April 28, 2008 - Letter #1, Weird huh? I am having a baptism!

Well, I cant believe that its my last letter from Ecuador to you all. Ill tell you how I feel about this wonderful place when the whole family is together. I am sad to hear about K, but shes in the repentance process already, so I think that shell be fine. And my suit is going to be awesome!! I will receive it next monday. Thank Dad for me for working so hard... I am so grateful for parents like you. I have great news, I am supposedly having a baptism this weekend, so President said that if you want, you can come see it, and attend church in the branch this Sunday if you want. The baptism isnt 100% sure... hopefully all goes well.


(Elder Heimuli's final baptism in Ecuador)

I am so excited and sad at the same time... but with change comes growth right.. I love you all very much, and I will certainly answer all your questions, and tell you wonderful stories when I see you again! You dont have to wait very long. Oh, and my son Elder Peters turns 20 on Friday. I think that he would appreciate a small gift also. Love you Mom, see ya in 144 hours.

April 21, 2008 - Letter #2, I lost hope for a while

Hi Mom!

Well, this last week has been really hard for me. I don´t think
that I will have baptisms this change. I think it would be best to that you
don´t come down on the Saturday before I leave. I have been working so hard
to get these people converted, and I thought I did it... however this last
week they not only didn´t show progress, they took flying leaps backwards! I
don´t know how else to teach them. I lost hope for a while.

Today I had a wonderful experience; So this whole week I have been kind of depressed,
because no one wants to progress. I was having a real struggle with loving the people. I think I was feeling like the prophet Jonah. No one would listen, no matter how hard I tried. I started to think that these people would soon burn. I tried my best to teach them that If they knew what was right, and they didn´t do it, the punishment would be severe. I felt that they had had enough warning, in fact, this week I was going to tell them all that if they don´t change now, I am not going to visit them again. I really doubted that there are chosen people here in Jipijapa. I asked God to help me to love them, even when they treat us so bad. I explained that I just need to love them until I leave.

Then, just barely, a kid that we taught a long time ago came into the cyber and said hi to me. He said he was just walking by, and just wanted to say hi. He didn´t have to do it, I wouldn't have even noticed him walk by. He was one of the families that we had already left because they didn´t progress. I felt happy to receive that confirmation that there are good people here, even though they don´t obey the commandments. Now, I feel like the Servant of the Lord of the vineyard, who begged the Lord to not burn the trees that yielded no fruit. He begged for more time to attend the trees, to see if at the end they yield more fruit.

So that's about it, for my week. Sounds like things are going good there. I
can´t wait to see everyone back at home! I am also excited to speak with
Bishop Nordfors, but I am not excited to speak in English! Haha, well Mom,
thanks for everything that you do, I guess Ill see ya in about 14 days! Love
ya.

Oh, and my companion turns 20 on the 2 of May!


(Elder Peters received wifebeaters for his birthday from a new, humble member in Jipijapa...it really IS the thought that counts!)

Tell Harrison happy bday for
me!

April 16, 2008 - Letter #3, I bore my viejo testimony

Hi Mom! I´m sory that I am writing on a Wednesday, but its because I was going to go to Guayaquil today and get my suit ordered and tailored. President wanted me to go meanwhile my comp is going to the skin doctors… so, we cleared up today free of any appointments so that we wouldn´t miss anyone while we are in Guayaquil. But, just last night the nurses called us and said that someones Schedule got mixed up, and now we wont be going. I was so annoyed Mom. But, oh well. Sometimes we pay for someone elses irresponsablity. I´m over it.

Well things are going good here.. just stressing until the end. We had our last zone conferance, and I bore my “viejo” testimony. I am the oldest Gringo in the mission, not counting President Ridd. The time flies by so fast, especially after Reading that email of me opening my call. I liked the poem! How long did it take you to write that?

Sadly, I Heard about Elder Jenkins and I cried when I Heard that he went home. I can´t wait to visit him, and to meet his parents. I also can´t wait to get to work in our new Ward! OH! And Gough wants me to go to SLCC, haha but I know that you already did all that work to get me into Weber. I am still planning on going to Guatemala with Ben, but I don´t know if he knows yet. Mom, about a million things are going through my head right now, and most of them are our investigator families… some should get baptised on May 3, but sometimes they change their mind, so we´ll see.

But it sounds good that your going with Jose Alvarado, he just got married, in the Temple too, so you´ll be able to meet his cute, new wife.

As for the future, I don´t know exactly what is going on yet, but I do want to be a killer guitar player, better than Eddie Maiava! J Thank you Mom for all that you´ve done for me! I can´t wait to see you all in about 2 weeks, and Jordan is trunking me out with talk of a Jack Johnson concert that he is going to take me to! Love Ya!

----------------------------------------------

Hi Son,

While cleaning out my files last week, I came across this photo of the day you received your call to Ecuador Guayaquil North. That was so long ago, but it seems like it was just yesterday. It started a whole flood of thoughts about how time has passed so quickly, and caused me to reassess where we were back then, and where we are right now. Look at the photo, and think for just a minute on these same thoughts, and then I hope you appreciate our thoughts below. We love you.



January twenty-fifth. 2006, the year…
A very special envelope to our house did appear.
"Elder Hema T.L. Heimuli," this mail was clearly marked,
For you whom o'er the last two years in Ecuador's embarked.

You'd gladly have gone anywhere, any city or country name.
What difference can just two years make? Aren't most things still the same?
There's still the extended family -- still no more siblings to add.
And we are still your "very-far-from-perfect" Mom and Dad!

Your white brother is still around, but we're sure he'll soon go.
Hevynn's still gorgeous. Houston's still smart. And, yes, we still have snow.
Lucille still faithfully awaits -- Helam keeps her tuned,
And Harrison's still cute (although his talking has ballooned)!

So, what has changed o'er these two years? What's so different now?
The family moved, a cousin born, Marqel's got 4 kids -- wow!
Missionaries like Grams and Gramps have packed their mission bags.
Tama, Maveu, Sifa, and Grandpa Heimuli all wear nametags.

Tolu's getting ready to serve. Thor might be nearly wed.
Helam's dating. Driving, too! Whew, it all hurts my head.
And YOU! You've lost a bit of weight. You're sporting a great tan.
You speak a language fluently that we can't understand!

But best of all about what's changed, is who you have become:
A man of faith, a man of courage, a man who loves God's Son.
A man of great example to his family and friends.
A man who's worked, prayed, sweat, and cried...when folks chose different ends.

A man whom we have always loved, and will continue to.
A man who has a future bright in what you choose to do.
A man who will continue now to work with all your might.
In all you say, in all you do, to walk within His light.

Love lots, Very-Far-From-Perfect Mom & Dad

Letter for the Family

April 14, 2008

¡Hola Familia! Pues, no estoy seguro si vayan a entender lo que les voy a escribir. Solo, quise a mostrarles cuanto he aprendido yo aquí en Ecuador. Primero, aprendí a manejar el idioma. Segundo, mi testimonio del Salvador Jesucristo ha crecido tanto también. Yo sé que no van a entender mucho, pero quiero que vean el progreso de un hombre imperfecto, el progreso mío. El punto es esto, si El Señor tan amoroso pudo cambiar un corazón tan duro como era el mío, si pudo hacerme entender e aprender un nuevo idioma, y si me amó tanto que me fortaleciera durante las duras pruebas, cuanto más les fortalecerá y les amparará a ustedes.

Well… for those of you who don´t speak Spanish, I´m not going to translate it, haha. But the point that I wanted to make is there. Thanks to the Lord, I speak Spanish…weird huh. Do you think that I could have learned this on my own? The correct answer is no. I took Spanish for two years before, and received solid C-´s all through junior high.

But here, I bore my testimony to strangers, and conversed with Evangelist Pastors, and Jehovah´s Witnesses. Could I have done that on my own? No, the Lord was with me the whole time. I didn´t even know that the original church of Christ disappeared and that Joseph Smith restored it, until I came on the mission. Did the Lord bless me because I was on a mission? Yes and No. Yes, because he has changed me while I´ve been here. And I, in turn, have been a tool in changing other people. And No because He has always blessed me. I just didn´t realize how much until I came on a mission. He was always with me, even before the mission. I just didn´t notice he was there, I think that sometimes we don´t give him enough credit as He deserves. You forget that He is with you all too. I know that sometimes it doesn´t seem like that when things don´t go your way. But when that happens, STOP and look around, the Lord is trying to tell you something.

The mission has been an eye-opener, for me and for my family. May we continue to build up the Church wherever we are. If you have served a mission, Be the type of member that you needed when you were a missionary. If you never served a mission, just be a friend to anyone especially members who are struggling. May the Lord bless you all, and I leave you with my testimony: I know that this Church is the True Church, and since its true (like I learned from the lips of the Lord´s anointed) what else matters? I love you all, and am so very grateful for you.

P.S. I can´t wait to see you all in about two weeks… but don´t worry, I´m not trunky.

Letter to Grandma

April 7, 2008

¡Hola Abuelita! Grandma, on this grand occasion, I wanted to wish you happy birthday! I know that you do so much for our family, and I thank you so much for it. I know that you cook and clean for the Heimuli kids, who are probably the messiest kids in the world! Every since I can remember, you have been a light to me and my family! The kids are always excited when you and Grandpa come over, and we are always happy when you bring us good things to eat too! Just wanted to write to you and wish you a happy birthday, and let you know how much I love and appreciate you! You and Gramps have helped me in so many ways, and I could never repay you two (also because Ecuadorian dollars don’t work in The States.). Happy birthday Gums!

April 7, 2008 - Letter #4, Wow, What a Conference! I'm not trunky.

Hi Mom! Wow! What a conferance! I really was happy for my last conferance in Ecuador. I actually missed most of it because we were out inviting people to the conferance... I figured, I can always sit through an entire conferance, and take notes when Im at home. But this was my last chance to invite others to see Living Prophets and Apostles. It was a wonderful experiance. I believe that the fasting worked. The Lord is revealing his will, and we are trying to get things ready for this last month! Im so thankful for the mission, and I am going to miss it a lot. I also really liked that email about the guy that had little time left to live. What a perspective! If everyone had that perspective, that life is short, and that we dont have a lot of time left, there would be a lot less unhappiness, and alot more obediance to Gods commandments. I am sure that everyone will realize that blessing that await, and those that we have lost one day... hopefully it wont be too late to reclaim those blessings.

I am really happy for Tolu! Elder Lesu was a wonderful missionary, and friends are the hands that will lift us up, or the claws that can drag us down, soon Tolu will be on a mission.

I actually got your package finally! I loved it! All the letters telling me how excited they are to see me, and making me trunky! Haha... Im not trunky. I also cant believe that Tyler is getting maried! Its true, that I already knew, but thats crazy!

Im glaad that the cousins are going on missions, and that they will soon have the blessings that I have recieved. I love you Mom! Thanks for everything, even the business cards those are cool.

March 31, 2008 - Letter #5, I really don't want to go home so much

Hi Mom! Well, this last week went by pretty fast. This scares me, because I have so much to do in such little time! I also love the mission mom, I really don´t want to go home so much. Thank you so much for fasting with us. I have been stressing so much because I am not so sure if I can do what I need to, when I need to. But knowing that everyone fasted gives me much comfort and tranquility. I think this month will go by very well. We have been just working away as usual, trying to plan the best we can during the week, filling every half-hour with something to do. I am also very excited that there are 3 Elder Heimuli´s out right now. Having us out here is good for the family and for the Lords work too.

I can´t believe that I only have 5 weeks left. I haven´t gotten your letters yet, but it´s something I can look forward to. Mom I love you, keep praying for me, so far these last few weeks have been the best, very spiritual. I am still planning to make that suit, 200 would be more than enough, it all depends on how much the material costs. The suit guy charges about 80 bucks to custom tailor the suit, and the rest is the material which I have to pick out, and have no idea how much it costs.

And I guess I can tell you more stuff when you are here in Ecuador, but right now, we are going to leave! Love you all!

March 24, 2008 - Letter #6, Fast with us

Hi Mom! Well, the week was good. I witnessed a lot of miracles, and blessings. I really liked your letter, and how President Hinckley wore himself out in the work. I would very much like to do that before I come home. I have thought about it, and I need one little miracle. I just need that the Lord reveals his will, so that I can follow it. And I would like to ask you all for a little favor. Last week, I have fasted a few times for a lot of reasons. This week I will also be fasting, so that the Lords will be revealed. Would you all participate in a fast with us? We will fast on Thursday afternoon til friday afternoon for that specific purpose. There are a lot of good families, and I am not sure which ones will be baptized before I go. Someday they will all be baptized, but we look for the chosen few.
Also April 8th, Im going to Guayaquil to get my suit tailored. Thank you so much mom for your support, Love you all!

March 17, 2008 - Letter #7, Dad always told me...

Hi Mom! Well, I´m glad that things are going fairly well back there at home. I hope that you will be able to sell the old house, although times are a little difficult for selling a house. But I am positive that someone is looking for a house. Sometimes times are hard, and sometimes I feel that no one wants to listen to us, then I think… well, someone is out there, out of the thousands of people in Jipijapa, I just haven’t found them yet. I think I have something that can possibly help the kids, and other people who are struggling right now.

I think sometimes we get stuck in small vision. Small vision is what I call, the symptom that leads to desperation, hopelessness, ignorance, and often sin. When I used to play football, Dad always told me that to run the ball, one must open up his eyes. Then, follow the play. When the play is going into motion, Dad says to go 100%. Its interesting how Dads little philosophy applies to the real life, and the gospel. I feel that the secret to success lies in his little philosophy.

VISION
It all starts out with a little vision. Open your eyes. Where are you? I ask this question in the same sense that God asks Adam, “Where art thou?” in the book of Genesis chapter three. Do you think God knew where Adam was? If He did, then why did He ask? God wanted Adam to figure out that question for him self. So in that same sense, ask your self, where am I? , and where do I want to be? One of the best older Disney cartoons that I have seen is Alice in Wonderland. Because the story is sooo crazy, I sometimes wonder if the writer was stoned. But there is a part that is very important. In the middle of the story, Alice has already fallen down the hole, lost herself in Wonderland, and wandered for a good while. She is traveling along a path, and she comes to a fork in the road. At this time, the Chesire Cat appears, and starts talking with Alice, and this is the point that I want to come to. Alice eventually asks the cat, “Where should I go, which road should I take.”
The cat asks her, “Well that depends on where you want to go.” Alice says that she doesn´t know, and the cat says something rather profound. He says, “Well if you don’t know where you want to go, it doesn´t matter which road you take.” You see? It´s all about, vision. Many people that have serious problems are that way because they have no idea of what they want to do in life. If people knew that there is a God, if they REALLY knew, and never forgot, I promise that they wouldn’t sin.
If you want to be a scientist, great! Be a scientist. If you want to be a singer, fantastic! Be a singer. If you want to be the best father or mother in the world, perfect! Go for it. But if you don´t have any idea of what you want to be, you will be a NOBODY. As soon as you have the vision, don´t lose it! There are a lot of things that can be distracting, but if you would just stay focused, you´ll win.
In football, the plays are there so that you know what to do and so everyone knows what is going on. You have to have a gameplan.

FOLLOW THE PLAN
You need to have a little plan to be able to get to the VISION that you have. Your plans can include: Ok, I´m going to go to California, record some single that is going to make my brother like rap music again, while in the mission in Ecuador. Things like that. If I want to be rich, I better figure out a way to do it, then study my butt off and get A´s every semester. (Just so you know, before the mission I didn´t want to be rich that’s why I´m going to study my butt off when I get home.) Here I´ve learned to set goals every day. We have a saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Don´t be a failure. Plan things out, and you´ll find that you´ll make a lot of things happen in your favor.

GO 100%
Now that you know what you want, and you know how you are going to get there, get to work! Vision and planning is about 30% of the equation, the other 70% is work. What would have happened if Jesus, come the night of the atonement, decided that he was too tired to atone and that he could do it the day after. Then come the next day, after planning the atonement since the beginning of time, Jesus decided just to atone for half of the sins of the world. I tell you that it would have been worthless. Planning is worthless if we don´t put work into it, but 100%! Maybe doing your homework or things like that may not be like atoning for the sins of mankind (Although sometimes it may seem that way), but just the same if you don´t put your whole heart into the work, what did you plan so much for?! What did you prepare so much for?!

I know that these things are true; I mean I see it more clearly than ever. Everything you want in this life and in the next can be accomplished through these simple steps. And believe it or not, I first heard this fall from the lips of Dad! He was right! Haha… so try it! You´ll be amazed just as I am.

Well this week was pretty good I witnessed a lot of miracles and stuff alike. We have a lot of families that we are teaching, and I mean a lot. I´m kind of lazy right now, so I won´t write about all of them. There is a family named Urunaga, they are progressing really well. They disappeared a couple of weeks ago, and they reappeared. A cousin of theirs died, and so we taught the plan of salvation to them, they felt the sprit really strongly the day we went to visit them so we´ll see what happens. Other families only need divorces and marriages to be able to get baptized. Out of all, everyone needs to assist church. That is the hardest thing to do for them because it´s something new. I think that we should have a few baptisms the end of this month and the next month.

Thank you for everything that you do for me, and Ill talk to you soon!

March 10, 2008 - Letter #8, I decided to say hi to those kids

Hi mom! Well, things are going pretty good. Last week the best thing that happened was when we went to Zone Conferance.



President did this wonderful example, the whole conferance was just an awesome learning experiance. Usually the missionaries complain that no one fellowships the investigators and stuff, when they visit church... but during the course of the zone conferance, the tables were about to turn on us. We started the conferance and everything was great, then I noticed that there were three kids there, about 18 to 19 years old. I just figured that they were visiting because they were dressed in suits, I figured that they were preparing for the mission. We continued our conferance, and during the break, I decided to say hi to those kids, and get to know them a bit. After the break, President Ridd gave his discourse. He called those three kids up to the stand. Then President asked us what there names were... I had totally forgotten. Then he asked us if we knew a little bit about them... I didn´t think to ask them what their interestes were. Then President Ridd asked the kids, of all of the missionaries present, how many of them had given them a warm welcome... they said about 6. There were 44 missionaries present. I thought that was an amazing lesson.

Other than that nothing much is going on, except the work. Pretty soon we should have a few baptisms, hopefully they come through.

Thank you so much for the packages, and for the hawaiian salt (I wanted the one that does work on Ecuadorians:)... little by little we are going to plan it out so that, right before I go, well have the party! Also before I go im going to make a suit, but Ill head out to Guayaquil in about 3 weeks, to get my measurements, and material. So dont send me the money before then, because Ill probably just spend it. Im glad that you liked the letter, I hope that it helps them. I love you very much mom, and Ill talk to you later!

March 3, 2008 - Letter #9, Gladys

Hi Mom,

Well things are going good around here. Elder Peters and I are just working as usual. Last wekend we had the baptism of a sister we were teaching. She has a really strong testimony and we found here only two weeks ago! A Little bit less, actually. She was so prepared for the góspel, that when we asked her if she would be baptised, she said, I thought you`d never ask! She is wonderful, and so nice. She has changed a lot. Despite problems with her family, and her exhusband, she found the faith to be baptized.

We have some families that we are teaching, and it seems that we have hit a wall with some of them… I don´t know what to do. The were progressing so well, and I thought that they would be baptised before Gladys (the lady who got baptised last week.). I guess that the Lord Works in mysterious ways. I cant tell you all the miracles and blessings that I have seen, because I dont have enough time to write it all.

This next week, we are trying to gear up to finish the month off strong. We have a bunch of trainings and meetings to give to the branch leaders here. Hopefully we will be able to have some baptisms later on.

Mom, I just want to thank you for all the help, love and support that you and Dad have given me. Tella ll the kids hi for me, and tell them to be good! (: I´ll send that special letter to you also, in another email! Love ya! Les Quiero mucho!

RE: Heimuli Itinerary

From: Ecuador Guayaquil North Mission [mailto:2012960@ldschurch.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 2:33 PM
To: Pania Heimuli
Subject: Re: Heimuli Itinerary

Dear Elder Heimuli's Mom,

I was wondering how many are planning on coming down? Just you and your husband? If you could let me know I would appreciate that.

Thanks,
Elder Willis
Mission Secretary

>>> "Pania Heimuli" 2/22/2008 12:04 PM >>>

Dear Elder Willis,

THANK YOU so much for the information. I called the missionary travel office and spoke to Stephanie. She asked that I inform you of Elder Heimuli's return flight plans, so here they are:

Elder Heimuli, my husband and myself plan on leaving Guayaquil late Thursday night, May 8th, on Delta Airlines. We will take care of all Elder Heimuli's travel expenses and do not expect reimbursement of any kind from the mission or the Church.

My husband always travels with his cell phone (which works fine in Guayaquil, but don't know if it will work in other areas of the mission). Please keep his number on file if you need anything at all while we are there. His number is (801) 673-6654.

Take care,

Elder Heimuli's Mom (I won't be called that for much longer, so I'd better use it as much as I can!)

Letter for the Fam

March 3, 2008

Hey everyone, I wanted to write a short letter to let you all know that I am doing well… yes, that ungrateful Elder who doesn´t write to family members like he should, is doing great. I wanted to take a Little time to thank you all and tell you how great a differance, your Little sacrifices have made. But let me, first, tell you a Little bit about Ecuador.

Ecuador has approximately 13,000,000 people in such a small country. The Ecuadorian people are good, but a very passionate people. I´ve been in many small arguments with people who are convinced that we, the missionaries, are FBI spies sent to exploit the Ecuadorian people.

It is a rich country. Rich in plant and animal life, with an atmosphere second only to the polynesian islands (my very biased opinión).



Ecuador is rich in every sense of the Word, except in Governmental Justice and in economy. With time the Ecuadorian Sucre, which was the old Money system until the late 90´s, became very inflated, and the Government saw fit to change the Money system to a more stable one. They changed the Sucre Money system to the Dollar Money system. About 25,000 sucres = 1 american Dollar. That sudden change caused a drastic increase in the poverty of this country. And an even larger rift between upper class ecuadorians and the poorer ones. Slowly the economy is growing and it is interesting to note, that ever since the church entered the country, the poverty has slightly decreased, although still very high. Now the ecuadorian literacy rate is still very low, and people are still very ignorant and passionate or hot headed. Who do you think the Ecuadorian people blamed for the sudden increased poverty that hit this country? The falty Ecuadorian government? Nope, they blame the Gringos, or the north americans.

This has posed quite a struggle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the begining years; being declared by others as an American Church, or american sect (Secta Norteamericana), whose missionaries are usually White Utahns. But now there is a temple here, there are thousands of members here (around 10,000) and the work rolls forth bringing the truth to many.

I am so thankful for the oppritunity that you have given me. And for the changes that you have been a part of. Because of your support, over 70 children of our Father in heaven have been able to recieve a true baptism. I have seen the changes in many families that I have taught. The drunken Fathers who have been known to beat their children, have changed their lives completely. I have seen the tears that fall from the eyes of a repented soul. Woman have recieved the forgiveness of their many sins, and have cleaned themselves through the atonement of Christ. Together we have sewed seeds of faith, reaped a bountiful harvest, and at times, cried when the seeds have fallen by the wayside. I have seen miracles everyday, I have seen the hand of my God in his work. But I wish to share with you the greatest miracle that I have seen, the greatest change of heart that I have witnessed… mine.
About two and a half years ago, was when I had my miracle, and made my decision. A Little before that, I found myself in an uncertain place. I didn´t get along too well with my parents, and even worse with myself. It´s hard to decide what you want in life, if you consider yourself a failure. I always had a good example in my Uncles, who always seemed to mention there missions in our family get togethers. I owe alot, also, to Young mens leaders who talked about their missions often. That was key. I realize that I was alot more interested in music and other things, then I was in Jesus Christ. I remeber one time, we were camping around a fire in Zions National Park, and they told me of their experiances in the misión field. They spoke so foundly of the memories, testifying at just the right time, in such a way that I wanted to have those too. I remember when some family members talked of their children serving missions, I remember seeing how proud they were of them, and I wanted that too. I saw the change in the faces of returned missionaries, and how they seemed to shine as they spoke of the families that they baptized. I wanted that too.

I thought of all this one night in particular. Earlier that evening, I had had an arguement with my parents. Feeling bad, I decided to leave the house and hang out with some friends who didn´t go on missions. My parents didn´t know that I left (this will probably come as a shock to my mother who will read this and find out, but she can´t hit me… Im in EcuadorJ). I came home, and sat on the couch in my room. That whole night while I was out I tried to forget all my problems and just do something to occupy myself, but when I came home, they all came back. I thought the whole rest of that night, about what I should do with myself. I was going nowhere fast, and figured that I needed to go somewhere, quick. I thought to myself,”Hey, I could go on a misión.” But came to the realization that, I can´t teach something that I don´t know is true. So my first step was to find out. In that moment that night I kneeled by my bed, to plead to God to know if the church was true. I explained that I thought it was true, but I didn´t know… I explained if it was as true as everyone said that it was, I would go and serve wherever. I knew that the blessings would come, and that I had a chance to try and pay back God for what he has given me. I prayed three times that night. I must have prayed for hours, until I found that small confirmation that these things were true.

I started to fill out my papers with the help of my Bishop, and I was ready to go. So you see, you helped my mission be what it is, even before I became a missionary. And for that I am very thankful. Now I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only true church on the face of the Earth. I know that Lord loves us, he has an endless mercy and love that we can´t even comprehend. Don´t you think that we should share, even the slightest fraction of that love, and God-like forgiveness with others? I know that this work is the reason why we exist, and I am ashamed that I didn´t realize it earlier. I think of the many friends I had the oppritunity to help and ,in those times, I did nothing. God is our loving Father in Heaven, and He loves me, just as much as He loves you.

Release Info!!!

February 22, 2008

Dear Heimuli Family,

It is a honor to meet the parents of Elder Heimuli. He is a really good missionary. The attachment has some details on things you must do before coming to Ecuador. Your son's release date is the 6th of May. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me.

Sincerely,
Elder Willis
Secretary Ecuador Guayaquil North Mission

February 18, 2008 - Letter #11, Another Son!

Hi Mom! Well, this last week was pretty hectic. But I got my new companion, and his name is Elder Peters. He´s from Chicago, Illinois and his parents were converts. They grew up and served missions, and he was raised in the church. I went on Wednesday to pick him up, to meet him at the temple in Guayaquil. I met this slightly taller than me kid, 19 years old, and who was excited about the work. He is also left handed, so I know that President Ridd is inspired.



We worked this week, not sure where to start, pretty soon we should have the baptism of a woman who was just so prepared to receive the gospel. Other than that, we are struggling to have these entire families get baptized. I was thinking, maybe just like in my last ward, God wants us to prepare the branch first, then, baptize the city. We are now getting our heads together to finalize plans and to help the branches out here. I´m excited about finishing strong here in Jipijapa, but what we need is Hawaiian cultural ideas, so that we can have activities that strengthen the branch. Maybe like, how to make leis, or how to cook a pig in the ground, or something like that… could you give me some tips?

Well, Mom I love you, and Ill talk to you later, don’t have much time! Love ya!

February 14, 2008 - Letter #12, I Will Die Here

Hi mom! Well, today was changes, and I am still in Jipijapa... Elder Jenkins was sent to Durán. For Monday and Tuesday, I am with Elder Lazo (who lives with me) until we go to Guayaquil on Wednesday. I´m glad that Elder Jenkins is having a better mission, and I am so happy that you were able to call his mother. Ya know, Marlin (that's Elder Jenkins´ name) says that he would like me to meet his family, at least his parents, and I would really like to. I know that we can make a difference in his family´s life.

Mom, I´m really excited to come home and help less active families and members... I had so many chances to do it when I was in High School, I had so many friends that could have used a little help, but I didn´t. I totally blew it. And now, I´m afraid that it´s too late for some of them, if I could live anything over again... it would not be football, it would be that.

Well, concerning your questions about what I want to do when you come here, here´s what I want to do:

Usually the missionaries can´t see their parents until Monday... but I have heard of missionary parents going and watching the last baptisms of their missionary´s missions. I would like for you to first see my baptisms. I am going to finish my mission here in jipijapa, so you wont have to worry about me leaving. I think that it would be easier if just Dad and you came down, have Helam and the kids wait for me at home. I especially don't want Hevynn to come down here because she´s too pretty, she wouldn´t understand what the men down here would say, but I would. I wouldn´t want to go home early for killing someone, the day of going home.



It would be easier for me to see my families in Manta first, because it´s only an hour away from jipijapa. Then, we can go to Quevedo, and visit my friends there. Guayaquil would be the last stop, because we could see my families there before we head to the airport. I haven´t thought about Babahoyo yet... it´s kind of out of the way, but if Tyler Larson came with us, it would be worth the trip.

Or, you could just come down for the baptism and go back to Guayaquil, then I would go up there on Monday, and we can visit people then. Whatever it doesn´t matter, either way it´ll be fun.

I was thinking that I could study a bit somewhere close by like at Weber or something, before I make a big decision... like I would like to go to Utah, or something. LDS business college sounds good too, but I just want to start out small. I don´t want to play football, because it is a huge commitment, and I would rather study, and play the guitar. I do want use the talents that I have, I could definitely go into business, because I have really, really acquired awesome people skills. I can get people to like me, and I can win them over to my way of thinking. I have learned how to be a leader. I can get missionaries and investigators excited about whatever. I speak Spanish, I would like to go into something in Spanish, as well as study other languages. I love the guitar, I love music, and I can play pretty good. Basically I would like to do something that I love. I think the big reason why my mission here was so wonderful, is because I learned to love. I learned to love getting up at 6:30 in the morning. I loved talking to people, who I also learned to love. Elder Jenkins learned to love too, and it shows. I learned to love the Lord. I don't say that I keep all the commandments perfectly, but I know what I need to do to love him.

So, I hope that helps Mom. Something small first, then we´ll see what happens. Weber State, seems like a good place to start. I am excited to see you guys, and to eat real good food. Love ya mom, and Ill talk to ya soon!

February 6, 2008 - Lucky Letter #13, It was so sad but we had work to do

Hi Family, I am writing to you on a Wednesday… well because of carnaval, all of Jipijapa was closed. There is only one grocery store here, which also happened to be closed on Monday and Tuesday, therefore I find myself hungry and without knowledge of the outside world. The last week was ok, the best thing that happened, was just that we found some new families that are nice. I´m excited to teach them. Elder Jenkins is going to another sector and next change I´ll be training… so in order to prepare for the new missionary, we´ve been finding new people like crazy, in hopes that we will have something to work with when the greenie comes.

I´m really excited to work here my last two changes... I have lots to do, like reactivate the members and baptize the future members. I´ve been trying to plan out some baptisms for you guys so that when you come to pick me up, you can see the baptisms!! But you need to pray hard, not so much for me, but for them.

I thought the funeral for President Hinckley was wonderful, well… from what I saw. That Saturday, as soon as we entered the chapel, it started to rain. Not just drizzle, but monsoon type rain. It rained so hard, and the clouds were so dense, that the satellite transmission was knocked out. After the opening hymn, the hymn that President Hinckley wrote, the satellite transmission went out. It was so sad, be we had work to do, so we just left.

That Monday, I was so happy! Elder Uctdorf is awesome, I´m so glad that he was called… I kinda guessed that President Monson would be President. I wonder who the next Apostle will be?

Well, I don’t have much else to say… Ill have something better next week! But thank you so much for helping me in my mission, it is wonderful, and I couldn´t have done it without you guys.

From G+G: Funeral of the Prophet

February 4, 2008

Hola Elder Heimuli!

This week has been extra busy but glorious, filled with humbling experiences. For the thousands that attended the viewing including your Mom & siblings and Aunty Lani & family, the long lines (5 hour wait for the Pilis) was worth it. Missionaries and Church employees were specially permitted to enter the Conference Center from 7:00-9:00 am on Thursday and Friday before the general admission from 9:00am-9:00pm. When sus abuelitos went early Thursday, there was no waiting and we were able to spend a little more time gazing gratefully at the Prophet.

It's difficult to describe in words the beautiful, very serene atmosphere in the Hall of the Prophets, where President Hinckley lay. Dresssed in temple whites and with his glasses on, the prophet looked as if he were simply resting and that he would soon wake up and get to work. To us, it seemed as if he were smiling, perhaps teaching us even up to the very end of mortality: that joy and rejoicing are ours to look forward to and that after a short rest, there is more work to do on the other side and this time there would be no physical aches or pains to deter us from our labors. How powerful!

At the Wednesday night missionary temple devotional with Elder Oaks, who gave us the remainder of his "Good, Better, Best" conference address (which he didn't have time to do at conference), we learned that (1) President Hinckley was mentally alert up to his passing and (2) our Father in Heaven was hovering very, very close to the Apostles since the dissolution of the First Presidency. What comfort and assurance these apostolic words brought to those in attendance. If you could only have felt the power of the Spirit witness the truth of these words to us--it was truly amazing.

All missionaries were handed tickets to the funeral service, so, of course, we went. Grandpa planned that we should catch UTA Trax from Sandy to SLC early Saturday, which we did, and it was a very good way to travel. Although the entire funeral service was broadcasted, just as General Conference is, and tv viewers get to hear and see everything, there's something extra special about being right at the Conference Center in the midst of the speakers and choir. You know what we're talking about, don't you? Briefly, we, once again, felt the Spirit bearing witness that this man of God--our prophet--had done his BEST in all that was required from the days of his mission in England to his days as Prophet, Seer and Revelator. Heavenly Father was present as the LOVE for this man was everywhere present and deepled sensed. To think, that Grandpa and Grandma were blessed to be there and experience this awesome love that is felt worldwide for him. Newspapers are filled with his life story and legacy even to this morning. It's wonderful to see that he was recognized also in non-LDS circles.

As an aside, Marqel had a cute, baby girl the morning that we were getting ready to leave the house for the Conference Center and the funeral services. After the funeral, we stopped at Albertson's in Center St, Provo, to pick up some fresh fruits, a fresh, long-stemmed rose for Marqel and some deli food for your abuelitos. We ate our snack in the parking lot of the UV Hospital, and spent about two hours visiting her, the baby, and Mari. How blessed are we when little spirits continue to come into our growing family and what a responsibility we all share in to teach them to feast upon the words of Christ.

Snow continues to blanket the valley...we're heading out to Woodscross, with our overnight clothes, mission suits, and also some entertainment gear. We volunteered to help out a missionary branch in SL with some island songs/dances. So before going to the branch, we'll go to your home, make some clam chowder (still freezing cold here) for dinner, then head off to SL. After the missionary activity is over, we'll go back to your family's home to sleep, and head off from there early tomorrow for our mission in the FHL. We're looking forward to an evening of fun and light exercise (ha! ha! ha!)

We pray that you are well and that the Spirit will abide with you as you teach and share the gospel. We love you, Elder Heimuli. Love always...Elder and Sister Murray

January 28, 2008 - Death of President Hinckley

Hi Mom! Things are going okay here. Im glad that the kids could show their appreciation for Pres Hinckley that way. I found out that sunday night... I was talking to President Ridd, and he told me. When I told everyone, we all got so sad. Elder Jenkins and I cried all night. But I like what it says in the 2 Timothy 4:7 He peleado la buena batalla, he acabado la carrera, he guardado la Fe... (I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith...). Such a scripture was written for President Hinckley.

Well, all Ive got are big plans for the branches that we are working in here... I want to give them the vision, the same vision that I have, the same that President Hinckley had. The world is in desperate need for leaders of the church. The adversary his angels rejoice in the death of a prophet, one more soldier for good has fallen, and its seems that the world is becoming worse everyday. Tell the kids to dont ever think that we have time to rest in this great battle. They must do what it says in doctrine and covenents, to be ACTIVELY ENGAGED in a good cause. I like that phrase... first, engaged-what does that mean? I like to think completly focused... to be entirely envolved, like the wedding engagement, (by the way mom, now that Mikelle doesnt have a boyfriend, you need to make sure that she stays single til I get home...(;)

And the last word, ACTIVELY. President Hinckley is the best example. He was 97 years old, and he traveled the globe everyday. Interesting how sometimes we complain when we have to do home or visiting teaching, just once a month. Find a new way to honor President Hinckley... like, find a friend who hasnt been to church in a while, and ask him if he wants to hang out on sunday! Youll find out that its really easy to share the gospel when you are just being a friend, I think its more affective than being a missionary. Or you can find a friend who is not mormon, and invite him to a mutual activity! That was president hinckleys vision, that was his dream.

Well, I love all of you very much, and Ill talk to you guys later! Oh, and the Valentines package is great, thanks!

From G+G Murray (Temple Square Missionaries)

Dear Elder H,

Surprise! Grandpa, who's driving to Orem in the drifted snow, telephoned me seconds ago and asked that I send you an email on behalf of the family. While driving, he was talking to your mother, who's off today (MLK Holiday), and she informed him that today would make two Mondays in a row that she hadn't written you, which means she hasn't been in office those days. Not wanting you to worry, she thought it best that someone write...I'll sub as best as I can. Since I don't have details about her goings-on, let me have the pleasure and blessing of writing what I do know...if you've already heard/read about these events, please excuse the repetition.

About your wonderful family: The last Sunday in December, Grandpa and I were witnesses in Stone Creek's Sacrament Meeting of how the Holy Spirit touches the hearts of those who are doing as the Lord commands, i.e. attending required meetings & renewing their covenants through partaking sacramental emblems. Your talented mom organized and accompanied all present & past youth and youth leaders of SC Ward including Hevynn and Helam in a spine-tingling rendition of Walk Within The Light. Additionally, accompanied by Aunty Tina (composer of Walk and other uplifting songs) Mom and Hevynn sang a beautiful duet, one of Tina's originals that I had not heard before. These two special numbers and the wonderful messages of your friend Elder Lopez and the sister missionary who spoke the same time as you did when you were leaving for the MTC...made for one of the most spiritually uplifting meetings ever! The tender mercies of the Lord touched all those present, including your Dad, Houston, Harrison, Sifa & family, and Grandpa/me. What a perfect way to end 2007.

Sandwiched in between their service to others and their work commitments, your Dad and Mom are engaged in busy "after work" duties such as packing/moving from Bountiful to Woodscross (it's a good thing the distance is short.) Your new family home is beautiful, and it already feels pleasant, peaceful, and comfortable. LIttle by little, piece by piece, your budget-conscious parents are doing their best to furnish it. Grandpa and I are proud of how your folks manage to fit in service, work, and family in everything they do...and then still do more! I think it's because they have a missionary out in the field, who is working very hard to serve the Savior. And the Lord blesses the elder's family in return. What do you think?

We held our traditional New Year's Day gathering. Your entire family, all Pili's, Uncle Tamaiti & 7 children (yes, Tai came back from Univ of St Mary's at Kansas), Marqel & family, Tina & husband Denny & daughter, as well as friends and other relatives, in all 53, were there. It was great to get-together to begin 2008 with food, hugs, and kisses. Of course, we misssed you and Tama and the rest of Aunty Kookie's family (who live in Hawaii now). You and Tama, being away, understand, more than your younger siblings the importance of FAMILY. As Grandpa and I grow older, it becomes more emphatic and real, that we are not happy without our family. That's why I'm grateful for such times when all of us are able to gather together to express love one to another as Jesus has commanded.

Granpa and I are learning much on our mission. We are thrilled with opportunities that come to us to serve others on a regular basis. According to a recent report given in our last prayer meeting, The Family History Library has welcomed over a 160,000 visitors in the past 6 months who are first timers. Another time we were informed that 70-80% of these visitors are non-members. Isn't that exciting? We don't preach' we simply help, but I know that seeds of kindness go with them when they leave the FHL. Some visitors have commented that they didn't realize the Mormons were so nice. Wow! Isn't it true that we may never know how much our example impacts the Church?

Exciting work: G & I have been slowly doing work for our family members (as we learn to help others, we are also helping ourselves). We went to the Mt Timpanogos Temple 1)Thursday evening (after doing our mission assignment during the day) to participate in the sealing of Aunty Kookie & Uncle Manu and their 3 little ones (they flew from Hawaii without really knowing that authorization would be received--truly a modern day story of faith & fasting); 2) Friday morning (no mission duties), we did the initiatories and endowments for Uncle Peter and Aunty Doris (gpa's deceased brother & sister); then 3) Saturday morning, we did their sealing to parents and also gpa's mother's sealing to her parents with Aunty Kookie's/Uncle Manu's help. (Your mom was on work assignment in New Orleans Wed-Sat and your dad was babysitting Harrison, so we didn't ask them; and Aunty Lani was tied up.) What an awesome weekend to visit the temple 3 consecutive days and feel of the Spirit--so strong and enveloping. The Lord places temples around the world that saving ordinances can be performed for the living and the dead, and while we engage in the work there, guess whose cups fill to overflowing?

A little news about your similar-aged cousins: Thor's returning to UNLV today (one reason Grandpa went to Orem was to say good-bye), but he's planning to return home as often as possible since he has a girlfriend, RS pres in singles ward. Tolu's not returning to UNLV as he plans to get a job, save, and spiritually prepare for a mission. (We're excited for him!) Kaimana's back at BYU; however, because of the illness and now death of his grandma Soliai, he's missed weeks of classes. We saw him last night for a minute, and he said he'd return tonight, so we're looking forward to his visit when we can counsel with him about schooling vs preparing for a mission. (Wouldn't it be wonderful to have him and Tolu out around the same time? Who knows what the Lord has in store for them?) Marqel is due any day (her fourth), and she's finding things a little tough, but she has never stopped attending Church, so I think she'll do well. She tells me she relies on Heavenly Father a lot. Elder Soliai, like you, is training inexperienced, newly baptized companions and is finding the experience a bit challenging, but ,like you, he relies on much inspiration and much more perspiration. Grandpa and I are grateful for such dedicated missionary grandsons. You two are like Helaman's stripling warriors, battling the adversary where you are. And we know you're making a difference, one soul at a time.

We love you, Elder Heimuli. Yesterday's Sabbath Day was filled with the Spirit for us, and we pray that it was the same for you. We rejoice in the teachings of the Church for 08, and feel blessed exponentially with studying the Book of Mormon and the life of the Prophet Joseph in the same year.

I bear you my testimony that I know that Jesus is the Christ, that He lives and is the only Begotten Son of our Father. I know also that the Prophet Joseph Smith truly saw the Father and the Son and through the Holy Ghost he received revelations to organize the only true church on the earth today--The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that the Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ's gospel and is another testament of Christ along with the Bible. I'm grateful for the scriptures, for the living prophet and apostles that we have today, and for the infinite atoning sacrifice of the Son. I am humbly grateful for opportunities to forgive, to be forgiven and to serve. And I testify that the knowledge that Our Father, Our Savior, and Familes & Friends love us is what brings the greatest personal joy and motivates me to do my best in all things. This is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

January 21, 2008 - The Church is true, and that's all that matters

Hi Mom! Well, your email was blank... and the email that I wrote from last week is at the end of the email you sent to me.. any way, last week was just horrible, we almost had 4 baptisms, but we ended up having 0. I was a little sick, but now Im feeling better.. so hopefully this week goes a little better. I think that as the end is getting nearer, im feeling more and more tired. Its okay, Im going to make it...haha, we just need these baptisms to go through. Well, I hope that everything is going well at home, and I hope that everyone is good... I love that song from Hevynn, even if it is a rough mix.. she sounds good! My companion and I are dong well, and I need you to tell the goughs thank you for the 20 bucks, and for the lovely christmas card! THank you so much mom, for everything that you do for me, and I wanted to ask you to thank Dad for me too! The Church is true, and thats all that matters.

January 14, 2008 - Gods-eye view!

Hi Mom! Well, let me tell you a Little about Jipijapa. Its a small place in the hills of Manabi. This litte town has a busy Little section called Centro, surrounded by green rolling hills. Jipijapa is like the Little stop people make, before they head to the beautiful manabi beaches, like Puerto Cayo, and Puerto Lopez.



The people are just as warm and wonderful as the Little town sounds. When I say warm, I mean it as hospitable. Its cold down here, because its raining almost everyday here! But im sure its still warmer than it is up there in Utah! In Jipijapa, there are two branches, which have been branches, since the 50´s. There are few strong members here, and a lot that need help. I see a lot of potential here, I imagine its how God sees every one of us. However, the itch and taunting of temptation frequently affect these wonderful people.



There is a friendliness and love here, that is a legendary quality of the manabi people.

Sadly, this warmth and love, is only barely matched by their love of alcohol. The hardest part is finding fathers that are ready for the gospel, ones that need and want it. Because we, all to often, find only those that need the gospel. Ya know, seeing peoples lives from (what I like to call) Gods-eye view, is the greatest and sometimes saddest experience.. I´ve experienced. The potential to great things is inside every one of us. Yet, we look at our potential sometimes, with mans-eye view. We are always comparing ourselves with others. But to the Lord, it doesn’t matter how much we´ve sinned, or hated, or failed… as long as we have the desire to change and do great things, and little by little, strive to do those things, God´s happy!

How wonderful would the world be if we saw everything through Gods-eye view! We would forgive faster, and be slower to judge. Faster to repent and slower to sin.

So, this Is what was on my mind today, if you happen to read this to future missionaries, or kids that are deciding, invite them to change the world, and aspire to have a gods-eye view. To couples with problems, invite them to do the same.

Now that my spiritual message is done, me and my comp are doing fine! Pretty soon we should have 4 baptisms.. and a lot more planned out. Im having a great time Mom, so don’t get too excited that Im coming home! Haha, just kidding… I expect a party with Pizza, and steak when I get home! ( You could even, put steak on the pizza) I love you Mom! Talk to ya later!

A Note from Sister Ridd

January 11, 2008

Hi Pania,

How are you today? I just wanted to write and tell you that I spoke with your son today. He is SUCH a good person. He was concerned that we didn't have your new address in the office. You had given it to me in a previous email, so we are okay!!!

However, my real reason for writing is to share something I just knew you would want to hear. President Ridd has to read 180 letters from the missionaries every single week. It takes him hours and hours. I am often in the office here at home as he is reading, but I just do my own work, while he is sitting on the other side of the office, reading.

This afternoon, as he was reading, he said, "I should send this letter to Elder Heimuli's mom." Then he read a part of Elder' Jenkins' letter out loud to me. (I generally never know what the weekly letters say). Elder Jenkins is Elder Heimuli's new companion. This is only Elder Jenkins' second change in the mission. He and Elder Heimuli have only been together about a week and a half. After President read what Elder Jenkins had said about your son, I asked him if he would email just a part of it to you. He said that although he would love to, he didn't think he should. The letters he receives are written personally just to him, and he wants to keep the confidence of the missionaries. I hope you are following all of this.

I think I took the long way around getting to the good part...... Although Elder Jenkins was trained by someone other than Elder Heimuli (for one change), it wasn't until he received Elder Heimuli as a companion that he really started to love the mission.



He talked about how patient and powerful Elder Heimuli is, and how he was doing so much better with his Spanish because Elder Heimuli was helping him, and how he was teaching more and more of the lessons now, and he went on and on.



It was a beautiful testimony of what a wonderful companionship should be, and the effect an obedient, loving, senior companion can have on an impressionable new missionary. We were touched by the letter, and felt such a profound love and appreciation for Elder Heimuli.

There, I shared the letter with you, anyway....I hope I'm not in big trouble!!! (Just kidding). As a mother I just had to share this with you.

I hope you are all well and happy and doing well in this new year.

Love,

Sister Ridd

January 7, 2008 - $4,000 to NOT go on a mission

Hi Mom! Well, the first week in Jipijapa is over.. Im ready to work this week, everything has kind of settled nicely. Like, after the big move here, it was hard to get into the groove… but now I think that we are ready to get moving in the work.

Mom, Im so glad that my last letter was good for the ward. Not much is new, except that It is raining a lot down here. Its always muddy, we are always dirty… but I shouldn’t complain, at least I can eat sea food! I guess everything is fine, and I feel a little tired that’s all. I hope that everything is settling down there at home too. I love you all, and I cant wait to see you all later this year! Oh heres Jenkins´number and moms name: Angela Jenkins, shes not a member. This is Jenkins´ brothers number , because his family moved, 1 801 782 2017. He is a member, recent convert. So that’s all the info that I got so far. Ill have more next week.

So, Elder Jenkins has an interesting conversion story, he never went to church, because his father is inactive, and his mom isn’t a member. When Elder Jenkins went to College, he started listening to missionaries. After his older Brother got baptized, he decided to also. Elder Jenkins is the second to last in a family of 10 kids! Only 5 of them are members. Something interesting is that Elder Jenkins´ Dad tried to pay him 4,000 dollars to NOT go on a mission! I think that inviting them to my homecoming would be a great idea! Me and Jenkins are good friends, he plays the drums. Well, I love you mom, and Ill write you more next week!

December 31, 2007 - He only asks for 3 hours

Hi Mom, So things are really hectic right now also. What has happened is that last Saturday, I got a call from President Ridd. He said that he had a special assignment for me.. I agreed to accept it, Im going to a place called Jipijapa, I don’t know if you remember it.. Im back in Manta. I am no longer serving as a Zone Leader, but as a District Leader.. supposedly there are two Branches down here, and they both need help. My companion is not a veteran in the mission anymore either. His name is Elder Jenkins, hes from North Ogden, and he is a new convert to the church. He has about 4 months in the mission, Including the MTC. He seems like a great guy, and Im excited, but knowing that I am going to be really busy around here, more busy than I was when I was a ZL. So Im in the settling process right now, and am getting geared for a powerful finish to my mission. President said that I will also train again next change. So that is what is happening right now.. Ive only got about 3 changes left. Not a lot of time! Ive been thinking about Helam a lot, and how his new ward doesn’t seem appealing to him. Maybe you could read this to the whole family one night, if you don’t think that it is too strong. I don’t know the situation, but you do mom! Who knows, maybe you can read it to some inactive kids or something.. its about the importance of Church.

Ya know, Im so grateful for the mission and what it has taught me. I only hope that I can continue to become a better person. Its exactly when Satan stops our progress, that we begin to become miserable. Slowly, of course, gradual at first, the adversary begins his wicked designs. “Its okay if you go to church late just this once..” or, “You can take the sacrament next week..” Then, every time, members that begin on the downward slope find faults in the true church of Jesus Christ. I have seen the same destructive routine my whole mission. It has caused the strongest members here to fall. I know that this is the Lords church. I know that it is perfect even though the members of it, aren’t.

The Lord´s church is also a church of “evolution”. I say evolution because the Lord doesn’t change, and neither does his church. Did ya know? The words Evolution and Progression, are very similar. And sometimes the Lord does peculiar things, to get us to progress… to get us to EVOLVE. He sends his servants from a wonderful ward in Guayaquil, to a branch in a remote part of Ecuador like Jipijapa. Sometimes the Lord divdes a ward, and places us into a new situation. New faces, new friends, new attitudes and personalities… sometimes new is frightening, believe me, I know. But should we accept that change, with thankfulness? When the Lord splits a ward, or changes the boundries, should we not go where he tells us to go? Or do you believe that the Lord has made a mistake, or that YOUR judgement is greater than His?
I know that the Lord protects us, and loves us. He would never give us anything that we cant handle, or anything that would harm us in any way. I always use this example with those who don’t want to go to church… are you ready? Lets see how good at math you are: In Exodus, chapter 20, Moses reveals the 10 commandments. In Six days the Lord (Jehovah, who is Christ by the way) made world and everything that in them are. On the seventh day, he rested. The Lord gives us OUR WHOLE LIVES, but we´ll just do the math over a week long period. How many hours are in a day? (24) Okay, good… now how many days are there in a week? (7) Okay, now how many hours are there in a week? (168) So, God commands us to go to church, on what day? Sunday, okay and how long is church? (3 hours more or less)



So out of the 168 hours that God gives, he only asks for 3 hours.. is that too much to ask? May you make the right decision, and my you do it with a smile, and a willing heart, I know that you will be blessed, because I have.

Well love you mom, and Ill write more next week!

December 17, 2007 - Two baptisms!

Hi Mom!! Well, this week we had 2 BAPTISMS!! Monica, and Clara got baptized! And they are such good converts! I was so happy for them, and I just feel so much better. I dont know when the next baptisms will be, maybe Ill be gone next change. Im glad that the family is doing good, and you cant lose track of Lopez, I need to find him.. he owes me five dollars. Just kidding, but Im gonna hang out with him.

As for Gough, I invited him over for Christmas Eve.. I would like to talk to him, and get him to go on a mission. I got a letter from a girl named Berkley (I dont know if you remember her) but shes going to go to Brazil on her mission.. but its the Belém mission. I also heard that another friend of mine is going on a mission, his name is Jake Rose. So, yeah.. thats whats going on. Ill probably call you in the morning at about 11 or 12 in the afternoon MY TIME (I dont know how Utah time works) so, Im excited to hear from you!! nWell, IU love you mom, thanks for everything! Gotta go, dont have much time left!

December 10, 2007 - We must care for them

Hi Mom!! Well things are going well here.. I did go through the box, and I loved the MUG by the way!!! It was the best present EVER!! I also have my tree proudly hung on the wall! Well, Garner is cool, and we are still working as hard as ever. We have found alot of good people that are progressing, especially Clara and Monica... they have a fecha for next week. Gladys hasnt gotten baptised yet, we are having some trouble with her. Also with Jimmy Duran, he has kinda stopped having intrest in the gospel. We are struggling to get them to get baptised although, maybe I was just sent to prepare the way for other missionaries... Im trying hard to not except the fact that maybe it just isnt their time yet... I thought that it was hard not having baptisms for about 4 months now. Then I thought about Missionaries in Europe, and how they NEVER baptize! As for Chongon, the little city by our sector, its totally bombed, Jose Alvarez disappeared and I havent been able to find him..

Ive havent been to Chongon for 4 weeks. Its so hard to convince people that they need God. The prophets have been trying to do that for years, but people just like to sin. Its so hard to understand the patience and love that God has for us. Theres a scripture in the book of mormon, in the book of mormon that says: (Roughly translated) Unless God visits his children with pestilance and disaster and other really bad stuff... they wont remember him. I have come to realize that even members of the church arent safe either.. I have been working with countless numbers of inactives also who cant seem to repent either. I love the mission, it has changed my life. There are thousands of wonderful, good people out there. And out of all those wonderful people, maybe half will let you into your home. And out those few that let you in, half will progress. And out of those who progress, very few will repent and be baptized. Therefore, I have two conclusions. 1. I have learned something very important, and inspired. Its a quote that came from a very well know Catholic-woman. When asked about the horrible state of a country where she had previously tried to make a differance, Mother Teresa said,"God doesnt ask us to be Successful, he just asks us to be Faithful." We need to try and be more faithful, sure... very few will be baptized, but the worth of souls is great, and even if we bring save it one soul unto christ, our joy will be great.
2. The souls we bring into the fold are so precious, there are not a lot of them... so we must care for them. There are alot of inactive families in your ward. And all of them are inactive because some Brother or Sister in the church offended them... is it any wonder why the Apostles, in every confrence, talk about Being careful NOT to offend, or to be slow to be offended, or how its not what goes into the mouth that defileth a man... Of course I know that my family is the greatest family in the world! And when I get home, I would love to try and reactivate families.. because for inactives, they need more than just Missionaries to get back to church, they need Friends.

Well, heres my testimony, I know that the church is true. The members are those who are learning to become perfect, and we need to remember that we arent there yet. I know that Joseph was a prophet, and Jesus is our savior. The book of mormon is the evidence that the church is true. I know that by abiding by the principles of that book, one will have increased faith, will begin to see miracles, will be able to see angels, and will get to know Christ.

Well, I love you mom! I cant wait to talk to you guys, say hi to everyone! And tell Dad that I love him too!

Hi Dad! Hi Grandpa!

December 3, 2007

Merry Christmas, Felíz Navidad, Mele Kelikimaka...
Hi Dad! How are things going? Everything is great down here! I opened your package today! Thank you for everyrthing inthere, especially the socks and the food! I thankful for such great Parents, and for helping me get through the work! I hope everything is good up there, Everyone down here is still talking about how you came down, and everything... did you know that your famous? Not only with the missionaries, but, there are some white people in our ward that work and the US Consulate, they have been all over the world, and still remember you from the 84 team... I was like, Hi Im Elder Heimuli, and they say... hey are you related to Lakei? I say, yeah, hes my dad... and for a minute they forget Im a missionary and start talking football. I tell ya, I cant escape your shadow, youre famous.
Well, I just thought that was funny... I have this other funny story that made me think how hard it must have been to learn english for you. My comp and I knocked on the door of a members house because he had to use the bathroom. A little kid named JJ answered the door. My comp started talking to him, and I wasnt paying attention at exactly what he said. But the litle kid looks at my comp weirdly and says, "ok" and then runs into the house... then he comes out with a piece of bread and hands it to my comp. I just started laughing, because my comp asked for bread instead of asking to use the bathroom.
Yeah, well things are going well, and Im just excited to talk toyou guys on christmas.. Thanks again for everything!

--------------------------------------------

Felíz Cumpleaños Abuelo!!
Happy birthday, I just wanted to thank you for the christmas gift, and send you a little email.. I know you dont have much time for personal things Elder Murray, but I just wanted to say Hi! I hope Grandma is doing well also, Im praying for you guys just as you are praying for me! So, weve got a really powerful thing going on! I love you both very much! I hope that everything is going well... just thought I´d share something. I dont know if I have already told you, in my patriarchal blessing, I was blessed so that someday if I strengthened it, my testimony my become as strong as yours Grandma! It specifically says that! I know that this is the Lords work, that he lives and guides us in our daily life. Im not quite there yet grandma, but I know that if I work hard in this work, it may someday be that way. Love You Boths Lots! And thank you for everything!

December 3, 2007 - Nosotros somos Representantes de Jesucristo...

Hi Mom!! Yes, I got the Christmas Package, and I loved it!! Thank you so much! Im looking forward to giving away the rings and the candy canes and stuff!! Well, This last week was ok.. me and my comp made it a goal to find people and families that need the gospel.. and some friends, for this holiday season. We found a widow, whose daughter is special. She has some rare brain thing that impedes growth of her brain. The daughter is 19 years old, but acts just like a 10 month old little girl. The Mother has had lots of questions in her life, and wonders why did all these things happen to her daughter? Why me? A popular question that many people ask themselves. I, even have asked myself the same question. Mom, you shouldve seen the look on this lady, when we read a little bit from Alma 40, about the resurrection... and then, we shared a little about what the Prophet Joseph Smith said, after asking himself the question, what happens when children suffer, or die..

We told this widow that she was a very elect daughter of God. That her daughter is elect also.. We explained that in her state of being now, it was impossible for her to sin, because she is not capable to do so. Therefore, her daughter is saved. We expressed the mercy of our Father in Heaven, and the love that he always has for us. We told her that God has trusted his elect children, into the hands of elect parents. But in few words we said, that her daughter was like that because she was so valient in the premortal life, God wanted her to come back to him, without tasting the bitterness of sin, neither the pain of true repentance.... The lady was touched, she finally recieved the answer to her question. We, of course, told her that she (the mother) yes, would have to repent and be baptized to be saved WITH her daughter.. we´ll see what happens the next visit.

We hadnt had baptisms, but the next week, well have two. And much more in the future hopefully.

But I wanted to share that story, because while I was teaching, I learned something very important. God gives to his most valient children, the most marvelous trials. I applied this to myself. Here in the misson, when we knock doors, we first introduce ourselves like this: Hola, Buenos Dias, Yo soy Elder Heimuli, y ésto es mi compañero... y nosotros somos Represtentantes de Jesucristo...

..So, If we say that we are representatives of Jesus Christ, wed better act like it. Just like Elder Holland said, If we are going to be his representitives, how dare we not ask to taste the smallest amount of what the savior tasted? I remember that every time something does not go as planned. Now, you guys arent representitvies of Jesus, but you can remember this when you have troubles: God gives his most faithful children, wonderful trials..

You are the most wonderful family that an Elder in Ecuador could ever have! Thank you for all that you have given me! I loved that tree by the way! Everyone looks so differant, and my comp is in love with Hevynn. And everyone else is just so big... I weighed myself... I weigh about 206.

So, about the christmas calls, I was wondering if I could call the monday after christmas, or before... because Im excited to talk to you guys, but I would rather work on Christmas day, and find families! But, right me what you think..

Oh, and can you thank the simons for me! Or maybe just show them this letter:

Querida Familia Simón,
Thanks a million for the cookies, I seriously cried while I ate them I was so happy.. the missionaries thought I was strange. Until they tried the cookies, and they started crying too. I think Elder Beck wants to marry Sam. Anyways, thank you Crystal so much for the food, and for keeping my family out of trouble.. It must be hard when you have to keep Drew out of trouble at the same time. Muchas Gracias!
Les amo, Elder Heimuli

yep, love ya, talk to ya later! Stay Healthy, I know its cold... but at least you cant get Dengue Fever, and I miss the snow.

November 26, 2007 - I just die on that hill everyday!

Hi Mom!! Well, things are going good here, my companion is cool, bad this Christmas is going to be HOT! Its hot and sunny weather, and I just die on that hill everyday! But its okay, we just met a really cool family there! Mom, I just wanted to thank you for everything that you do for me! I know that you dont have to and thats why I love you!

Well, how are the kids! I hope everyone is doing well! I am doing just great, and Ive decided that I am going to try and be perfect these last 6 months, its going to be hard, but im willing to try.

So Ben is coming home in December? Thats GREAT!! Its so hard to get an extension, im glad hes still out there! Well, theres a family of 4 that we are trying to get married so that they can get baptized.. the sad thing is that the husband wants to get married and get baptized, but the wife doesnt want to get married. Our families are progressing but are progressing slowly.. but Elder Rasband said, that even if they are progressing slowly, we need to help them even more! Thats why its a little frustrating..

Well, I love you Mom! And Im looking forward to talking to you this christmas, I dont know when yet,.. but, Im Excited!!

November 19, 2007 - Can't Repay the Lord

Hi Mom!! Well, things are good. My comp is Elder Garner, and hes from Magna Utah. Hes a big kid, not fat.. but a pretty thick guy. Hes really cool. Seright is gone, but his memory.... and all the crap he left in the house, still lingers. We are pretty excited to get to work, and we have big plans. I just wanted to thank you guys for all the support that you give me.. the Heimuli family is the reason why Im working so hard. We had the oppritunity to listen to Elder Rasband talk to us, it was really great!! He said something that stuck with me, he said that many missionaries start the mission thinking, Im going to work hard to repay the lord for all the things that hes done for me. But after a long time in the mission, we realize that we CANT repay the Lord for his love, and all the blessings that hes given us. Its impossible. Because he always gives, even though we dont always repay. But, I started thinking that I can try and repay you guys for all that you hav done for me, and I can repay you Mom and Dad, not by paying YOU (because Im broke) but by giving to others. Because I have seen the example that you have given me, and I know that you would do the same. Love you Mom and Dad, for all that you do. Im love the Lords work, but I am excited to go home in six months! (: Love ya all!

November 12, 2007 - This sector is really hard...hearted

HiMom!! Well things are doing good.... Im just working and a got your last package!! Thanks, it was really cute. Im healthy and fine, and just trying to get some baptims.. this sector is really hard.. hearted. But we should some fruits of our labor soon. Today is super pday, we couldnt leave til 12:00, its my comps last pday, so we have a lot to do, and a lot to see, and not alot of time! Love ya Mom!! Ill write you more next week! Love ya..still have to write to president.

[A large group of elders "viejos" left the mission this week. Elder H met Elder Andy Alldredge's family who came to Ecuador to pick him up...great idea! Elder H's mom and Elder A's mom, Rinda, met on the LDS Missionary Moms website.]

November 5, 2007 - Chongon

Hi Mom!! Well the best thing that happend, for the last two weeks we have been organizing a kind of service/refrence project. Last Saturday we had it and it was a success!! We did this little presentation in a little pueblo called, CHONGON. We showed a video that is about the family,very pretty. Then a representitive from the churches job services department talked with the people a gave informaiton about obtaining work. Then a lady who knows how to do everything, shes like an ecua martha stewart except for the tax evasion or whatever, we organized courses so that the woman learn useful and helpful things like how to make soap, shampoo and stuff like that cheap! There was an attendance of 53 people from chongon, and we had 19 refrences!! It was great, the Lord really helped us out.

Our video for the temples is finished, I havent seen it yet, but I heard the songs in there finished form... most of them I liked, one of them I wish we had more time to redo.

Thank you so much for the Halloween Stuff!! It was a great halloween, we even painted our faces... I cant wait to have my first Halloween in the states again, its just not the same here!

I also got a package today that has white strips and contacts in it, it sayssomething about a poem, but I didnt see any poem inside? But thank you for the stuff.

Yep, Seright is going home, and we are so close to having baptisms. Thank you for all your prayers and for helping me. I love everyone very much! Bye!!

October 29, 2007 - I admit I ate all the Reeses

Hi Mom!!! WOW!! Well, thats too bad that everyone is sick and cold- if it makes you feel anybetter, Its really hot over here... Our investigators are doing ok, except that not many of them have excepted a baptismal date.. thats the only problem. For a while ELder Seright and I have been wondering, why arent they getting baptized!!

We are being obediant, were working hard, the investigators are keeping their commitments... SO WHATS THE PROBLEM!! Then, we started thinking about our ward... our ward is a little new. New people, new chapel, new everything. The Bishop is working hard to get the callings all filled, and we have a new Mission Leader, so we can see that things are starting to fall into place.. and we started thinking. Well, maybe the Lord is waiting for the right moment, so that our converts remain active? Maybe he wants a great warm, friendly, organized home for the brand new latter day saints. So, Mom maybe you guys could pray for our investigators, AND the new ward! Pray that everything gets in order, a little more quickly, so that we can reap the fruits of our months of labor.

Thank you so much for the packages of halloween stuff, our zone needs more activities and stuff so that their excitement, and work efforts stay up. I have to admit that I ate all the Reeses... but im gonna buy other good candies for the zone, that arent reeses because I love them... For Christmas, I dont really want anything more, maybe a French Book of Mormon.... (Long story, but It would be nice to have..) Um, and I dont know, my shirts are really too big for me, but Im only going to be here for 6 more months, so If you want to send me some shirts that are a little smaller.. like neck 16, 16 1/2 that would be fine, if not.. Im ok.

Oh yeah, I cant believe that Mason Milligan and them are all home already!! Im not gonna lie, its going to be great to be able to see them also!! I wonder how the mission was for them.

Thank you for the pictures, I think that they are wonderful! Helam looks good with short hair!

Well, Love you mom, and take care of yourselves!!

Hi Dad!!

October 22, 2007

How are things? Im fine, just thought that Id drop ya a line, and see how you are doing?! Im fine, just working as usual, and really busy. My companion and I are just working away, trying to get more baptisms, we are trying to work into a new part of our sector called, Chongon. Its like, a whole other city in the middle of nowhere. Hopefully we can start a new branch out there, or something. Well, just wanted to thankyou, for helping me out and everything! Im trying to carry out the HEimuli name as best as I can out here! Love ya Dad! Have a good day"! and thak you for all the work that you do for me, and the family!

October 22, 2007 - The mission is the greatest thing that has happened to me

Hi Mom! I dont know what to say!! Im going to have 18 months pretty soon, and Im hoping that we can get alot of baptisms, but little things come up sometimes, so sometimes im not sure if the baptisms are going to go through.. UGH! Its just a mix of emotions.. and Im really tired too. But Im sure that you are more tired than I am, sounds like you guys are really busy! Well, thanks for that email about the knighting of Elder Eyring, thats so funny! And how was the visit from the Elders? I hope that you kicked them out of the house early enough so that they could go to work! :) I dont know if you guys are studying the teachings of the prophet Spencer W. Kimball, for sunday school, but we are. And last Sunday was awesome, because we brought a bunch of investigators to church, one of them is the husband of a recently activated member.. but he is having some problems with his wife, but the lesson about the Womanhood was really good for him! I really liked that lesson, I thought of you, and I want to thank you for helping me to get out on a mission.. the mission is the greatest thing that has happened to me. Tama knows what I mean, he is just starting to see it. Well, Thats how things are, and Im doing fine also. Just keep praying, and reading youre scriptures everyday as a family! I love you mom! Oh, could you send me contact solution also? Hermana Ridd got me some that should last til christmas! Bye Mom!

October 15, 2007 - Spiritual Hammers

Hi Mom!! First of all, I LOVED THE CONFERANCE!! Especially the spiritual hammers, given by Elder Holland and Elder Nelson! Those were great! Also, im really happy for Elder Eyring also! The church is so true. Well, our investigators are doing well. Most went to the conferance, we were able to bring 15 investigators to see the living prophets and apostles. The following sunday, we had 10 of them in church.. we are expecting alot of success in the next few weeks. Just keep praying, because our investigators are progressing thanks to the prayers of you guys.
We havent finished our project yet, but we are getting there. Im also looking forward to getting those packages! You know what, those white strips are working, my teeth are less yellow. For christmas, all I would want, are more white strips, and a book of mormon in French.

Yeah, I cant believe that Ill soon have only 6 months left!! I cant believe Ben is going home soon! Perry too! And Carly also! Youre right mom, I do feel old.
Well, thank you mom for everything you do! Love you!

October 8, 2007 - Sister Beck quoted the scripture you highlighted in my quadruple

HI Mom!! Well, survived changes, Seright and I are staying right where we are, which is good.. because we should be having a lot of baptisms pretty soon. That best thing that happened to me was the conferance!! One of my favorite talks, was from Sister Beck!! IT was great how she talked about the mothers responsability to raise children in the gospel.. is was perfect because we are working with an inactive lady, whose kids arent baptized yet. But also, she quoted the scripture that you highlighted in my quadruple. The story of the 2000 stripling warriors, and about their mothers... I just wanted to thank you mom for teaching me all that I know, and for helping me to get out on the mission. Its the BEST thing that has ever happened to me, and I know that its because YOU KNEW that it would be. Thank you so much for that you do for my brothers and sisters, I know that we can be a handfull sometimes, and I think that you and Dad handle us quite well... Well, things are all good down here. Love ya mom, and Ill talk to you later! Oh, and thanks for the whitening strips. My teeth dont look so yellow now.

October 1, 2007 - I'm doing the music

Hi Mom!! Well, I recieved your packages!! Thank y ou so much for the candies and stuff! Well, its coming up...changes that is, and I wont have a baptism this change, luckily, Pres is keeping us together, so well have a lot of baptisms really soon...
Im so excited for the upcoming conferance, especially since Ill be able to see some familiar faces. Things are going good, normal normal, except that the mission in making a movie about temples, and Im doing the music... its hard when Ive got an ecua guitar, and we are recording with a digital camera..

Hows Hevynns musical career going? I am so excited mom, to watch football again!!! Oh, and thank you for the family picture!! Im glad that Suzette and Jen went to the reunion!! (how did grampa pull that one off?) Im sure it all went well! Well, I dont have much time today mom, I LOVE YOU!! I cant wait to see the family in about 8 months.