This Work is Everything . . .

September 21, 2014

Dear Family,

How have you been? We had a great and amazing week:)

As far as teaching right now, yes we have lots of investigators mostly Micronesian (Chuukese and Pohnpeian, which is one more language I'm trying to learn). My companion is great, his name is ELder Afualo, and he is from Samoa (ergo, another language I am currently trying to learn ;) ) and he is teaching me so much right now!! Man, I never thought that this would be so uplifting and spiritually fulfilling for me, it just blows my mind. So right now, I'm emailing at the chapel here in Barrigada, Guam with Elder Afualo, an elder from Kosrae and two of my brothers from Chuuk, one of which is my "son", Elder Fermanis. They're here to pick up new missionaries to train, and this is Elder Fermanis' second time training a new missionary. Cool thing, HIS trainee, Elder Garae (from Vanuatu) is also here training, so I get to meet my grandson AND my great-grandson (never thought I'd live to know what it feels like to be old as a missionary ;) ).

Dinner at President and Sister Zarbock's -- September 2014
Zone Conference

Dylan, that's so good about your game!! Pretty soon we're going to be seeing #3 up on big posters outside of Lavell Edwards Stadium. How'd that test go? Have they let you know yet? Continue to work out and stay active, it'll be a huge blessing later on in your mission (trust me ;) So good to hear that you are already thinking of college, but remember that you're barely 14, you've still got time to enjoy life, don't be in too big of a hurry to grow up. That's one thing that I'm learning a lot about right now, is that you need to enjoy the younger moments of your life. I'm super excited right now, and I just wanted to thank you for letting me a part of your life even if I'm a couple thousand miles away. I look at all the Deacons and Teachers and Priests and I think of you, and how excited I am to be able to "meet you" again in 5 months time. Keep praying, keep studying, keep being the awesome kid that I know that you are, and I love you so much!!

Parker, Hey there, so how was the dance? You didn't kiss her right? You look pretty good in your costume!! And good news to hear about your tour, that's awesome that you were actually able to sell some cookie dough and cinnamon rolls!! How is Mr. Bills? I know, random question, but I was just thinking of him the other day as we were singing hymns in Sacrament meeting and thought I'd ask; when is your tour? How are your classes? Any exciting news with sports? I love how much you are learning riht now, and I know that you will be glad taht you have learned at this time in your life. Never forget the small things, the "basics". That's one thing that I love about Tim Duncan, is he just does the basics and therefore is still able to be dominant at 30 some odd years old. Continue to read and studdy your books (both school and Church) and continue to go to seminary, how is that? You will be forever grateful tht you attended, of that I can promise you. Keep being fantastic and know that I love you so much!!

September 14, 2014 Baptism ~ Elder Afualo & Elder McEwan

Hey there Mom, that's so cool that you were able to spend some time with your Sisters, and that work is going well. How's the garden doing? You know, even though I live in pretty much America, I still get to use a machete and bush cut to take care of weeds, I've done that about 4 times this week. How were SEP's? Any cool/interesting stories from work? How's your calling treating you? Are you in the Primary still or Cub Scouts, I forget (sorry)? I'm doing good right now, just trying to stay busy and keep pushing forward. The ZOne is doing great right now and things are really looking up for us, right this week is transfers and there are A TON of missionaries here that will be training, the majority coming from Chuuk. Elder Fermanis is here, Elder Paulis, Elder Canakaivata, it's so fun!! I love you so much Mom, and I can't wait to see you!!

So Dad, it sounds like work is keeping you very busy. That's a bummer to hear about Brian, I feel like I'm going to have to get to know a lot of new faces when I get home. That's so cool about your YSA ward, how was the talent show? You know something, I wanted to thank you so much for helping me to understand the importance of hard manual labor, because if i didn't, I would be in sad shape right now. We just finished up helping with a huge island wide service project with all the missionaries attending, and through the whole thing, I was so grateful for you always coming in the house when you knew that I was in there just watching tv and telling me to come outside and help everyone, so thanks. I love you so much, I'm so grateful that you are my Dad, and I hope that this finds you doing well.

Hey, I love you Mom, but I need to go. Elder Afualo and I are throuwing a Zone Activity for the 3 sisters taht are leaving this week, so we need to go set up the barbeque!! Thank you!!

Anyway, things here are good for me, I'm just trying to learn as much as possible right now and stay obedient. This work is everything I thought it would be, and I'm

Some of the Elders in the Guam Zone

super glad to be where I am right now. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you and miss you and look forward to seeing you again come Jan 30, 2015.

Well Family, that's it for this week. Not a whole lot of news, we mainly had to do lots of zone stuff this week (ie interviews, service projects, taking care of missionaries, etc.) But I want everyone to know that I love you all and I miss you so much!! Every time I go attend a FHE I feel so happy that I will get to come home and still be able to do that with my own family!! Keep being awesome and know that I pray for everyone everyday!!

With love,

Elder McEwan