Island Hopping

 Malo soifua!!!

Today on the Elder Hill Show:

• At our district council this week, we had a funeral service for Elder Van, who goes home this week. 
• Week 6 work brings miracles. Exchanges also bring miracles. Week 6 exchanges bring SUPER miracles!! 
• I'm getting transferred! I'm headed off to Union Square, Manhattan tomorrow at noon. My new comp's name is Elder Hamilton. 
• Everyone in my ward here was sad because I told them I would be leaving. 

This week was a pretty good week, and it was also my last week here on Staten. I was informed that I will be transferring from Staten to Union Square, in the southern part of Manhattan (a little south of Central Park). My new comp is one Elder Hamilton, and I've heard good things about him. I'm sad to leave my home of the last six months, but I'm also super excited to go to a brand new area and meet just tons of new people! Union Square is also a metro area, which is even more exciting. Transfers are tomorrow (Tuesday) at around noon.

This past Tuesday was our week 6 district council, which is always a happy/sad experience. We had a really good meeting, and we ended with the traditional closing Hymn of "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again" and a group district photo. Elder VanLangeveld (Elder Van), asked if we could take one "funeral pic" for him. He goes home this Wednesday, so we did him the honors of having a picture of him lying on a table "dead" while the rest of the district mourns. Fun times (see attached pics). 

Right after district council was my exchange with Elder Farr. I went into the Spanish area (yet again trying to remember the language) while Elder Fullmer came into the English pool. Elder Farr and I didn't have anything super crazy on our end, but the other elders came back and told us about a crazy miracle that they saw. In a lesson with our friend Johanna, they were just discussing the gospel of Christ, and she brought her desire to be baptized! She said was baptized when she was a child but she doesn't remember it, and she wants to be baptized again! As soon as we're able to meet with her again, we're going to have a baptism lesson, and formally invite her to be baptized, which is super exciting. (note: I won't be in this area when that happens haha, but I'll be thinking about it and praying for all of them). 

This Sunday was my last church meeting in the Staten Island First Ward, and it was yet another happy/sad experience. I've come to love these people dearly, and it was a somber experience thanking each person and wishing them well. Hopefully one day I'll get to come back and visit one day. 

Mafaufauga faʻaleagaga: I've been reading a lot of conference talks in preparation for General Conference this next weekend, and it's been such a cool experience. I decided to read all 30 of Elder Bruce R McConkie's conference talks in the two weeks I had leading up to conference. I discovered that I love his way if speaking, with his iron resolution and mountain of a testimony. I strongly encourage all y'all to read some of his talks about testimony and revelation. They are now some of my favorite talks of all time. 

Ou te molimau atu oloo iai perofeta o le lalolagi i lenei aso, ma latou te talanoa moni lava ma le Atua, le Tamā. Ou te iloa pe afai tatou te faalogo i upu mai auauna filifilia, o le a tatou maua faamanuiaga sili o le taitaiga ma le filemu nai lo Mea mafai ona tatou miti i ai. Ou te iloa oloo soifua Iesu Keriso, ma na te alofa ia itatou uma lava. Ou te molimau atu o nei mea I le suafa o Keriso, le Faaola ma le Togiola o le lalolagi atoa. Amene. 

I testify that there are prophets on the earth today, and that they do in reality speak with God the Father. I know that if we listen to the words of God's chosen servants, we will receive greater blessings of guidance and peace than we could ever dream of. I know Jesus Christ lives, and He loves all of us. I testify of these things in the name of Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Amen. 

Alofa tele lava atu ia outou,

Elder Hill

Photos:

Week 6 District Council pic (I'm gonna miss these guys) 

Elder Van's funeral

A cool mural of the ferry we saw the other day (ft. Elder Fanning) 

A few cool pics of the Gilbert Temple and NYC I totally stole off of Facebook 😂

Beach Boys

Malo Soifua!!!

Today on the Elder Hill Show:

• This week was stake conference, so that was super awesome
• None of our friends came to church this week, so that was much less awesome
• The Gift of Tongues is a real thing, guys

This week was pretty busy, and we had a lot of lessons. Not much of note happened, however, so this email will be shorter than most. We had some really good lessons with some of our progressing people, including a couple super awesome lesson with our friend Renee. She's progressing really well, and I'm excited to keep meeting with her.

This past Saturday and Sunday was Stake Conference for the Brooklyn New York Stake. We watched the Saturday evening session at home via Zoom. For the Sunday session, we actually came to the church building so that the Sisters could bring their friend Cary, who's getting ready to be baptized, and she could both watch the conference but also partake of the sacrament. It was a pretty cool experience, and I felt honored to be able to help Cary draw even closer to Christ.

The downside of Stake Conference was that none of our friends were able to come to church. We did a bunch of contacting and calling, but all of our most progressing people were unavailable in one degree or another. Hopefully we can get some of them to come to church this upcoming Sunday.

Today was "P-Day with the Boys." We went to a soccer field right next to the beach here, and we spent a couple of hours playing soccer and ultimate Frisbee. We also walked down to the beach and walked along the shore, collecting cool shells and taking cool pictures. It was an overall just good time, and we had a lot of fun together.

Mafaufauga faaleagaga: My thoughts today are mainly on the gifts of the Spirit, specifically the Gift of Tongues. I've been seriously reflecting on my past time as a missionary studying the Samoan language, and I've been working hard not to fall into the trap of comparing myself to other missionaries. Instead, I've been following the counsel I found in a BYU devotional I listened to recently. In it, the speaker (I can't remember his name) spoke about comparing ourselves to our past selves, not to anything else. We, and the Lord, only look upon what we are versus what we were, and nothing else. With that in mind, I've looked back at my progress in speaking and understanding the Samoan language, and I've seen just how wonderful and incredible my progress has been. Sure I'm not as good as any of my teachers or the missionaries who served in Samoa for months at a time, but I've made incredible progress in my own growth and understanding, and I'm beyond grateful for that.

Long story short, don't compare yourself to others. Only look at how you have grown, and keep trying. Our race is against sin, not against each other.

Alofa tele lave atu ia outou,

Elder Mauga

Photos:

• Cool pic of the Verrazzano Bridge I got off of Facebook haha
• Some pics from pday with the boys today

What To Do With Two Cakes

Malo Soifua!!!

Today on the Elder Hill Show:

• We had in-person zone conference
• I realized that my Samoan actually isn't as bad as I thought, which was really nice.
• It was my birthday, wooooo
• We got two cakes
• My ward's Elder's Quorum got together to clean the church and have breakfast together, so that was fun.
• We got the covid vaccine wooo hooo (first dose anyways)

This week was pretty good, and my birthday, which happened to be this week as well, was also pretty good. 

This past Tuesday was our In-Person Zone Conference, and it was super good as usual. Pres Teuscher talked about the importance of work, and how to both work harder as well as work smarter. It was a really good lesson, and I definitely gave thought to how we work as missionaries, and how I myself can improve how I work in the service of the Lord.

On my birthday, I got to go and give service at NDS (the food bank), and it was super fun. Wendy, the owner, found out that it was my birthday that day, so she gave us a bunch of food for both lunch and dinner, and she got me a strawberry shortcake to eat as part of the celebration. We had a great picnic lunch at the church building that day as well, and we basked in the warm weather and the clear sky. (My comps had already gotten a cake from Costco, so we ended up having two that we ate this week haha).

In one of my language calls this week, I got to listen to a sister missionary finish up one of her first Samoan lessons. Listening to her learn phrases and words, I realized and fully appreciated just how much I have improved with the Samoan language. I don't often think about my progress, or compare myself to others, but it was a huge boost in support and confidence to recognize that I truly have grown and improved so much.

This past Saturday morning we had an Elder's Quorum breakfast and church cleaning time. It was a lot of fun, and we get to know some of the brethren in our ward a lot better. We had to leave a bit early to do some missionary work, and also to go and get our first dose of the COVID vaccine. As volunteer workers at the NDS food pantry, we were able to all go and get the first dose of the Moderna vaccine. I'm also scheduled for the second dose in a few weeks, so hopefully, I'll be able to get that. I also pray that this may make my chances of going to Samoa even just a little bit easier. Any prayers in that regard would be much appreciated.

Mafaufauga faaleagaga: During zone conference, we had a discussion based on a BYU devotional about overcoming comparisons. It was really cool, and there were some really good ideas shared. One I love particularly is the thought that we are not compared with others. We are only compared with our past selves. Not our potential, or our shortcomings, only in how we have grown. I love that idea, and I echo it here. It doesn't matter who you are compared to anyone else. This life isn't a race against each other. It's a race against sin. I pray that we all can see and accept that, and look to build each other up, and help each other continue to improve with time.

Alofa tele lave atu ia outou,

Elder Hill

Photos: 

• A couple of pics from our birthday picnic in the grass of the church building
• I made some more pizza this week, and it was actually really good.
• Covid vaccine!

I Met Captain America Today

Malo soifua!!!

Today on the Elder Hill Show:

•     I helped a multi millionaire move a couch, and he got us pizza
•     Our friend accidentally found anti-Mormon literature, and she thought it was hilarious
•     We went to industry City today, and I got some fun pics in front of the Captain America Statue

So this past Wednesday, we went to help Bro Saulong, a member of our ward here, move a couch from his truck into the air BnB he has nearby. We hopped over there, and we eventually finagled the couch down the narrow hall and into his living room. After we had finished, Bro Saulong insisted on taking us to get some pizza. We walked a couple blocks to a small pizza joint, and he ordered some New York Style pizza. We sat and talked with him  for a few minutes while we waited for the pizza, and he began telling us about his life. He told us that apparently he's the number five biggest sugar seller in the world, and the number one seller of soy beans. Also apparently he's something of a massive multi-millionaire. We had a great conversation with him haha, and he gave us lots of great advice on how to be successful and well off in life. Just so you all know, I may or may not end up just moving to Dubai to work for him haha.

So we've been teaching our friend Renee, and she's super awesome. We've hit a snag in that she likes to look stuff up on the internet, and she's ended up finding multiple pieces of anti-Mormon literature. She's mostly laughed it off or asked us about it, which is good, but she's gotten to the point where she's learning things that we haven't taught her yet, and she thinks they're just silly or weird. We're going to have a friendly conversation with her soon about keeping sacred things sacred (it's a "sin of ignorance" on her part, so I'm not upset or anything. We just need to help her see that Googling everything is a really bad way to get answers about the church). I'm not too worried, but I would appreciate any prayers you all could spare to send my way.

Finally, today was District P-Day, and we went into Brooklyn to visit Industry City. It's a super cool group of industrial buildings that were converted into a mall and office buildings. We visited the Japanese village there (and I got a wack-tasting Japanese soda), almost played mini golf (I got outvoted though), visited some neato art studios and displays, saw the fancy food hall, and we took some awesome pictures with the Captain America Statue that resides there. It was super cool, and definitely a well spent trip. Afterwards we crossed the street and got food at the Costco food court before heading home. Elder Kelley and Fanning also picked out a Costco cake for my birthday this week, so that was pretty exciting.

Also, surprise, my birthday is in three days. I'll be 19, and to be honest I don't know how I feel about that. I feel like 19 will feel like 18, but we'll see haha. (But, turning 20 next year, now THAT will be wack lol).

Mafaufauga Faaleagaga: A night or two ago, I was in deep prayer about our friend Renee (see above story for the details). I was trying to think of a good way to explain lovingly and peacefully that her method of looking for answers will only result in finding bad or dangerous things. After a few minutes of thought and prayer, a parable came to my mind, and I thought I would share it with y'all.

Finding Diamonds:

A man was looking to get a diamond. With a determined expression, he grabbed a shovel, and began digging a hole. Day after day, he dug and searched for diamonds, but he found nothing but worthless rocks.

Finally, an old jeweler came and asked him, "Why are you digging a hole?" The man said, "I'm looking for diamonds, and there's bound to be one here if I just keep digging."

"There may be," said the old jeweler, "but you are finding far more rocks than diamonds." 

The man huffed in frustration.  "So what would you suggest?" he asked.

"Well," said the jeweler, "you could visit my diamond shop, for there you can be sure that you will find a diamond, and not the rocks that get in your way."

When you have questions, don't go digging in the dirt, hoping to find the answer you want. Instead, go to the source that will have the actual answers that you are seeking. It will be much easier that way, and you are far less likely to find rocks that will distract or discourage you along the way.

Alofa tele lava atu ia outou,

Elder Hill

Photos: (enjoy the massive photo dump)

• A pic of Elder Farr (our DL) with an "infinity gauntlet" of gummies stuck to his hand
• Elder Kelley as "Rabbi Kelley' (box and blanket etc)
• Pizza with Bro Saulong
• Elder Fanning, Elder Kelley, and me with "the t-shirt" at Wendy's food pantry. It has signatures of every missionary who has given service there for the past 15 years or so, and it's a really cool piece of history.
• Lots of pics from Industry City
• Captain America

The Drought is Over

Malo Soifua!!!

Today on the Elder Hill Show:

• We had some fire exchanges with the Spanish Elders, and we saw some awesome miracles (and a good deli)
• We met some new friends, and we kept meeting with some straight fire investigators
• WE GOT PEOPLE TO CHURCH (it doesn't seem like a big deal, but it was huge to us haha

So we had exchanges this past Tuesday with Elders Farr and Fullmer. Elder Farr and Kelley stayed in our pool, and Elder Fanning and I went with Elder Fullmer into the Spanish area for the day. We didn't have any lessons planned, so we just did some language studies and a bunch of messaging people. We also stopped for lunch at a super good deli here (legit looks like the one from Spiderman Homecoming, cat and all). According to Elders Farr, Fullmer, and Kelley, who all previously served in the Bronx, it was a proper NYC deli, and it had SUPER GOOD sandwiches. I got a pastrami hero, and oh my it was fantastic, waaay better than the deli I wrote about last week. After we unexchanged, Eder Kelley told me about the miracles they had in our pool. One guy they had called said he wasn't interested, but he gave us the number of his friend who might be, so we called him up a day or two later. They also had a super awesome lesson with our new friend Eva. She had been referred from Elders elsewhere in NYC, but she had never picked up when we called her. She finally picked up, and she said she had been reading the Book of Mormon, and she already believed it was true!!! We set another lesson with her for later in the week.

We had awesome lessons with some of our new friends, LeBron, Renee, Eva,and Vanessa. All of them really want to grow closer to Jesus Christ, and they are all super excited to keep meeting with us. Eva is the furthest along (already believing in the BoM), but the others aren't far behind. In a conversation we had with Vanessa a few days ago, we brought up baptism in passing (to get her used to hearing us talk about it before the baptismal invitation). She said, "I was baptized a looong time ago, and I wouldn't mind getting baptized again." We're going to alk a little more about it with her haha, but I'm super excited to keep teaching her along with the rest of our awesome friends!!

Which brings me to the best part, we got THREE of them to come to church. Now you may be thinking, "but Elder Hill, you just mentioned four "awesome" people, and surely you're teaching even more than just that. How is getting three so amazing?" To that, I would simply say, "yes that's true, but not only did three people come to church (two for the second time, and one for the first), but they are meeting people in the ward, they're excited to come each Sunday, and they are loving the Spirit they feel, and that's what's important. And on top of THAT, we haven't gotten three people to church in MONTHS, so this is a really exciting thing. I attribute a lot of our success to Elder Fanning. Ever since he's showed up, we've been having fire lessons and finding tons of people. We're getting some good work done out here.

Mafaufauga faaleagaga: God is so good. I simply can't say it enough. I've seen so many miracles and tender mercies this week, ans I know without a doubt that our success and progress is not due to our own mortal efforts. I know and do testify that God is real, He does love His children ,and He does provide a way for those that are prepared to receive the blessings and the fullness of His everlasting gospel. The work out here in Staten Island has not been easy or fast, but it has been glorious. I can't take the credit for the blessings we have received, but I can be grateful for them, and I can show my gratitude by helping my wonderful friends here as best as I can, and leaving the rest up to the Lord. I do my part, and "God giveth the increase" (somewhere in the epistles of Paul).

Thank you all for your prayers and for your love. All I would ask is that you continue to pray for all those who are ready to receive the restored gospel, that they may know how to find it. The power of prayer is real, and it can and will open the blessings of Heaven upon all those who look to receive it. This is my testimony, and I leave with you all in the name of Christ, the great Savior and Friend of the world.

Alofa tele lava atu ia outou,

Elder Hill

Photos:

• The deli cat
• A cool sign at the mall ("Be Kind")
• A bunch of pictures of the shore, the bay, and the bridge (night and day). This spot where all the pics were taken is literally a walkway at the URBY complex (our apartment complex). When it gets warmer, we're going to do lots of walks and take lots of pictures
• Pic with our bishop's son, who just left for a mission in the Philippines