Just Lovin' the Work! . . .

Wow! Two weeks in a row with a letter from the Pacific Islands! Just love to hear such happiness . . .

February 11, 2014

Dear Family,

I haven't heard of an Elder Robinson, so he must have been called to another island than Chuuk. Anyway, things here are great, I love the work right now. I've been learning a lot about what it takes to be a Bishp/Branch Predidint from spending so much time with President Tarsisio.

I did receive your box today, thanks you so mcuh. The weather here is great, we'e back in rainy season though, so it h as been dumping like crazy everyday and everynight. Elder Jonas is a real dynamite, really loves the work and loves being in Romalum.

Dylan- That's so awesome that you are loving the scriptures, becausemy love for them has grown in the last few months as well. Right now,I'm reading the BOok of Mormon in Chuukese (don't know if you guyshave access to that at Deseret Book or Seagull Book) and I'm in 1 Nifai 18. Also, I've been reading from the Bible in Chuukese, and it's so awesome to read those, and then be able to explain the secrets of the Gospel in wasy taht people can understand. Keep working on your friends, but bring others with you. Talk with your advisors and tell them you want to put togther "rescue visit" and just have all you gusy go to him and others. I've been trying to do that in Romalum, and it's been such a spiritually uplifting experience for me.

Parker- GOod on ya for going with the Elders!! Keep doing that, and start studying Preach My Gospel, like really studying the scriptures written down and the points of the doctrine. Do you know the lady's name or if she has been taught by missionaries before? Man, just out of curiousity, have you considered getting your patriarchal blessing? It has truly been a great blessing to be ablt to read mine and then pray and receive guidance for my days. Too bad about the basketball seasons, but guess what? Today, after we all did shopping and had interviews with President Mecham (on account of Zone Conference being yesterday) we all put a team of Elders together and went up to Chuuk High School and played ball with the locals!! So much fun!!!

Elder McEwan & Elder Jonas
serving on Romalum ~ Feb 2014

Mom- Thanks for always trying to help me to keep a smile on my face, because I've been trying to do that a lot more lately (Elder Jonas actually called me out on it the othere day) and the differrence in my days is incredible. I'm glad work is going well, how's the progress for the copy center coming? How is Primary? Primary out here in Romalum is so different and it kind of makes me sad, because they don't teach them anything, other than songs (and they don't even have all the children's songs translated into Chuukese). It's okay though; I'm going to meet with our Primary President (President Tarsisio's wife Opono) when I return tomorrow. Don't touch the basement rooms though (just since you mentioned Parkers and Dylans rooms) because I have some special requests when I come home and I want to help you guys!!

Dad- Thanks for teaching me how to have a solid head and for always being an example of hard work. I'm so glad taht you are loving your callings, I think that's how it should be!! That's os cool that Cody and Brandon came home too. Give my regards to Elder Williams when he returns home this week. Sorry it's been cold and wet there; we've just had a ton of rain (probably the equivalent of how much snow we usually get) and it's been so nice.

I'm doing great, just really trying to work out so that I don't conme home fat. I've actually been lifting weights witht his guy that lives next door to the house. He's not a member, and I've talked to him before about coming to church and learning, but he's not really interested right now. Just cmae back from Hawaii last year, knows really good English, and just a really nice guy to be around. Name is Morrison. I hope this email finds everyone doing well, and having fun. Don't worry about me, I'm just having the best day in the history of the world!!

Happy Valentines Day!!

Elder Miikimik

Recent Transfer Brings New Companionship to Romalum . . .

It's been quite a while since we've heard from our Chuuk Elder, so today our hearts were happy :). He is so blessed to be serving on "his" island of Romalum as he calls it. What great opportunities for these amazing young men!

February 2, 2014

Dear Family—

I did receive the package from Aunt Libby and her family. Thank you so much. I also did receive the Valentines Day card, thanks for the love even if I am slow to send you guys my love. Sister Kaitlyn Fiscus emailed me a few weeks ago. It was good to hear from her and how they are doing. Thank you to everyone who supports me and sends me letters and/or emails. I don’t always have a lot of time to reply individually to everyone but it really means a lot and helps me. I love my little island of Romalum.

We recently had transfers, and Elder Telona moved over to Udot; he's still in the District but not with me. However, a fellow Utahan from South Weber named Elder Jonas moved from Weno to Romalum and so we are companions. Things are going well here on my little island. The weather is still pretty great, warm during the day and cold with winds at night. I havn't sent home the box yet, but I'll do it next week and also some journal entries!! :).

Heard about the Super Bowl, great to hear that everyone is doing awesome! I sure missed having a party!! However, we couldn't go anywhere today and not have a big screen TV set up somewhere
broadcasting the game!! I take it that it wasn't a very good game, but oh well, hats off to the Seahawks!! Too bad the Broncos lost, BIG TIME!!!! We don't celebrate Valentines Day here!! :/

Investigatros right now are going through a process of cycling them in and out, but things are going well!! A lot of other stuff going on right now in my area that is really trying my faith, but it's also
building it at the same time. Yeah whatever you guys do, keep praying for them. We have a goal set
up for 300 baptisms in Chuuk by the end of the year, and 1000 in the whole MGM. Keep us in your prayers. Also if it's possilbe send bags of chewing gum. That's the one thing I've found that really helps them to overcome Word of Wisdom problems. I buy it for them sometimes and it has helped.

Parker and Dylan, if you get the chance in the next week or so, go out with the missionaries!!

I Love you all so much!
Elder Mikiimik

Starting 2014 with a Bang . . .

January 6, 2014

Elder McEwan and Elder Telona ~ serving together
on Romanum

Dear Family—

Thanks everyone for the many thoughts and prayers during the holiday season. Glad to hear that everyone is doing well and staying busy! I'm also busy right off the bat this new year. I'll put more in
my letter!! I can't believe I'm coming up on my one year mark of serving a mission. I love I here and absolutely love being a missionary and sharing the gospel.

Loved the gifts, me and Elder Telona are doing great, we loved the Oreos!!! Ate them superfast actually!!! INvestigators are doing great also, Rico is going to be married and baptized this weekend!!

I love you all!

Elder Sean McEwan
Chuuk ZONE


Chuuk Zone Meeting, January 6, 2014!
Back Row:  Elders Plocher, Allen, and Fabiano.
Next row down:  Elders Hunter, Peck, Simpson, Jonas, Crisp,
Telona, McEwan, Selander, Kleven, Fermanis,
Canakaivata (our newest Elder--from Fiji), Mackie and DeLore.
Kneeling Row:  Elders Rainey, Vanisi, Johnson, Vehikite, Schroath.
Seated: Elders Toa and Obray!

Aloha from the Islands . . .

What a sweet letter we received from Elder McEwan's companion. These young men of the "MGM" are by far the BEST!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Dear McEwan Family,

Aloha from Hawai'i!

If Elder McEwan hasn't already told you guys, my name is Elder Telona. I am from Hawai'i and love to play the ukulele. I love being companions with Elder McEwan. I have been out on a mission now for almost 5 months. Already I've learned so much from Elder McEwan about being a better missionary.

I will return to Utah when I am done with missionary service and if it alright with you guys, I would like to visit you guys. If you guys have any questions you would like to ask, I would be glad to answer them. I am so proud to serve alongside with Elder McEwan and want to thank you all for raising a great son.

Aloha once again from Hawai'i and until next time.

Elder Telona

Merry Christmas from the Islands . . .

Tender mercy that everyone's "cheese got moved" so these
Elders were able to talk to each other :).

What a GREAT day it was to be able to Skype with Elder McEwan all the way around the world on Chuuk. It was a bit difficult to talk across the Pacific Ocean because as good as internet is, it does have it's limitations. We were able to see his wonderful, happy face for a bit and hear his voice for almost an hour! It's so great to hear how happy he is and how much he loves his mission, loves the island, loves the Chuukese people, and loves the Lord.

The day even got better because times got a little changed with both Elders from what was planned, so all of a sudden . . . We had Chuuk on one computer and the Dominican Republic on the other! They were even able to talk to each other briefly, even though it was challenging for them to hear each other.
Today was a great "bucket filler" day! :).

December 26, 2013

Dear Mom and Family,

The birthday and Christmas packages that everyone sent in the mail came today!!! :) :) :). Thank you so much for all the letters and pictures from so many of the family. I also REALLY needed the new white shirts :).

I'm so glad that I was able to talk to you guys today, and I'm glad to see that everyone is doing well!!! It really made my Christmas to see everyone and be able to talk to you all!

Please know that everyone here, Elders and members alike, wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Thanks you all for all the gifts and for the help and support at this time in my life!!

Please every one have a safe and Merry christmas!! love you all so much!!!

Ai tong ngenikemi,

Elder McEwan

All the McEwan "boys" talking to each other
Christmas 2013 from Salem to Chuuk to the Dominican Republic!

20th Birthday on Romalum . . .

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you so much for all of the birthday wishes that were emailed to me! I don't have enough email time to thank everyone individually, so I'm hoping Mom puts this on the blog so you don't think I am ungrateful.

It was great to celebrate my birthday on Romalum! Since it was on a Sunday this year, I enjoyed spending it at church and with my Chuukese family :).

Thanks for keeping me in your prayers and for your continued support.

Ai tong ngenikemi,
Elder McEwan

Sometimes It's Hard, But We MUST "Keep Trying" . . .

December 15, 2013

Dear Family—

I've been great! Things are good, we are just right now trying to find more investigators but it's starting to get super hard because it seems like everyone on the island (including some super super less active members) really hate missionaries and the church. But as of right now, we are still working with a young guy named Rico. He is so ready to be baptized right now, the only problem is that he wants to be married but the girl's parents don't agree with our church, even though their oldest daughter and her husband have been married in our church. So confusing, but that's just how it is here. We'll keep trying.

Everyone loves the family picture of all of us up the canyon, and they want to see more pictures of my family. Also, the gifts were awesome, thanks so much for thinking of me and Elder Telona this time of year. I also have a box that'll be heading up your way next month, just got some odds and ends that I collected while I was in Mechitiw.

The weather here is starting to get colder at night, but it's still super hot AND super rainy every day. I miss looking at the mountains during this time of year but I know I'll more than likely be going home to snow all over the place.

I don't know when we will be calling to set up Christmas calling times, but I do know all of us will be calling on the 25^th and 26^th here in Micronesia. It's weird to think that after that, I'll have one, maybe two more times, to call before I go home.

Thanks for sending me Elder Sorensen's correct email address. I'll make sure and shoot an email off to him today :)!!!

The letters and stuff haven't been seen yet, but I figure it'll either come today or I'll get it when we come in for Christmas.

Anyways, I hope you guys all continue to have fun and remember our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this time of year, and evry day throughout next year.

Tong seni ngang,

Elder McEwan