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