tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37805079157503762852024-03-13T21:31:34.580-07:00Elder Pullan in JamaicaJamaica Kingston Mission, 2013-2015Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-56542085215864675932015-06-30T08:54:00.000-07:002015-06-30T08:54:08.057-07:00week #6 -Last letter from Jamaica!<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">730 days</span><br />
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104 weeks</div>
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24 months</div>
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17 transfers</div>
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9 companionships</div>
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5 areas</div>
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2 years</div>
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1 mission</div>
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Countless lives changed. </div>
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The greatest change wrought being my own.</div>
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I love my mission. My mission has changed my life because I now know the truth. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer and that it is only in and through him that we can be saved. I know that our Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us and loves us more than we can comprehend. I know that the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know of the power of the Atonement. I have seen it change the lives of those I have taught and I have felt the sweet peace it brings in my own life. I know that our Heavenly Father is on our side and doing all He can to bring about the salvation of every single one of us, if we will but give up our own wills and choose to follow. I know that all of this is true. I know and I have chosen to follow to the best of my ability. Nothing but my best will cut it, but I know that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, my best will be enough. I hope and pray that I can make it. </div>
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To anyone that thinks that we can repay the Lord through our acts, I will tell you that we cannot. There is nothing that we can do of ourselves to be saved. It is only through Jesus Christ that we are saved. My mission has not been a sacrifice, but a great blessing to me. </div>
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Strive to serve the Lord each day in your life and he will use you for the good of his children. You do not have to be a missionary to share the gospel. We can teach in word and deed each day, and with each little act of service we will become more and more like Christ.<br />
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Jamaica has been the perfect place for me. There is nowhere else that could be better for me to learn all that I have. I love my little island under the bunnin' Caribbean sun. I love the people of Jamaica and I have been inspired by the faith of many of the members here. I have learned much from them and made many good friends. </div>
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I am sad to leave, but the next phase of life is calling. I am excited to take the future by its' horns and begin my life. </div>
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I love you all. I am grateful for all your many prayers and your support.<br />
This is it from JA. </div>
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Nuff Love Breddren. </div>
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Elder Pullan signing off. </div>
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See you all on Thursday!</div>
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IM COMING HOME. </div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-64309929899473796292015-06-22T14:22:00.001-07:002015-06-22T14:22:24.154-07:00weeks 4 & 5- Portmore<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">June 22, 2015</span><div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">(I asked Daniel to share his thoughts on marriage and the state of the family as a unit of society in Jamaica. Derek & I are speaking about marriage at youth conference on </span><span style="font-family: Big Caslon;">Thursday.)</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">My thoughts on marriage-</span><div style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
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Marriage between a man and a woman creates the fundamental unit of society. There is no better way to raise a nation than in the homes of its families. If you try to find a better way to raise the next generation, you will fail. Family and marriage has been established from the beginning. It is ordained of God, and will ever be the only way to true happiness.</div>
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I have seen the effects of the deterioration of the family during my time here in Jamaica. Jamaica displays a culture that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It began as slaves brought across the ocean from Africa. They were later emancipated and Jamaica was nourished by England. They gained their independence around fifty years ago. Their roots have not been ones that foster marriage and family. Although the majority of the island is Christian, the devil has his playground on the old "slave mentality" that was created. Marriage and family was not a thing among the slaves, and it has not been a priority ever since. </div>
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The Family Proclamation states in its second to last paragraph that nations will suffer through the deterioration of the family. Come to Jamaica and you will see the affects of people not getting married. There are teenage girls all over the place with young children and no father around to take care of them. They become stuck in a downward spiral because they can't pursue an education and work and take care of the kids at the same time very well. It is not just the mother that is affected, but the children suffer too. They grow up with no father and take on the same mentality of their parents. </div>
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I do not speak for everyone in Jamaica, but the majority live like this. </div>
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I know that as we follow the laws of God and are married and raise families as He has directed us, we will find joy and our communities and nations will receive His approval and be blessed. </div>
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I am out of time. I will tell you about my week when I get home. </div>
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I love you guys!</div>
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Hey Fam, </div>
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<span style="font-family: Big Caslon;">This week has been great. Stake Conference was yesterday in Spanish Town. I was able to attend both the adult session on Saturday, and the Sunday session. Elder Gammiet from the area presidency addressed us, along with Stake President Lieu and President </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brown. I got to see a lot of my friends from Boulevard and from Linstead. I have been serving in the stake since the day it was created, so I knew a lot of the people there. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elder Sullivan and I have been doing good work and having a good time. Portmore has been hot and mosquito infested as usual.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am having some mixed feelings as my mission draws to a close. I have loved my mission. It has changed both me and the course of my life. I now know that the Church is true. I know that Ch</span><span style="font-family: Big Caslon;">rist is at the head of this organization, and that he called Joseph Smith through a miraculous vision in a sacred grove near 200 years ago. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I have seen these truths change lives time and time again. The first life it changed has been my own. I am so grateful for this. I love my mission. </span> </div>
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The work marches forward as usual. I love you all. I will keep working hard to the very end. </div>
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Nathan- Great job doing missionary work. That is fantastic. Keep it up!</div>
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Love, E. Pullan</div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-74701056371360004272015-06-09T06:06:00.000-07:002015-06-09T06:06:43.338-07:00week #3 -Portmore<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey everyone, </span></span><br />
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<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had to put together photos from my whole mission and send them to the office so that they can put them in an exit video. It took up all my time. Sorry. This week was good though. The beach was nice. The work was great. Nothing out of the ordinary.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It sounds like you are all doing great. I can't wait to see you all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, E. Pullan</span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-40013410628618786612015-06-01T12:47:00.003-07:002015-06-01T12:47:33.770-07:00week #2 -Portmore<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Hey everyone, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">I don't have a whole lot to say, so I will keep it short.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Everything was good this week. We had Zone Meeting in Kingston on Wednesday. We talked about reactivating those that are less active and finding new people. That was my last Zone Meeting</span>…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Saturday, we went back into Kingston and Elder Sullivan got his Patriarchal blessing. He was pretty excited to get it. We did some teaching this week. We have a lot of less- actives in our area, so they keep us pretty busy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are going to go and chill on the beach this p-day, so that will be fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have been extending the challenge of reading 6 pages of the Book of Mormon every day to people. Many of the members in our branch have never read it all the way through. If you have not, then do it! 6 pages a day will get you through in 100 days. Do it and pray to know it is true. I have done it myself and I know that the Book of Mormon is true. There is not a doubt in my mind about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />I love you all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tek Cyare.<br />Love, E. Pullan</span></div>
Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-37618882621580877902015-05-29T04:20:00.001-07:002015-05-29T04:20:04.230-07:00week #1 -Portmore<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey Fam,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Portmore has been great so far. I has been so good to get out of the city. I never left Kingston for six months straight. Kingston was great, but I am glad to have some fresh air and a little room to breathe. The rumors about Portmore are mostly true. The heat is bad, however, there is always a breeze, so I think Kingston was worse. The mosquitos on the other hand are worse than expected. They only come out in the evenings. If you are anywhere near water, they are terrible. If you stop moving you will have at least three on you in a matter of seconds. People use dirty shirts, rags, and kerchiefs to "run" (or shoo) them. It works well, but you have to keep waving your kerchief around the whole lesson. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Portmore was built on a bog. They filled it all in so that they could put a city here. That is why there are so many mosquitoes. Portmore is totally flat too - not a hill around. It is great for biking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our area consists of ghetto to middle class residential. It is huge compared to my last area. I enjoy the freedom and the fact that people are out on the streets all the time. There are so many people to talk to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elder Sullivan is from Yallahs. He has been out for six months. He is a great elder that loves to work hard, and believe me, we are working hard. We will have this area looking like an area before I have to leave. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have a ton of great investigators, less actives and members here. I already love them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am going to enjoy Portmore. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Living with Elder Biddulph is great. I love that kid. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all! Enjoy the SUMMER!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, Elder Pullan</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Me and Elder Biddulph at the <br />Bob Marley Museum a few weeks back</span></td></tr>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-40536463706451632902015-05-19T22:32:00.004-07:002015-05-19T22:32:55.527-07:00week #23 -Kingston (no letter last week due to mother's day phone call)<span style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fam,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week has been really good. The area seems to be building back up again, slow and steady. I have worked hard this week and I feel good about the time I have spent in this area. This area is a product of my blood sweat and tears, and the grace of the Lord. Mostly the grace of the Lord. I have worked hard here and am proud of the area. It has come a long way. When I got here to begin whitewashing, Elder McGregor and I had absolutely nothing to work with. It now looks and feels like an area. I never realized how much people care until I tell them I am leaving. I have many great friends here. I could not have done it without the help of my Heavenly Father. This is his area, his work, and his children. Not mine. I am glad he allows me to help though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That is right. I am leaving Kingston. I will be going to Portmore on Wednesday to finish my mission. I will be serving with Elder Sullivan (a Jamaican, 6 months out, from Yalluhs), and living with Elder Ashworth and BIDDULPH! Haha. I am so excited to live with Elder Biddulph again. We lived together in Linstead for two transfers (<i>12 weeks</i>). I really love that kid. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Portmore is extremely hot. There are a lot of mosquitos, and it is a lot like Kingston. It is also supposed to be very flat. That is all I have heard about it, so I will confirm these things to you next week. It should be a great last area. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Thursday, we went and did some service for sis. M's cousin. We helped a lot of guys dig out a hole for the foundation of part of the house they are going to add on to. I was digging down in a pit when my hand ran up against either a small shard of glass or a very dull rock. More likely the glass. It split the top of my middle finger on my left hand open deep. There was a lot of blood. I wrapped it in my bandana, we called the Zone Leaders, and twenty minutes later I found myself at the doctor getting three stitches. That is right. Only three. It is not that bad. Just deep. It hasn't really been hurting me and is healing up just fine, so there is no need to worry. All that will be left is another sweet scar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got transfer calls on Saturday morning. I was allowed to give a farewell testimony to the Boulevard ward. After church, I spent some time getting contact info for people that I love here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This morning, we woke up at 4am and caught a ride with a member named David to Holywell (pronounced Holly-well) national reserve up in the blue mountains. The sisters drove their own car. We got up there early and enjoyed a beautiful view of Kingston. The vegetation and climate reminded me a lot of Seattle. There was a nice cold bite in the air, and a short hike to a small waterfall. Holywell was incredible. It has been so long since I have been hiking in the mountains. The air was cold. Do you know how long it has been since I have felt cold? It was amazing. I did not want to come back down. I will send some pix. It was the best p-day of my mission. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yep Nathan. 7 weeks! Mi soon see unno. I have not seen any fish lately. I will let you know if I do. I have heard there are crocodiles in Portmore...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nice job on your tests Lydia! That is great. Keep up the good work. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all. Thanks for all of your prayers and support. They keep me going.<br />Love, Elder Pullan</span></div>
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<br />Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-66778471328133721222015-05-06T22:56:00.003-07:002015-05-06T22:56:59.517-07:00week #21 -kingston<blockquote style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" type="cite">
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Hey fam, </div>
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This week was great. </div>
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Our monday trip back to the fort was interesting. It began with a lot of bike problems on the way to Parade (downtown kingston. look it up). We met up with elder Davis and Johnson from the downtown there and caught a bus to Port Royal. There was not all that much out at Port Royal, so after looking around, we went to Fort Rocky. We ran and jumped and threw flips just like I had planned on doing. It was a lot of fun. </div>
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Tuesday, we helped out the Project Sole people hand out shoes. We went with some other missionaries in the morning to Salvation army headquarters and loaded up the vans. Our first stop was down in Jones Town. The bishop of the Constant Springs ward had no idea where he was going so we ended up taking a detour through Tivoli Gardens. That was pretty exciting. The people who put on the project sole are all return missionaries, so it was fun to talk to them. Jones town was crazy. Unno tink unno know ghetto? Nah mon. People were yelling and pushing and scrounging for shoes the whole time. It was not very controlled. The next place was a lot better. It was a little school up near August Town. We handed them out inside of the school. It went a lot better. The guy that was filming the project was named Aaron. He does freelance film and lives in Hawaii. We had a great time talking together. We are a lot alike. When the day was done, we all went to Chill-eat-o's for some Jamexican food. It was great. </div>
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Wednesday was Zone meeting. We learned a lot more about how to bring the spirit in our initial contacts with people so that they will keep their appointments. It was a good refresher. I am sure it will help. </div>
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We did more service for Sis. Hamilton on Thursday, and I went on a trade off with elder Beck on saturday. </div>
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We had to drop a few investigators on Sunday because they did not come to church for the umpteenth time in a row. It is always hard to do, but if they will not put forth the effort to learn and grow and progress, then they can't get anywhere. We did have an investigator named Sis. A at church. She had a great time there. She made some friends and really enjoyed it. She is very prepared. I am excited for her. </div>
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That is the week for you.</div>
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Your week sounded great Lydia! What a fun activity!</div>
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Love, Elder Pullan</div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-67758365599923850092015-04-30T01:44:00.000-07:002015-04-30T01:44:47.515-07:00week #20 -kingston<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Hey fam,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">This week was better than the last one. Don't worry. We are still struggling </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">with investigators. We talk to people, but they don't keep their </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">appointments. We work a lot with the members in our area and have a good </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">relationship with the bishop. Sometimes things are tough so that we can </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">learn lessons, not because we are doing anything wrong. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">I am working hard </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">and I know things will pick up soon enough. When we don't have anything to </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">do, we go and find on the streets. Many people work during the days and </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">there tends not to be a whole lot of people out, but we do all we can.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">You think Sis. Hamilton has a heavy accent? Haha. She is about as proper as </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">it gets. Unnu nah gwaan fi undastand nah 'eavy accent. (You won't be able to </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">understand a heavy accent.) It takes some time to get down. I can't blame </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">you. </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">We usually do service for Sister Hamilton, or anyone else that asks. </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Generally this happens once a week or so.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">I ran into an insane rasta this week. Not the first time that has happened, </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">but ask me about it when I get home. I will have stories to tell. I have </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">not told you all of them for your sakes. Haha.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Wednesday was great. After District Meeting we went to KFC. One of our new </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">investigators saw us as we were locking up our bikes and handed us $2000 </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">for lunch. I was dumbfounded. It made my day. It paid for the four of us </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">and really increased the troops' morale.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">This weekend was the church open house. On Friday night, we went to the </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">church and helped clean and set up. Each different auxillary had its' own </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">room. My art was in high demand. I ran about with a box of chalk and </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">designed the chalkboards of anyone that asked. </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">I did a lot of typography of words like "young men" and "Melchizedek Priesthood" in chalk. I would have gotten a picture, but president Brown has asked us not to carry our cameras on us unless we have a specific reason too. That is why I don't get too many pics now a days. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">The open house was a success. It cleared up so many misconceptions that </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">people have about the church. It would have been good if we could have </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">gotten more people there, but we will focus on that next time. The open </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">house was put on by the stake. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Elder Beck and I gave five minute presentations in the sacrament hall. We </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">discussed our belief in Christ, his Atonement, and watched the church's </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">most recent Easter video. Everything went great.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">We will be helping out the salvation army with shoes tomorrow for most of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">the day. We will be sizing people's feet and getting them what they need </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">over in Waterloo. Most of the Kingston district missionaries should be </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">there. It will be fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Elder Meacham and I are going with Downtown (Davis and Johnson) out to Port </span><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Royal and Fort Rocky today. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">I have never been out to Port Royal, so we are going to explore it. It is a tiny town. Fort Rocky is the place we went to to play capture the flag a ways back. We are going to run and jump and climb all over the abandoned ruins. It should be fun! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">I am excited to do some more running and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">jumping and climbing. Don't worry, I will be safe. I should have some </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">pictures for you next week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">I forgot to answer your question about dying in Kingston. If I do die here, </span></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">(finish his mission)</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; widows: 2;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">it will be fine. Kingston is great, and I would be ok with that. I would </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">like to go somewhere else and get to know one last area before I leave, but </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">we will see. I have one transfer left, so there is a chance I will leave. I </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">will know in a few weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">I love you all! Take care,</span><br style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Love, Elder Pullan</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The following was in an email to Derek: </i></span>Thanks Dad. I am getting to the bitter sweet end of things. I am really excited to see everyone, but it is going to pierce my heart to leave my island. I will not be returning home at the end of my mission, I will be leaving it. Again.<br />
<br style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" />Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-47560444845939869862015-04-20T10:57:00.003-07:002015-04-20T10:57:38.055-07:00week #19 - Kingston<blockquote style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" type="cite">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello everyone!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just another week here in Kingston! </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did a lot of missionary work this week. Things are still really slow, and we had to drop a few of our investigators. We don't get all that many member referrals, and many of the people we find will set an appointment, but will not keep it. Things are a little rough, but they will get better. We just have to keep seeking those that are prepared and make sure that we are following the spirit. If we do that, we cannot go wrong. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have not gotten the box to the Hamilton's yet. We did not see them last week. We will get it to them this week for sure. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am currently looking at architectural programs. BYU has no architectural program, and I think I am going to be an architect. I think it is too late to apply to other schools for this coming year though. Any advice?</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is great that Bryson is coming here. He is going to have the best mission ever! It will not be a Hawaii mission or tea and crumpets, but if you want stories to tell, this place has more than enough potential. He will do just fine. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nothing too big happened this week. I will let you know when something does. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It sounds like you had a hectic week with prom and easter. It looks like it went great though. Matthew is beginning to look like a man. Everyone looks so old.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am excited to see you all soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, Elder Pullan</span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-19930893461880321012015-04-17T11:23:00.000-07:002015-04-17T11:25:06.823-07:00week #18 - KingstonOBAMA DAYA. <span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Thats right. Mr. President came down this week. Everyone loved it. We </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">(being Americans) heard plenty about it this week. I guess he gave 70 </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">million to Jamaican schools OR something? Great. Where is that money coming f</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">rom? </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">But, enough with the politics. I have never been much of one for politics </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">anyway.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">This week was average. Teaching people, a few rainstorms, no investigators </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">at church. That is the way it goes sometimes. We did get called on W</span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">ednesday morning by the bishop to help out with a funeral at the church. </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">We went and I got to mess around on the piano for a while. I love the </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">piano. Now that I understand chords and music because of the guitar, the </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">piano is a lot more fun. Maybe I will pick it back up and teach myself when </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">I get home. We will see if I have the time for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">We will probably have to drop a lot of our investigators this week. We have </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">tried to talk to quite a few people, but most of them have not been </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">interested enough to set a time to meet with us. I am sure it will pick up </span>this week though. I am not worried.<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Hmmm... Well, that is my week for you. Nothing too exciting. Sorry. </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Nothing new this week. Cutting weeds with machets is fun for the first bit. </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">It continues to be good until your hands blister up. Then it is not so fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Nathan- I am excited to get your letter. I will look for it. If you want </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">some patois, try yazeeme. (yah-zee-me). It means "you see me?" It is </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">generally hypothetical way of asking someone if they understand after you </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">explain something. Yazeeme?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Lydia- Thanks for the email. I hope you get your letter from Sophie </span><span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">tomorrow too. That sounds like fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Spring break looked great! I hope you all enjoyed it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">I love you all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Love, Elder Pullan</span><br />
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-43507465400009409472015-04-07T12:00:00.000-07:002015-04-07T12:01:28.594-07:00week #17 -Kingston<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello Fam, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Conference was great this weekend! I enjoyed it so much. It always seems to fly by so fast. I was able to learn so much from the speakers. I received a lot of revelation for myself. I started by thinking up some questions I felt I needed guidance on about a week before the conference. I gave them some thought and did my best to answer them myself. I prayed about them. I prayed that I might be able to hear our Heavenly Father's words for me through conference. I prayed that the spirit would guide me and that I might be sensitive to it. I fasted on the day of the conference. It worked! I have a testimony that God does speak to us through his prophets. It is not so much about what they say, but what we hear. The Holy Ghost brings out the things there for us. I am so grateful for the guidance I received. Check out D&C 1:38. It talks a bit about this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />The week was good. A little on the slow side with the whole Easter season. Easter is a big deal here. Everyone gets work off and does nothing. On Easter Monday, people watch the "Jesus shows" that they put on tv all day. From what I have heard, most of them are pretty graphic. We watched the "Testimony of John the Beloved" on the new church bible videos with one of our members yesterday. She was relieved that it was not so graphic. It was very accurate as far as my historical knowledge goes. I would highly recommend it. It puts the atonement in perspective (well, better perspective).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We went over to the Hamilton's for an easter get together yesterday. We had a cultural celebration with all of the Boulevard missionaries, and few friends, and the family across the street from them. We cooked hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire, and discussed each of our cultures. We had a mash of Jamaicans from different areas on the island, a South African, a couple of Utahns and a Canadian. I played and sang "White Blank Page" by Mumford and Sons on the guitar for my act. A few other people sang, and brother Hamilton got out his drum and put on some Jamaican ring games. It was a fun night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been doing well. I hope you all loved conference as much as I did. Make some changes based on what you learned!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great spring break. I love you all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-size: large;">swenson, beck and evans</span></span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-31726658668968669882015-03-31T09:03:00.001-07:002015-03-31T09:03:16.399-07:00week # 15 & 16 - Kingston<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday, March 30</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week has been pretty good. We had zone conference on Tuesday. Elder Martinez of the Seventy came to address us. He is a great teacher. He teaches so simply that you cannot misunderstand. He talked a lot about being effective in our work. We had pizza for lunch, then watched Meet the Mormons. It made for a great day. It was awesome to see some of my friends and old companions that are serving in other areas. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The signs of conversion that we look for in people is in the simple things they do. Do they come to church? Do they read their scriptures daily? Do they pray? Other than these things, you can feel the light in them. There is a feeling around someone that is becoming converted. Seeing the before and after is so cool. They are always happy and have that light about them. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We were able to have a pretty effective week as far as lessons and teaching went. We have been working with our members a lot lately. That is the most effective way to do this work. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elder Mecham and I got chased by a rainstorm today. Many people here have zinc on their roofs. When rain hits zinc, it gets loud. Elder Mecham and I could hear and see the storm coming from a mile away. We managed to evade it for a bit, but eventually got caught. It rained hard for about two hours. We were soaked and a bit cold for the rest of the day. I love the rain though, so I am not going to complain. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am excited for conference this weekend. I love to hear the words of the Prophets. The guidance that they give is from God, and it is priceless. We need to do everything we can to listen, learn, and apply what we learn in each session. This will lead to safety. There is a great story in Acts 28? about Paul sailing on a ship to Rome as a prisoner. It is a great illustration of why we need to follow the prophet. Take a look at it!</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sis. Hamilton showed me the video of me chopping that she sent you. I am glad you enjoyed it. There is actually a lot of technique to that. You will have to give it a try when I get home. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Monday, March 23 </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week has been pretty good. I don't have to much to say for it, but it has been good. We have put a lot more focus on working with our members this week. It has been pretty effective. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sis. F is back on track for baptism now. She set her own date and is now working towards the 11th of next month. She came to church yesterday and really enjoyed it. I am really looking hard for signs of conversion now. I don't want to baptize anyone that is not converted to the gospel. She seems to be back on track and doing well though. I am so excited for her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We took a new convert, Sis. M, teaching with us this week. I love her so much (in a perfectly appropriate way. You will know what I mean when you have a convert. Haha). She is awesome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had a cottage meeting over on Sis. W's roof last Saturday evening. We had a lot of people there (the member to investigator ratio was not the best) but as a first try, it went well. We watched the restoration movie and had a short testimony meeting. We had some pepsi and chips as a snack. Everyone that came really enjoyed it. It was great. The members here are fantastic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The smoke has cleared up a lot, although the fires are still burning. They actually started another fire last week to keep di ting bunnin. I am sure that if people knew who was causing the fires, most people would start a mob and beat them to death. I am not kidding. They would. It is a risky thing for them to be doing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started writing a song this week. It is one of my first attempts, but I like it. It is not done yet. I will show you one a dem days deh. Soon come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am glad that you are all doing well. Keep up all the good work. </span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-32331851934736834052015-03-23T03:27:00.002-07:002015-03-23T03:27:35.996-07:00A note to Rachel re: the church in Jamaica<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To answer your questions- There is no temple in JA. There will be one day, but the church is going to need to do some growing first. Jamaica has about 5,000 members, many of which are less active or inactive. That being said, there are also many fantastic strong members here that make up the backbone of the church. The church is growing here, and still has a long way to go, but it has been cool to see all of the changes that have taken place over the past two years. Jamaica now has its first stake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The nearest temples are in Panama and the Dominican Republic. The church has a program that allows members that need to go for their first time to go for next to nothing. Temple trips happen semi-annually. It has been cool to see people go to the temple and come back, just full of light. I love the people here. They are incredible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As for new members being retained in church, it depends on the person, but I think we do pretty good with retention nowadays. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, Daniel </span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-73762447679856082122015-03-17T05:11:00.004-07:002015-03-17T05:11:45.696-07:00week #14 - Kingston<blockquote style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" type="cite">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week has been an intersting one. The landfill over near Seaview Gardens in South Kingston caught fire this week. Apparently this happens every year. People will light the dump on fire so that they can make jobs for themselves. The company that owns the dump has to pay a lot of people to help them put it out. Kingston has been smokey all week. Everything smells like burning plastic. The smoke usually cleared up by the mid afternoon, but it would settle in the mornings. We had to close all of our windows, and even stay in for an extra hour one morning because of it. Like I said, it has been an interesting week. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The fire is out, and all the smoke seems to be clearing up now. As for the rest of this week, we did a lot of missionary work. Elder Mecham and I have been working hard. We found a lot of people to teach, but most of the appointments we set with them fell through. We still had a good week overall though. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sis. F is doing ok. We think she may have some issues, so I am not sure how that will go. I will keep you updated. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I broke a spoke on my bike and had to go to the bike man to get it fixed. His name is Bike Man Belly. He does a pretty good job. That is about all that comes to mind for the week. Everything has been good though. I am really enjoying the time I have here. I love Kingston. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Take care. I love you all!</span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-18778296278893265022015-03-09T10:39:00.000-07:002015-03-17T05:12:37.371-07:00week #13 - kingston<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello Fam, </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week has been pretty good. I don't have too much to say... Everything begins to blend together after a while. It has been that way for me for the past year. So bear with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We went and did some service over at the Hamilton's last week. We have been helping Sis. Hamilton plant a garden. We went over with machets and cleared the back corner of her yard, then turned the soil (with machets). We bucked up on a huge nest of red ants while we were doing it. The red ants here are huge. They get half an inch long, and their bite can make you bleed. We burned out their home and I escaped without a bite. Sis. Hamilton's garden is looking really good now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elder Mecham and I have done some really good work this week. We have found a lot of people, and we have been working with our members. We have taken a few of our members out teaching with us and that has made all the difference. The testimony of a member makes all the difference.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sis. F didn't make it to church, so we had to push her baptism date back. I am sure that she is going to make it though. She is becoming converted now too. It is so cool to see how people's thoughts and behaviors change as they come unto Christ. He truly makes it possible for us to become our very best selves. He has helped me to become a much better version of myself over the course of my mission. I am so grateful for the changes that have happened in my life. The mission has shaped me into someone who will be able to govern myself and live a happy successful life. I am so grateful for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Elder Beck and I went on trade off on Saturday. At the end of the night, we bought some drinks from a local shop and sat on the curb to make some calls. A big man walked up right next to me. I looked up and watched as he teetered back and forth. This large drunk man took a seat next to me with a drink in his hand and an unlit cigarette in his mouth. I could smell the rum on his breath. He began to explain to us how he wants to quit drinking and smoking, but he doesn't know how. He told us all about the issues he is having with his family and told us that he wants to be happy. We offered the atonement of Jesus Christ as the answer to him. We walked him back home and set up a time for us to come and visit (when he is sober). I was glad that we were able to help him so much that night. I hope that he has the same good intentions when he is sober. Elder Beck will soon find out (he is serving in the area). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that this is Jesus Christ's true church here on the earth today. All truth necessary for salvation is found here. Stick to the gospel and you will find joy. Convert yourself and you will be able to help all of those that are around you. When we hand our lives and wills over to God, he makes much more of us than we could ever make of ourselves. I know this to be true. I know Jesus is our Savior. I know He lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Everything is going well. I hope that you all can say the same.<br />I love you all very much. Take care of yourselves. </span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-71390952411244954242015-03-02T15:01:00.002-08:002015-03-02T15:01:52.315-08:00week # 11 & 12 - Kingston<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">March 2</span><br />
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Great job on the plays everyone! You all look so good. I am sure you did great. </div>
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This week was transfers. Elder McGregor headed to Santa Cruz, and I received Elder Mecham from Yalluhs. Elder Beck is now training a newbie named Elder Evans. <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Elder Mecham is from Pleasant Grove. He has been out for almost as long as I have, so we both know what we are doing. We have been trying a lot of new things over the past few days and trying to figure out what is effective. We are going to do a lot of good work while we are together. </span></div>
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We had an investigator come to church this last Sunday. Sis. F was able to come for her second time and has really been enjoying it. She is in her early twenties. We have been able to see some huge changes in her over the past few weeks. She excited to learn more. She is making changes in her life. You can see the light in her, and she is excited to get baptized. We are working towards the 21st of this month (baptism date) with her now. </div>
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This week has been a good one. vWe rode to the email shop in the pouring rain this morning. We plan to go and shop, and then I will probably go back to the house and play guitar. I have finally found my instrument! I know that makes you happy mom. All of your efforts are paying off.</div>
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I love you all! Have a great week. Pray for snow next season!</div>
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Love, Elder Pullan</div>
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This week has been full of missionary work. As usual. And I can't really think of anything to say for it. But it was good. It always is. </div>
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Transfers- We played some football (soccer) on Saturday morning. We always get transfer calls on Saturday mornings. The call came in the middle of our game. I am going to be staying here in Kingston! I wasn't expecting this, but I am good with it. It is from the Lord after all. Elder McGregor will be going to Santa Cruz. I will be receiving Elder Mecham from Yalluhs. Elder Mecham has been out almost as long as I have, so it should be fun to do some great missionary work with him. He should know what he is doing by now. I doubt that I am going to die (finish my mission) here in Kingston. Coming transfers will tell though. You never know.</div>
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Elder McGregor is from Old Harbor. His mother has been a member for a long time. He and his younger sister got baptized about three years ago. He had to give up a few things to get baptized, but he says it was worth it. He was very prepared to receive the gospel when it came to him. He was in Alma in the Book of Mormon by the time he got baptized. He says that that is what his testimony comes down to (as it does for all of us)- The Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is undeniable evidence that this gospel is true. I can add my witness to his. The Book of Mormon is true. I know it, I live it, I love it. </div>
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We had zone meeting on Wednesday. We talked a lot about finding and setting goals. It is always encouraging to go to zone meeting. </div>
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I have been studying through the Christlike attributes in Preach My Gospel lately. They are great. They cause you to evaluate yourself and become better. I would reccomend it for all of you. </div>
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Great job/good luck on the plays everyone! I am sure you did/will do great!</div>
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Nathan- There are no seals or sea lions in Jamaica unfortunately. It is too warm for them here. There are a lot of fish and lizards though. Jamaica also has mongoose, and many rastas that consider themselves "lions".</div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-37102138193250610222015-02-17T05:44:00.001-08:002015-02-17T05:44:09.629-08:00week #10 - Kingston<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey Fam!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for all the birthday presents! The Swarm shirt Matthew made looks great! I am impressed! I really like the tie I got too. I have worn it a couple of times already. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">My birthday was good. I was able to avoid getting floured, and we went out for lunch. Other than that, we didn't do too much. I will make up for the missed festivities a year from now. I was able to tell someone that I was twenty years old the other day... It was strange. I sound old, but I sure don't feel it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We had district meeting on Wednesday. We discussed using Family History as a finding tool. There seems to have been a huge focus on that from the church lately. It is definitely important. We have been using it this week to find. It has been cool to see how people that may be uninterested in the church are able to begin to take part by taking an interest in Family History.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had an interview with President Brown on Friday. It was really good to speak with him. It always is. Transfers are next week, and I think I may be leaving. I will let you know Monday. This transfer likely will determine the area I will die (finish my mission) in. Time has gone by so fast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I gave a talk on missionary work in church on Sunday. It went really well. I shared about the restoration of the gospel, how we are part of the only true church, and what that means for us. I committed everyone to ponder and pray about who they know that they can share the gospel with, and reiterated the promise given to us by the Lord in D&C 100 to them. The spirit was able to guide me and I could tell that the point was made. I am so glad it went well. I could not have done it on my own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elder McGregor and Elder Beck got there patriarchal blessings this week. Jamaica finally has a patriarch, so they were able to get it done. I need to go back through my own blessing to gain direction for my life. It is such a blessing to have such a blessing. Haha. I hope you all caught that one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You asked about Sis. M's conversion. I will sum it up to you as fast as possible (with the time I have left). She is 16 years old. She is the younger sister of a recent convert. We began to teach her something like two months ago. She had been taught before, but just wasn't ready. Elder McGregor and I talked her through all of the lessons. She did a pretty good job of keeping commitments, but still had some doubts as her baptism date drew closer. A week before the baptism, she told us that she was not going to get baptized. We frantically tried to say the things that would help her to do otherwise. The spirit was able to guide us and we committed her to fast and pray about it that Sunday. She did, and she recieved her answer a few days later. We were so happy for her. We could see the light in her as she progressed, and now that she is baptized, she is just beaming. She received a calling this week. She is the Laurels president or something like that now. She was really happy to get the calling. We are so excited for her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all. I want to tell you about E. McGregor, but it is going to have to stay for another week. Suffice it to say that he is awesome. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Love, Elder Pullan.</span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-77732143653521819232015-02-10T10:27:00.004-08:002015-02-10T10:27:47.922-08:00week # 8 & 9 - Kingston<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Feb. 9, 2015</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week has been great! Sis. M got baptized! How is that for a birthday present? Haha. There is nothing more rewarding than being allowed to reap the hard work of many others. I have been allowed to participate in Sis. M's conversion in a huge way, and I consider it a blessing. It has been cool to see the changes that she has gone through over the past months. You can see the light and joy in her now. She fits right in with the rest of the members at the church and has received a warm welcome from them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She had been doubting things earlier in the week for various reasons, but we asked her to fast and pray about it. She did, and she received a powerful answer on Tuesday night. She had the courage to act on it and let us know that she was ready. We scrambled to get everything ready, and with the help of the ward, things came together beautifully. The baptismal service was very spiritual. Her brother baptized her. One other girl got baptized in the same service with her. (She was the other Blvd. Elders convert.) Everything went great. I am so happy for her. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got the birthday package last Thursday. I had to open the box in order to fit everything in my backpack and get it home, but I have not opened the letters or the wrapped gifts yet. Thanks so much everyone! The guitar capo works great. I have been using it all week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't feel any different. I guess 20 years old will just be another day for me. Or maybe it hasn't hit me yet... Ask me tomorrow morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think that wraps up the week for me. I have been doing a lot of work lately, but that should be expected. Missionary work does not get done unless you work. That is the secret to it all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all! Thanks for the birthday wishes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks for being such great parents mom and dad. You have been such a blessing to me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a great week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Love, Elder Pullan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, and the whole moving situation. We went from a 2 man house to a 4 man house when I got to Kingston. The landlord wanted more money, and we weren't willing to pay that much, so we moved. We had known for about a month, but it didn't happen until last week. The new place is nice though!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZ-FkPfmJ5Y/VNoDJ-TTyII/AAAAAAAAAdo/_MfJ_mX0f3s/s1600/Image%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZ-FkPfmJ5Y/VNoDJ-TTyII/AAAAAAAAAdo/_MfJ_mX0f3s/s1600/Image%2B1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sis. M's Baptism !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rSpeg0PjbJU/VNoDJn8XdKI/AAAAAAAAAdk/6xBMkpsVFJs/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rSpeg0PjbJU/VNoDJn8XdKI/AAAAAAAAAdk/6xBMkpsVFJs/s1600/Image.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love this shot, although I will edit out the spider web when I get home.</span></td></tr>
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Feb. 2, 2015<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Moving today!</span><div style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
That is right. We will be moving houses today. We had some issues with the place, so we will be moving into a new apartment. As a consequence, I have neither camera nor cord today. So no pix. Sorry. Nathan- I saw a lizard last week that was yellow and blue and over a foot long! I didn't get a picture though. Great job on the play too! That is exciting. </div>
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This week has been ok. Sis. M is not sure about getting baptized any more. We asked her to fast on Sunday and pray to know if this is the right time for her. I am not sure how things are going to work out. We still need to follow up with her on her fast. It is perfectly natural to be a little apprehensive, and if she goes into the fast with an open heart, she will get an answer. I worry that she had already decided for herself before she went looking for an answer from God. I don't know how it will work out. I will keep you updated. </div>
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Part of the focus of our zone meeting this past week was Family History. We spoke about the spirit of Elijah and the way that it is affecting the world. Many people who may not be so interested in the church will have their heart softened as they do Family History. Family History is becoming a big thing in the world today for people of all faiths. We need to use this spirit of Elijah in order to help them to find the truth, and complete those vital saving ordinances for those in the spirit world. Only by this can the whole human race have a chance at salvation. God has entrusted us with this great work and will help us as we put our shoulders to the wheel. </div>
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We were teaching Sis. S again this week. We were able to talk a little about Family History with her as we discussed the Plan of Salvation. It answered a lot of the questions she had about how God is able to give all men a chance at salvation. She was very excited to start working on her Family History. </div>
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My week has been good. Lots of hard work, sweat, guitar, soccer in the mornings, and a bit of rain. It is all part of the mission!</div>
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I love you all!</div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Love, Elder Pullan</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-41646520350313024522015-01-27T08:10:00.000-08:002015-01-27T08:10:03.795-08:00week #7 -Kingston<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello Everyone-</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My week. It feels like we did a lot, but I really don't have too much to say for it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One highlight was our investigator, Sis. Mitchell. She is a teenage girl, the sister of a recent convert. We have been teaching her for a while now, but she was beginning to fall off the map. We weren't able to catch her for a couple of days, and we were worried that she was making herself disappear. Investigators tend to do that when they are getting close to their baptismal date, but don't feel ready. We were a little worried about her, but we were able to see her at the beginning of the week. When we saw her, she told us that she received her answer! Those are some of the best words a missionary can hear. You can't really comprehend them at first. After they sunk in, we began to discuss her baptism and all that will need to be done in preparation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> That is one thing I love about our church. People must prepare for baptism. People have to know what they are doing before baptism. People have to know it is true before baptism. People must be worthy to be baptized. If they are not ready, we do not baptize them. Other churches don't do that. My past year and a half here in JA has given me quite a bit of insight on other churches. It has only increased my testimony that ours is the only one with the full truth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sis. Mitchell is now excited to be baptized. I have been able to see the changes in her as we have taught her. She is truly experiencing conversion. It is still the same Sis. Mitchell, but she seems so much happier. She has more light and purpose now. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">If all goes well, she will be baptized on the 8th. I will keep you updated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I got to go on a trade off with Elder Beck this week. He is our new District Leader. I received a lot of good reminders on how I can improve my teaching. Elder Beck is a great missionary and I was able to learn a lot from him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To close for the week, I have been reflecting on how much I have grown since I got to JA. I have grown and changed so much. My understanding and character have increased exponentially. I also feel that the more you improve, the more aware you become of your imperfections. I still have soo far to go. I want to be so much better than I am now. I am going to work my hardest to change as much as I can in the time I have left. The time I have left on the mission is short, and I intend to use it well. I am so grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ and the chance we all have to change and become better. To change and become perfect. I hope that we will all apply ourselves and change as much as we can to become our best selves. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Stay safe. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, Elder Pullan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nathan- There is no snow here, unfortunately. I don't have any pictures of lizards right now. Sorry. My apartment is small. 2 rooms, kitchen, bathroom, 4 guys. Did you enjoy skiing last week?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lydia- Nice job skiing. The play sounds like a lot of fun too!</span></div>
Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-25947658108086076032015-01-22T12:30:00.001-08:002015-01-27T08:11:32.579-08:00A Christmas Thank You from the Mission Home<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Sorry- None of the photos came through on this post and I don't know why. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> I will have to figure it out… </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">THE CHURCH OF </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">JESUS CHRIST</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b>Jamaica Kingston Mission</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">4 Garelli Avenue</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Kingston 10</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Jamaica</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Phone: 1-876-618-1625</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Dear missionary parents, ward members and all who contributed to the Jamaica Kingston Mission Christmas,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">There are not words to express our gratitude for the generous donations received from you this season. Every elder and sister serving here at Christmas received packages and mail, and thanks to your assistance, not one was left out, not one was without a gift to make Christmas special for them.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The missionaries celebrated in their zones, first receiving a spiritual training session with Elder Hugo Martinez of the Seventy, and President Brown. This was followed by a delicious Christmas dinner, and a program of Christmas music, stories and songs provided by the talented young missionaries of our mission. All were truly fed – spiritually and temporally!</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Following those activities, we adjourned to the cultural hall, where President Brown and the assistants donned their Santa hats, and distributed all the packages – neatly wrapped in Christmas paper, thanks to the help of some seminary students and office missionaries.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As names were called out, there were smiles, and looks of surprise, too, from some who thought there would be no gift for them. The young missionary in the picture here was so shocked that someone would give him a gift that he began to cry. He was so overcome that he just sat and held his Christmas package for quite a while, saying that this was the first time he had ever had a gift to un-wrap. That is just one example of how the missionaries were touched by your generosity.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As you can see from the following pictures, it was a happy, touching experience for all.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">All the packages were wrapped and waiting on the stage, for the missionaries to receive, as President Brown joyfully called their names. Your gifts were thoughtful and appreciated by the missionaries. Your donations of money went a long way, providing gift items, wrapping paper, treats and more. This will definitely be a Christmas our missionaries will remember for a long time. The Jamaican missionaries and others who were assisted by your contributions shared in the joy of Christmas giving with their fellow elders and sisters. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">These photographs are just a glimpse into the sights of the several zone conferences held this December. We wish you could share in the sounds as well, but rest assured that your contributions were of great value in making each Christmas conference a wonderful event for all our missionaries!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">With sincere appreciation, </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">President Kevin G. Brown</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 12px; letter-spacing: 0px;">Jamaica Kingston Mission</span>Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-84327385299080823182015-01-21T12:40:00.005-08:002015-01-27T08:10:27.179-08:00week #6 -Kingston<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey Fam!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My week was pretty good. But first, to catch you up on last week, I will tell you a bit about downtown. I went on trade off to downtown with Elder Fowkes last Saturday. Downtown was sweet. Each scheme was complete with tight winding streets, zinc fences, grimy canals, and burning trash. It is a totally different world from the uptown. I had to shift back into Patois mode because people chat raw down there. It was everything I had hoped for. I enjoyed having a final debut with Elder Fowkes. He is home now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week has been really good. We were able to have a lot of good lessons with our members and investigators. We managed to get quite a few of our members out with us to lessons, and have started to teach some of their friends. That is the way that missionary work becomes effective. Missionaries working with members to teach their prepared friends. We have a few that I think will choose to make the step of baptism sometime in the next month. I will keep you updated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We did some service on Saturday for a lady in Seaview Gardens. We worked with some members of the ward and some paid workers to mix concrete and lift it bucket by bucket up to the roof of the house. We casted the roof. This entailed standing in line passing bucket after bucket of concrete up to the roof. It was hard work, and we were pretty tired by the time we finished. It took a lot longer than we anticipated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This Sunday was ward conference. We got to hear from our stake president, President Lieu. He is an incredible teacher. Everything he said was easy to understand, and undeniably true. I want to get to the point where I can teach like that one day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Great job on your talk dad! It sounds like you did a great job. I am excited to hear it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It would be best if you sent it on CD mom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am doing well. I hope everyone is good there too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elder Pullan</span></div>
Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-17021189371732869302015-01-13T05:13:00.000-08:002015-01-13T05:13:10.526-08:00week #5 - Kingston<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey everyone, </span></span><br />
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<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sorry! You are all just going to have to settle for a quick email this week. But, I will tell you why. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">We had a zone p-day today! We all went out to Fort Rocky? on the way to Port Royal and played capture the flag on it. IT WAS SO SWEET! Capture the flag with the zone on an abandoned fort? YES. We did a lot of running and climbing and exploring all over the place. I even threw some flips with a few other elders off a brick building into the sand. You will have to wait to see the videos later. Needless to say, p-day was great. It was the best one I have had so far! However, it has not left me with much email time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Remind me to tell you about my trade off to the downtown with Elder Fowkes next week. I would tell you if I had time. Sorry. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I am going to try to send pix before time is up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elder Pullan</span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-16684887951440801902015-01-08T11:49:00.002-08:002015-01-08T11:49:25.243-08:00week 3 & 4 -Kingston<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: 'Big Caslon'; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">January 5, 2015</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey fam,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week has been a good one. I don't really have too much to say for it though. Elder McGregor and I worked hard. We tramped around in the hot sun all day every day, and had varying levels of success. It really just depended on the day. We didn't do anything for New Years. Nothing at all. We were all too tired. That is the way it goes some days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I do have a story from the week. Elder McGregor and I were standing on a corner, figuring out where to go... When we see it. An old rasta man holding a cane slowly running (as fast as he could) away from another old guy in red gym shorts. The guy in the red shorts was waving a machet and running slowly (as fast as he could) after him. It was the funniest thing to see the old rasta in front looking over his shoulder as he high-tailed it away. Both of these men had to be something near 60 years old. Now, some of you might say "Elder Pullan, that is serious, you shouldn't laugh". That is only because you are not used to these things. It honestly didn't even phase me when I saw it. I just chuckled as I watched and thought "what is going on?". For those of you that are worried about the result, he didn't catch him. No one got hurt. He didn't really intend to chop him. Just rough him up for stealing his money or something. Hahaha. It was quite the sight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also had a great lesson with Sis. S this sunday. Sis. S is something in her twenties, and we began to teach her last week. She works out near New Kingston, and lives out there while she is working, so we don't get to see her all that often. We did get to see her after church on Sunday though. We had a great lesson about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We also talked a bit about the necessity of temples and temple marriage with her. She had a lot of questions about why not everyone can go in, and stuff like that. She seems really ready to accept the gospel, so I am excited to see how she takes it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all! Happy New Year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, Elder Pullan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PS- I will Pray for you Dad!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PPS- Congratulations on your baptism Nathan! That is a great step you have taken. Make sure you write in your Journal about it! I love you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">December 29, 2014</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Christmas was pretty good for me. I loved being able to skype you all! It was great to hear from you. I had forgotten how much I miss you all until I got to see you! Soon come, I will be back though. Before unu quint mi a be dere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Christmas started with caroling and passing out "He is the Gift" cards on Halfway Tree. I was with most of the Elders in our district. After that, we went to the Medley's and Skyped. After we were done skyping, we went caroling with them to a couple of ward members. We spent the rest of the evening over at Bobby's house. Bobby is our ward mission leader. We ate some really good food, and all took turns saying the things that we are grateful for from the past year. This Christmas was really nice. I enjoyed it a lot more than the last one. Christmas is always a rough time for us missionaries, but I am very excited that it is almost over. Things will start moving a little faster for us now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You guys wanted me to write about the crocodile hunting adventure from last week. You guys know about that one, so I am going to tell you about Elder G and I's adventure in Seaview from 5am this morning. Elder G and I decided to give it another go, as we did not get to see any crocs last time. We went back into the marsh walking along the bridge over the swamp. We went and searched in vain... or so we thought. We went ahead and made a crocodile hunter video while we were back there. On the way back to our bikes to head home, we saw him. There was a huge croc right under one of the pipe-bridges we were walking on. This thing was massive. At least 12 feet long, sitting perfectly still in the water about 15 feet below us. We threw a rock onto its' back and it snapped at it, then swam silently away underneath the black water. It disappeared so quickly. We had no idea where it went after just a couple of seconds. It was so cool to see. I am thoroughly convinced that we would not stand a chance against a croc in the water. We returned from our hunt successful, with some great videos and pictures! That was my week for you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was great to hear from you all! I am so glad that you had an awesome Christmas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, Elder Pullan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good Luck with your Baptism Nathan! I am so proud of you!</span></div>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-8004566242453208142014-12-17T11:39:00.000-08:002014-12-17T11:39:11.758-08:00week #2 -Kingston<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey Fam,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This week has been an interesting one. Mission Christmas happened this week and I would like to thank you all for the presents. It has made for an awesome Chrismas! I have been enjoying a plethora of candy and treats ever since Thursday. So, Thank you all for the treats. I am enjoying them. The homemade cookies are wonderful, and I have been rocking my new gym shorts every night since. Thanks guys. Merry Christmas!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, this week... </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">This week started with a couple of Family nights on Monday night. We shared a message about Jesus Christ and His purpose in coming to the earth. We wrapped up and with me having a draw-off with one of the family members while the teenage son played guitar. He is incredible at guitar, so it was fun to hear. We will be seeing the same family tonight!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Tuesday, the Mo-Bay (<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Montego Bay elders</i></span>) were in Kingston for some meetings, so they spent the morning going around with us. Elder McGregor and I went on splits with them. We walked around, talking to people for most of the time, so it was good. We have been doing a lot of that lately because we are whitewashing (<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">trying to find investigators</span></i>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wednesday, Elder McGregor caught a ride with one of the Kingston Zone Leaders to go to his uncle's funeral. I spent half the day with the other Kingston Zone Leader, Elder Adams. We had no solid appointments that day, so we walked around and talked to people. It gets rough sometimes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thursday was Zone Conference and mission Christmas. Elder Martinez of the Seventy was there. We got to hear from him. He is an amazing teacher. He teaches with such simplicity. We talked a lot about setting goals for the new year, enjoying the present and doing better in the future, and helping others come into the gospel so that they can feel included and welcome. After Zone Conference ended, we had a wonderful Christmas program. A lot of the Elders and Sisters in our the Kingston and Spanish Town zones (the zones in attendance) played instruments and sang songs. The talent displayed was incredible. I don't know how we got such great talent in such a small mission. We then went to another room and had a Christmas meal of rice and peas, chicken, ham, macaroni salad, and dessert of ice cream and cake. The meal was prepared by a few of the members. After that, we cleared up, and President Brown put on his Christmas hat and began to hand out presents. The office couple had wrapped every single package that came in, so we all enjoyed unwrapping our gifts and reading letters. When things wrapped up, us elders from Boulevard rode to the Bishop's house and had a meeting with him discussing the ward. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friday was a long day. We super-planned for the week in the morning, and then headed out in the afternoon. We had solid appointments planned for every hour, and EVERY SINGLE ONE FELL THROUGH. So it was another day of riding around and talking to people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The ward had its Christmas party on Saturday, and we were invited to attend. We elders played soccer in the falling rain in our proselyting clothes <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(suit and tie</span></i>) with some Jamaicans for over an hour. It was a lot of fun, but I wrecked my pair of shoes… Don't worry, it is one of the older ones. I think I will make it through the rest of my mission. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sunday was good. We were actually able to see some people. That was a relief. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Last night, we pulled all of the mattresses into the same room of the house and had a sleep over. Our house consists of me, Elder McGregor, Elder Guereirro, and Elder Davidsen. Elder G and I had a great time telling stories while the other two passed out. Haha. It was great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am hoping that this week is a little more productive than the last, but things are improving. I can't complain. The only thing I can do is work hard and be patient. Things are going to take off soon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />I am glad that you enjoyed the Christmas carols. I thought you would. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The things that we put on our Who is Jesus Christ Wall in Linstead was anything related to Him. Nothing too picky. We had everything from His purpose, to deep doctrine of how the atonement works, to the origins of His Name-Titles, to instances that show his character. We had it all organized around a lot of different pictures of Him, each one relating to a different topic, like; the atonement, the priesthood, His miracles, His character, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anything you can find about Jesus Christ that isnt common knowledge that really doesnt deserve to be stated went on the wall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I would make a nice statement for you on Christlike attributes, but I fear that time is running short. Just remember Matt. 5:48, and John 14:8-10 ( If you have seen me you have seen the Father. I think that is the right reference.) Christ shows us and provides for us the way back to the Father. He is the only way. Our goal should be to become as He and our Father is. Perfect. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all. I hope that you are having a great Christmas season! Please, take some time to focus on the past year and pick out what you are going to do better in the next. Focus on Christ. He is our Heavenly Father's greatest gift to us. In Him lies eternal life. He is the Gift. I know this to be true. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, Elder Pullan</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Me & Elder McGregor with our new haircuts</span></td></tr>
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Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3780507915750376285.post-68944870010919494282014-12-09T12:27:00.002-08:002014-12-09T12:27:21.473-08:00week #1 - Kingston<span style="orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hello everyone!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kingston. There is so much to say and so little time. Oh well. I will do my best. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, Kingston. Kingston is divided into two sections. There is the Uptown and the Downtown. The Downtown is the on the south side of the island. That is where the hardest ghettos are. I don't know if you have heard the names, but places like Trench Town and Tivoli Gardens are all in downtown. They are not in my area (unfortunately), but I will get to go on trade offs there! I live in the uptown. The further north you go in Kingston, the nicer things get. Most of the nice places here, you probably would not recognize as nice if you went around with me. It takes a couple of months here in JA in order to see things the way we see them. That is why I don't try to explain things too hard to understand to you all. You can't understand. It can't be explained. Only experienced. I live a little ways off Dunrobin Blvd in upper Kingston. My area covers places like Pembroke Hall, Maverly (pronouced Marvely), 3 oaks, and Glendale. I have a lot of decent residential and a little bit of ghetto in my area. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kinston has a very different feel to it from the rest of the island. It has a city feel to it. It is almost like America. Sort of. People here work during the days, and when they come in at night, they lock themselves away in their houses. Life here feels a little faster moving than other areas of JA. People have things to do, and a result, less time to talk. This makes missionary work hard. People don't talk as much here. We have been working hard though. We have to put a lot of focus on our members and the things we already have in order to expand. We are taking over the area from the sisters that used to serve here. They were able to show us around a bit and help us to get a feel for the area on Wednesday and Thursday. I really love Kingston. I don't know what it is, but I feel a special connection with the city. I feel like I already know some of the people I have met here… </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a couple experiences to share from the week. One was one of those "how did I ever end up here?" moments. Sometimes, on the mission, you stop to take in your surroundings, and it hits you. How did I ever end up here? I had one of those moments while in Maverly the other day. The people in the commmunity were having an urban soccer competition. There were huge tower speakers set up, a dj, and a lot of people out to watch. There I stood. I am sure one of the only Americans to witness something like that in years. Haha. I love those moments where you realize you could really have this experience no other way. It is such a great opportunity to be here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had another great experience on Sunday . I think it is the best thing I have ever done...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So a member family in my area recently had a baby. The baby was born three months premature. He lived only four days. He passed away yesterday. Saturday night, right at the end of the night, we had gone over to help the family move into a new house. We went back after church on Sunday (once we heard about the death). We saw upon our arrival that there were a lot of other ward members already there. We were able to share a thought from the scriptures, then we were asked to administer a blessing by the priesthood authority. The Priesthood is the power of God, manifest through man. He allows men in the church to hold the authority to use his power to help others. The power is not ours. It is all Gods. I was voice for the blessing of the mother. I have never been so strongly lead by the spirit. The words simply came to me as I talked. I was able to say exactly what the Lord wanted me to say. Some things I remember from the blessing is that the passing of her child is God's will, and I also gave a blessing of strength so that this trial can bring their family closer together rather than tear them apart. The spirit was so strong. I am grateful that I was able to be an instrument in God's hands to bless His children . That is what is all about. That is what makes this whole mission thing worth it. It was amazing. It just builds my testimony of the fact that this is true. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My companion, Elder McGregor, is great. I don't have my camera cord, so pictures are going to have to wait. Sorry. Next week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love you all. Take care of yourselves!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love, Elder Pullan</span></div>
Laurisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04863171759621274209noreply@blogger.com0