
illnesses or injuries to help us come closer to Jesus Christ. Through every
trial that Heavenly Father, we either take steps down the strait and narrow or
we loosen our grip on the word of God. Everything happens to change us and
Jesus Christ's Grace is sufficient to change us. In the September Ensign there
is a talk by Brad Wilcox about that. For FHE sometime read about that or try to
find it on iTunes. It is very great!
We had a baptism this week! It was super awesome to know
that I helped put someone on the path to Eternal Life! I can't wait to see how
it all turns out at the end of this. I gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and it was
just a great experience! I also baked cookies and of course everyone loved
them.
We taught the third hour in church on Sunday and it was of
course all about missionary work and there were a ton of spiritual promptings
about what I could help teach and talk about. I love having the Gift of the
Holy Ghost! this week has been such an awesome testimony builder to me and I
just keep getting more and more confirmation that this is truly where I am
supposed to be!
Last one! We found a big Samoan family here in Bonifay. They
are willing to listen to us! Woohoo! It's so awesome. I need to ask Dad some
questions about what island we are from and stuff like that.
Oh and Bonifay is apparently known for the Northwest Florida
Championship Rodeo! I bought myself a cowboy hat! haha I really did! I'll send
a pic sometime soon.
Thanks Mom! I love you and hope you have a great Week!
Love you so!
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-September 23, 2013
Hey Dad,
3. How was your Baptism? The baptism was moved back because of Stake Conference, but the gator is on fire. He bought a suit to have for church.
4. Did you speak? No I did not speak, but this Sunday we are teaching the
third hour of church. We are having a share the gospel seminar!
5.What has been the hardest part of your mission so far? The hardest part is staying asleep. At least this past week. I don't even know why I can't sleep through the night, but I just toss and turn all night. I'm pretty good other than that though. We have had a pretty steady flow of lessons.
6. Is there anything fun that you do on P-day? We watch DVD's on the DVD player. haha
7. What has been the scariest thing so far on your mission? I haven't a lot of scary things. There was a HUGE spider
about the size of Sally's whole hand and there was one my fist size. That was
pretty scary. Some of the trailer parks are kind of sketchy.
8. If you could go back and change anything before or during your mission what would you change? I would study PMG a lot more and not taken being with you guys for granted.
9.What one thing have you done to make your companionship better? We've talked things out. Elder Frederiksen stresses out a lot and beats himself up about things. I have been a lot more patient now that I am out here. I don't get mad a ton here maybe once in a while, but I've just realized that if I put in the effort, the Lord will help me out and I can roll with the punches.
It goes great! Elder F and I are still together, but we got
some more Elders here in Bonifay! Elder F is the DL of the biggest district in
the Zone! The baptism was move back a week because Stake Conference was this
past weekend. Elder Pino from the first quorum of the 70 came and spoke and he
is talking to us tomorrow at a half mission conference! I'm super excited! It
should be awesome. I'm super excited about Matthu! That's way cool. Good to
hear Mom is doing better. I keep praying for her. Tell everyone I say hello!
Who
Dat Nation haha.
1. Did you get a guitar? I haven't gotten a guitar. There aren't any real pawn
shops in the area that I've seen.
2. So other Missionaries have instruments like ukes too? Some other missionaries have guitars. I haven't seen
anyone else with instruments, but I've only seen the Zone so.3. How was your Baptism? The baptism was moved back because of Stake Conference, but the gator is on fire. He bought a suit to have for church.
4. Did you speak?
5.What has been the hardest part of your mission so far? The hardest part is staying asleep. At least this past week. I don't even know why I can't sleep through the night, but I just toss and turn all night. I'm pretty good other than that though. We have had a pretty steady flow of lessons.
6. Is there anything fun that you do on P-day? We watch DVD's on the DVD player. haha
7. What has been the scariest thing so far on your mission?
8. If you could go back and change anything before or during your mission what would you change? I would study PMG a lot more and not taken being with you guys for granted.
9.What one thing have you done to make your companionship better? We've talked things out. Elder Frederiksen stresses out a lot and beats himself up about things. I have been a lot more patient now that I am out here. I don't get mad a ton here maybe once in a while, but I've just realized that if I put in the effort, the Lord will help me out and I can roll with the punches.
Thanks for the thought Dad. I'm trying to do my best to find
those things. My thought is in Alma 7: 11-12. Lean on the Lord in times of
trouble and all other times as well. He has been through literally everything.
He knows. I love you Dad. Thanks for teaching me to be a good kid.
Your son,
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-September 16, 2013
Mom,
Sounds like a rough week. I'm sorry to hear about your eye,
but I know that the Lord knows each of us and the struggles we are going
through and he will never allow anything that we cannot bear. I'm so excited
for Riley and I can't wait to write to him during e-mail times. I will be out
in the field for two whole transfers before he even gets out to Honduras.
Thanks for having Ethan read it to them. I wish I could be back singing with them,
but they did great without me I'm sure.
We get some more Elders in our area this Wednesday which
should be fun. I know the eye and shoulder probably hurt a ton, but keep
pushing through it. Jesus Christ in the Garden felt every ounce of pain and
torment you and I feel everyday of our lives. Heavenly Father gave him and our
families for us to lean on and He gave Dad the priesthood to act in his name.
Rely on prayer and the priesthood and everything works out. The church is
perfectly set up to help us all out. We just need to live up to it. I love you
Mom. Keep getting better and keep praying. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Love you so. Your son
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-September 16, 2013
Hey Dad,
Don't worry about the letters. I enjoy the updates from
emails too. Sounds like my Saints are letting people know. The team continues
to struggle I guess huh? As long as Ethan and Noah can get their grades
going, they'll be good. I'll make sure to tell Noah. I'll keep Mom in my prayers
more now. I'm excited for Riley though!
1. 650 miles is that to take care of your district? No our area is pretty big
geographically so we use it for farther away areas, but we try to conserve as
much as possible.
2. Did you have a baptism this past Saturday? If so, who? No baptism. Brenda didn't come to church and we haven't
been able to meet with her for a while.
3. We noticed a guitar behind you at Zone Conference. Was that yours? No, not my guitar. I'm going to look
for one today so that should be fun.
4. So why did you do the Haka? Did you do it by yourself? I did it by myself. They asked if we
wanted to do talents. I was going to sing How Can I Be, but another kid sang a
song so they asked if I had anything else. So it was fun.
5. How long do stay with your trainer? Usually for 2
transfers at the least. I didn't get transferred this week so still here in
Bonifay.
6. What's your favorite food in the south now? I would have to say cornbread or deer burgers.
7. How are your investigators? The investigators
are good. A lot of them were sick this week so we couldn't teach. James is
doing awesome and he is getting baptized on the 28th. That's pretty exciting.
We met two investigators that are kind of, okay scratch that, they are really
crazy so we are trying to decide if we can continue teaching them.
8. Are those bands any good? The bands
are great and my arms are starting to get sore haha. I've had two different
people tell me I look like I'm slimming down so I was happy to hear that.
9. do you want me to get any more? I don't think I'll need more for awhile.
10. What do you get on p-days for food for the week? Usually just like eggs,
milk, bread, cereal, different fruits like last week, I bought a pineapple and
like different like Hamburger Helper or mac and cheese. Thanks for the quote
dad. I'm working on it. I've been having some great study time. I'm trying to
alter my mindset. I'll keep praying for mom and the family in general. I love
you Dad and keep being an example because you are a huge reason I am who I
am today. I love you Dad.
Alofa Atu Oi
Your Son
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Mom & Dad from Bonifay-September 9, 2013
Hi Mom and Dad!
This week is letter week!
Elder Atagi
Editorial Comment: Rejection!!!
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-September 2, 2013
Hey Dad,
How's it going? Sounds like the party was a lot of fun and
that's exciting to hear about the mission call for Zach!
1. How are the work outs in the morning? The workouts are good, but if you could send a
description for everything that would be great.
2. Have you gained weight? I think I may have gained a
litlte bit, but the biking and the workouts in the morning pretty much counteract
it. I sweat sooooooooo much when we go out and bike, my shirt is soaked through.
I made a pocket protector out of duct tape so my planner and pass along
cards don't get soaked.
3. What is the town of Bonifay known for? The town of Bonifay isn't really known for much,
other than a man named Ray Hudson that played for Alabama from 2000-2005. We are
actually teaching him tomorrow so that is super cool.
4.Other than shop, wash laundry, letter writing, and email is there anything else you guys do? We usually just chill and get whatever else we
need done that day or that week. Sometimes we watch church videos which is
awesome.
5. with the music cd's I will send a jump rope, pulley things, is there anything else you need? I don't think there is much of anything I need. I would like some
recipes for things like spaghetti sauce and stroganoff and things like
that and some lyrics for I stand all amazed in Samoan and Tali Mia
6. So how do guys do mileage and gas on your cars? We do
mileage with a mileage sheet that we pull out every night from the car and write
down the daily miles that day and then the total for the month so far and
there is a gas card inside the glove box that we use.
7. have you guys had a Zone conference yet? Our first zone
conference is this Thursday and Elder Raphael Pino is coming to visit us so it
should be pretty cool!
8. Have you had any Stake Meetings yet? No stake meetings yet. Stake Conference
is on the 22nd.
9. Do you guys ever get to go to the temple in Tampa, or Birmingham? The temple isn't really an option for us. The closest is in
Orlando I think.
10. Do you guys have a district training weekly? We have district meeting every Tuesday, unless there is
zone stuff that week.
Thanks for letting me know Mom is doing okay. I'm glad the
party was fun! The games sound rough, but I think that they will learn quick
and once they stop the mistakes then everything will start to workout. Good to
hear Noah is doing well. Tell him to keep it up! Thanks for the thought Dad and
I am sending mine in a letter this week so be prepared!
I love you dad and I miss you, but I know the Lord is
blessing our family because of it.
Alofa Atu Oi Dad
Elder Atagi
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-September 2, 2013
Mom,
You're old. hahahahaha. I love you mom and hope you are
healing up great. I'm happy to hear you had a great time at the party
yesterday. Thanks for all you've done and continue to do for me! I love you
mom. Thanks for praying for the investigators and I can feel it helping me everyday.
The party sounds like a lot of fun! Keep it up with the rehab, you always were
one tough cookie! The members feed us an assortment of different foods like:
Cornbread that they fry themselves not like the cake kind but like corn meal
stuff fried. They have peas which are bomb, but they are more like beans. They
have real fried chicken which is so good. Ummm and they have potluck Sundays
here which are like stupid good because every lady makes like 20 dishes and
brings them to eat after church. Why don't we have that in Utah???? But they
make like chicken and dumplings and just general South food stuff. Sooooo good.
Not anything near as good as your food, but still pretty good.
Can you send the recipe for the chocolate chip cookies
within the next hour? i'm trying to make them for zone conference this
thursday. and the buttermilk cake recipe, because Elder Frederiksen's birthday
is on the 12th.
Anyway I love you mom and the scriptures are coming in the
letter i am sending.
I love you so!
Elder Wilson Atagi
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Letter to Mom from Bonifay-August 19, 2013
Hi Mom,
My week has been great! The work is exciting and Bonifay and
the ward is amazing! I love it here. The rain is crazy. I filmed part of one and
commentated it so I'll send that too.
The apartments are like town homes. Mosiah 4:14-15 is one
scripture I wanted for you to read as you are a teacher. So that should help
when they do figure out what you're doing.
We committed a lady to be baptized on the 14th of September. It
was so great. Pray for her please. Her name is Brenda! that's awesome to hear
about Mathu. I hope they can keep teaching him.
I got the package and thanks for the picture. I really needed
that and the scriptures helped too. I love you Mom. Here's one more scripture
Mosiah 4:27. Slow down life and take it all one step at a time so you don't
stress out. I love you Mom!
Love
Elder Wilson Atagi
Letter to Dad from Bonifay-August 19, 2013
Hey Dad,
2. Since your comp is the DL do you guys do splits with other missionaries?
Do you guys have sisters in your District? We are planning on doing exchanges sometime soon with the ZL's and with the other set of Elders in our District. We are getting two sets of sisters in our district next transfer.
3. How are you with the discussions? I'm pretty good with the discussions. Just basic doctrine and applying the Atonement and the principles to helping the people in their lives.
4. How are your investigators? Our investigators are cool. We have one committed to being baptized named Brenda and she is working on quitting smoking. The other really progressing investigator is a man named Dondre. He reminds me a lot of Kenyatta and is really cool. He takes notes while we are teaching!
5. How is your Ward? Or is it a branch? Are the members cool? The ward is awesome the people are amazing here and I honestly have never seen such a tight knit group of saints.
6. So where do you write emails from? and when you say you have two hours
to write emails and letters what is the rest of your p-day like? I email from the family history center in our church building. The rest of P day is laundry which we usually do in the apartment, cleaning and shopping and chilling.
7. So we see that rain has been hitting the south pretty good. is it
getting you guys too? The rain is pretty crazy here. Just super sheets but we don't get it too bad here.
I'm doing good! Just be chillin hear in Bonifay!
Answers to Questions:
1. So do the members feed you guys? How often? We have a meal coordinator and the calendar is passed around Relief Society every week. The food is really good. Our calendar is full pretty much all week this whole month.
4. How are your investigators? Our investigators are cool. We have one committed to being baptized named Brenda and she is working on quitting smoking. The other really progressing investigator is a man named Dondre. He reminds me a lot of Kenyatta and is really cool. He takes notes while we are teaching!
5. How is your Ward? Or is it a branch? Are the members cool? The ward is awesome the people are amazing here and I honestly have never seen such a tight knit group of saints.
They only had a scrimmage huh? That's weird. Is Ethan asking
anyone to homecoming? Tell them to keep on laying hat. Is the helmet for Noah
expensive? I'll keep praying for mom. I hope Noah and Ena can play hard this
Friday. Do they start? I knew my saints would win. Oh and remember how the guy
at the mission office said people don't really use rain jackets? Yeah he lied.
So I'm wondering if you could send one over here because we can't find any that
fit me over here. Remember the one in Smith and Edwards that was like a really
weird material and said like frog or toad on the name. That one would be great.
Thanks dad for the advice and the scripture. Here are mine
for this week. This is for you. Mosiah 4: 11-12 and this is for the family.
Mosiah 18:21
Alofa atu oi
Elder Wilson Atagi
First Letter to Dad from Bonifay-August 11, 2013
Hey Dad,
The first week has been great! The days seem really long but
when you're done they seem to blur together.
Answers to Questions
1. What is your address.303 Redbird Rd. #1 Bonifay, FL
32425. I'm in the top part of the Panama city branch.
2. Who is your companion. he is from where? how long has he been out?
My comp is Elder
Frederiksen. He is from Boise, Idaho and has been out for 6 months and has been
in this area for all 6.
3. How is your bike? The bike is slightly smaller than I think we had expected but it works great. I don't enjoy biking, but my quads are going to be huge when I'm done.
4.
is it hot? It is very hot and humid, but the locals say it is pretty cool for August probably because of so much rain.
5.
does your bike helmet fit, it looked like it did The helmet fits and it is huge on other people!
6.
how is riding a bike all day? I answered with 3.
7.
what is your apartment like, is your area in the boonies? I like the apartment. There are a few roaches, but they are pretty small not huge ones. My area has a little bit of the boonies but not really. Just a small town that's super rural and has a lot of dirt roads and those things.
8.
do you guys have a teaching list already? We do have a teaching list. I've taught 2 investigators so far. My area isn't super successful right now, but we'll keep working.
9.
how was your interview with President Smith? my interview with the President was fairly short. He is an old football coach so we understand each other really well. His first mission Presidency was in Micronesia and he had a lot of Polynesian elders and he said he liked them a lot. He said he can see a lot of potential in me and thinks he can trust me already.
10. So
how do you pay your rent, so what did buy for groceries the first P-Day. How
long do you get to email? the rent is paid for us when we pay the $400 every month. We are budgeted to about $130 to live off of every month. And we haven't gone shopping yet. I can email and write letters for about 2 hours on P day which is Monday.
11. are
you sleeping well? I am sleeping pretty good. The air conditioning works well in the apartment.
12. how
is your studying, what is your day like? My studies are good. We wake up and exercise for 30 minutes. I tried to get as many pushups and ab stuff done in that time. Can you set up a work out with Josh I can use?
13. Is
there something you need from us? I don't think I need anything from you guys right now.
14. How
many are in your district? There are 4 total missionaries in our district and my
trainer is the DL.
I miss you dad and it was good to talk to you. I'll let you
know more next week because there is a lot on my mind right now. Tell Ena and
Noah to kill some people for me this week in the first game and film it okay
and send pictures! Can you send a family picture for me to have?
Love you Dad.
One love.
Love Elder Wilson Atagi
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