THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT EVER!!! Especially for our mom!!!

Aloha everyone! Our Elder Auna, called yesterday at 1pm Hawaii Time. Mom answered the phone, and a big smile came upon her face. Aaron bought us a speaker phone, so that we all could talk with our Elder. The phone worked so well, he was able to hear all of us talking. It was so much fun. Elder Auna sounds great, still a clown, and still on spiritual high. He was able to speak with us for over an hour, and also called a few times after that, driving mom crazy.

We miss him a lot. I know I'm not the only one that missed him all day. I'm excited for him. I do worry about him and pray that he will have the strength to carry out his calling, and continue to serve our Heavenly Father with all his heart. I loved it when he said, "My heart is locked." Such a great feeling to know that he is being watched over, and that he is cared for, even if he's not at home.

We love you Elder Auna!

-Jace

Cool & Freaky Rattlesnack!

Here is our Elder Auna holding a Diamondback Rattlesnack! He said it was "cool and freaky at the same time holding it." So far, he's also got to see chipmunks, skunks and a coyote.

Fortunately, it wasn't alive when this picture was taken. They made sure to take care of it so that it wouldn't get into any homes nearby.

Love for Music! Love for the Elders! Love for our Family!

Today, our family recieved another letter from Elder Auna. He has asked that we keep him in our prayers, and if possible to fast for him as well. He's just facing a challenge among the missionaries he's serving with, especially just this one Elder. The Elder has done nothing wrong or said anything wrong towards Elder Auna, but he feels irritated by him. Everyone feels the same about this one Elder, and everyone's working on making things better with him and for everyone. Elder Auna finds this past week, a challenging and hard one. May we write too him and email him more encouraging words.

Elder Auna we'll be singing in the next Zone Conference, which it'll be in 4 weeks. It was mentioned in a recent email that he got busted by Sis. Sanchez (Mission Pres Wife) and a couple of the others Sisters. They found him singing and playing the piano one day. He expressed his love for music in today's letter, and give THANKS to our Family for teaching him and having him involved in music.

"I know that I'm not the best singer out here, but I know I have a talent for music. A talent I'm grateful that my Heavenly Father gave me. Thank you family for brining music in my life. "

We had sent some church hymns in Hawaiian to Elder Auna, and said he'll be teaching his roomates some songs. Which I find so great and totally awesome.

He also expresses love for each of our family members. "Love you Mom, Dad, Jace, Aaron, Jackie, Elise, Elijah, and the rest of the family."

As the letters come along, I'll do my best to summarize or scan them for you all.

Letters written on Feb 26th, 2009

Mom, Dad, and I each recieved our own letter written from Elder Auna on Feb 26th, 2009. I know that he's busy but I was blessed for recieving a birthday letter. I want to quote a few things that was written in the letter too me...

"I am doing fine as always. I got into a little bike accident just a couple of days ago. I wrote to mom about it, it was funny. Thats what I get for not being nice to all the missionaries that get into bike recks. I'm riding my bike and all of a sudden I'm flying through the airy...Try imagining seeing the Kung Fu Panda flying in the wair in slow motions after getting kicked by someone. HILARIOUS!!!"

Gosh the experiences he'll go through, and the many stories to be told in the future. I'm sure all of us look forward to hearing from him.

Email sent March 11, 2009

Picture taken when Elder Auna first got to the mission field.

Picture taken 2 weeks ago.

hey mom,

Today....has been another crazy day. We did our zone activity around 10am, which is our email time.....so we came after. its was hard to find a computer and we have to go soon. its 1:40 over here. So sorry again for not writing a long email....tell jace and and aaron and jackie sorry for not writing emails to them. but i will next week. Im glad you got my letter. i havnt recieved anything you sent yet. hopefully it will be here today. I havent been at home all day, so i'll check when i get home later today.

Anyways all things are good here. Im sorry to hear about uncle bill... but im glad to here about uncle Kahea.... :)

Tell denise and Jonah My prayers are with them. Tell them i love them too. I miss you all and you will get my letter next week as always.

Love you mom.jace. and dad. eveybody

LOVE,

Elder Auna

ps. oh yeah.....sister sanchez and couple other sister missionaries caught me singing in the primary room the other day when i was on the piano. I was singing oh my soul hunger.....you should have seen their faces.... they were in shock with a smile on their faces.... it was funny.

Well, sis. snachez and the sisters told pres. and my zone leaders....and are making me sing for zone conf. Thats what i get for not making sure nobody is around. Plus my comp....always tells the members how good i sing. Even though i tell him not to say that. dont worry im embracing the oppurtunity to sing...with a grin. you know my nomral grinning face.

To make you a little happy i put an attachment on here with two pictures. One is when i first got here and the other two weeks ago. You can see the weight change in both pictures. In a couple of weeks i'll send more. Ive lost almost 20lbs so far. Its been slow and steady. Although the members feed us alot...im still losing weight, its cool. mainly because of all the walking weve been doing. Elder nash bike is still in the bike shop... so weve been walking or catching ride . everything is good.

Dont worry about the weight ok. i know you say you dont worry. but im jus reminding you not to get worried.

I'll tell more in my next letter home.

loveyahs

3rd letter from Elder Auna

Letter from the Mission President

Email recieved on Feb 25th, 2009

Hey mom....its another p-day. You know how i said I get bored on p-days...well i change my mind. yeah its funny, i find that Pday gives me a break from riding bike....but it doesnt change my love of teaching and teaching and teaching more. My legs get to rest from the hard jurupa hills that we trek everyday. My legs are getting big again because of all the riding. Elder nash is always amazed to see my calfs every time we. Ive been waiting for the bike to arrive, and i just found out it did. I'll be getting it soon. Ive been using another bike while waiting for mine. just a couple of days ago. I got blinded by these stadium lights and didnt see a pot whole...so i ended up fliping over my bike. Im ok...so dont worry. I was actually laughing while lying on the ground. nothing, broken or brusied...so please dont worry. I was laughing so hard I dont why. anyways. If i need more or anything else i'll tell you. Ive been going good here in fotana in the live oaks ward. Ive met alot of hawaiians here, especially the johnson family. They love me so much....they feed us all the time. My comp is surely loving the spam. I'll send a picture soon that we took of with them. Ive also met people who lived in hilo....so its cool. the ward is really making me feel at home. The lord has open many doors for us....even my companion is shocked that we have been able to get into homes that he and other elders couldnt get into. We did some home teaching with brother johnson one night, and to his amazment we got into alot of his homes which he couldnt do for years. one of those homes was the kukahiko home. They open had open the door and they said hey you from keaukaha. he looked like fransis, but i knew that was the older brother. So we a good nite. I was really happy....he decided to call uncle pat and aunty wanda. to tell them i was in the sistahs home. he asked if i wanted to talk...but being obedient i said no. Im not saying that being hawaiian has gotten us into homes.....but its because of the similarities between the me and the people we meet...the spirit definately directs us to the right places. We have been able to teach more lessons. I know the lord is surely blessing myself and elder nash, and sent me here for a good reason. Im gonna write my letters as always....so i'll tell more in the letter. As for the goody box....what ever you want to send is good with me. I miss having poi...but i know its exspensive. so dont rush to send anything expensive. Can tuna...cuttle fish all of that is good. Just dont send chocolate im trying to stay away from that. im greatful for all the things you do for me. Im glad to hear that dad is teaching again. I know the lord is blessing all of us. Remember to keep reading the scriptures. It has been a great tool for me in teaching our borthers and sisters. Love you mom....and i'll write to you again next week. LOve always,Elder Auna

2nd Letter Recieved in the Mail

1st letter received in the mail

Email sent on February 11th, 2009

Hey mom.... first of all, I doing great...ok, promise. Well lets see, where to start. Well i got the containers and thankyou for the treats. I had a good birthday...did alot of works and got a new investigator , so that was cool. In the ward that im in, which is the Live oak ward...well, they have a couple hawaiian families here in the ward.Sis. Kaai, and another Family who are the Johnsons. Its great to see some locals ins the ward. For my birthday I had breakfest at the Johnsons with my companion. They new that i was from hawaii and the son was excited...so he told the dad to make breakfest for us. So we ate spam, eggs and rice..with ketchup....it was ono. we even had cornbeef. That made my day...even hearing hawaiian music was awesome. So my birthday went good. I got your letter and You seem to have alot of questions. first of all, i only have 25min left....so if cant answer al the questions now, ill write it in the next letter i send home. they only give us 60mins on this computer, and i had alot of emails. i cant recieve mail straight to my apt.. it has to go to the mission office first. If you send things by US postal, the office sends its back out that day. so i have to wait an extra day. if you send using ups, or fedex....they have to drop it off. We arent home all the time so no one can pick it up when it comes. i dont live with a family, so thats why my mail has to go to the mission office.we arent that far away from the office. so most likely theyll drop things off when they can. we cant drive to the office unless its important. Elder nash had an alser in his eye, so thats why we're in a car for now. Soon we will be goin back on bike...so im gonna be losing more weight. IM eating here. everyone feeds us good. But i am losing weight in a good way. So dont worry. next time you guys send things, try to send food that would be considered healthy....because im doing good with my excercises and it would be good to keep in shape. I dont really need the watch, but if you want you can send it. Can please send me some hymn songs in hawaiian, and my hawaiian dictionary if possible. My comp. is wanting to learn some things. And can you ask denise to write a simple prayer that i can give in hawaiian and its translation...it would be cool to say a prayer in hawaiian...people open up when they here something new. I khnow im asking alot but...it doesnt have to be done now, whenever you have time. I got the email about the cherry thing.....so i wont eat it. I hope you get better mom. i hate when you get sick. please take care of yourself. My spanish is going good. im learning to say my testimony in spanish and give door aproaches in spanish, so its cool. I live with my comp and to other missionaries....ill send pictures sometime maybe next week, if i can get them printed. I have 18min..so i better hurry. Anyways, Fontana is a nice place, tempts get to 50s or 47 degrees...and i love it. once summer comes it will get hot. Im learning alot and teaching everyone the aloha spirit. I got couple baptisms coming up and im happy that we might be getting more soon. I have 5min left....so i better end this soon. Tell dad I love him and hope work is good...even though i know hes busy. I emaild jace..so let her know i love her to. I miss you mom. And I am always greatful for you support. Im sorry i couldnt write all the answers to your question. but I will write in myt letter i send home this week...ill write it later tonite. About the debit card......its ok if you cant send the card, whenever you want. I still have money so everything is good. Remember dont worry about me....im GREAT.I"ll email next week...so hope to hear from you then or from your letters. LOve you and miss you. LOVE ALWAYS,ELDER AUNA

The First Epistle

Subject: hey mom
From: elderkaawai@myldsmail.net
To: keaukahalyn@hotmail.com> Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 18:43:41 +0000

Thanks for the email... Pdays are on Weds. so im able to check my email. Thankyou for sending my things, im gonna write a letter tonite and send it, you should get it by the end of the week or next week. If is easier for you to write an email instead sending a letter its fine.

Im doing great and im happy to be here in Cali. My trainer is awesome, his name is Elder Nash, from texas. Im in the Fontana area.I had a great first day, being able to give lessons...and feel the spirit. Everyone is excited for me to be here and happy that I made the decision to come back.

Every now and than i get home sick, but the lord is keeping me busy. Im not worried at all, and all of you shouldnt also. Dont cry im only in california. When you cry I cry, so please dont cry anymore....jus be happy, which i know you are. Its gonna take time for all of us to get ajusted to me being here.....but continue to use the Lord and he will help all of us get through this.

I pray everynite and day that all of you will be comforted. And that you will all now that IM doing good. The spirit of the Lord is with me and I know he will bless all of you for allowing me to be here. My testimony has grown so much since ive been here....and Im having fun, doing the Lords work. I dont have much time on here, But I want all of you to know that I Gonna be great here and that its helping me to grow a little better.

IM also in an area where Im gonna be riding a bike so im gonna need my bike. Im in a car for now because my trainer cant ride because of some medical issues, but soon we'll be riding our bikes. Im gonna lose some weight so dont be crying or worrying about my weight also ok. Im living healthy and me losing weight will keep me in shape. Tell Dad, Jace, Aaron, Jackie, elise, and Elijah, also baba I miss them all. Love you mom and may Our lord watch over you.

Love you guys. I'll be back online next week wed. so take care to till then. Dont forget Im stil writing my letters.

LOVE, Elder Auna

Mom's Love and Testimony

From Elder Marcus Auna's setting apart

*Mom sent this beautiful letter with Elder Auna for him to read on the plane, as well as to be a comfort and guide to him throughout his mission.*

Marcus,
I want you to know how much I appreciate Heavenly Father’s love for me and your father. He has blessed us with a wonderful opportunity to be a part of your life here upon the earth.

You have brought more joy and happiness than you can ever imagine and we are very proud of you with all that you have accomplished and is yet to accomplish.

Having your sister Jacelyn and your brother Aaron and his family, has filled our lives with much joy and happiness too.

You will be entering into a part of the Lord’s vineyard to bless those souls who are waiting to receive the wonderful blessings of this Wonderful Gospel and to feel the love of our Heavenly Father!

Marcus, use your talents to touch their hearts, use that beautiful voice of yours to invite the spirit into their hearts, for this is your true gift! Bless those you come in contact with your testimony and teach them the wonderful Plan that our Heavenly Father has for all those who will come unto Him!

Teach them about our Savior’s love for us and all, that he has done for us, so we may live with our Father again someday!

Teach them the wonderful blessings they will receive when they enter into the waters of baptism.

Teach them about the blessings they will receive through the Holy Ghost.

Teach them that “Families Are Forever!”

Teach them of that young man, who diligently sought after the true church here upon the earth, and how significant it was that the Gospel was restored through him and how the scriptures teach us these things.

Teach them of the Priesthood authority, you are blessed with, and how the Book of Mormon is yet another true testament of this Gospel.

Teach them of our Prophet Joseph Smith and of his love for us!

Teach them how we are still being blessed through wonderful leaders, especially through having a living Prophet, President Monson. Share with those you teach how, as an Apostle, President Monson ordained your great-grandfather to the office of a High Priest.

Marcus, I have a testimony and I know this Gospel is true. I know that our Heavenly Fathers loves us all. I know that Jesus died that we may live again and that it is all part of God’s Great Plan!

I know that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet and was called of God to restore the Gospel and the Priesthood here upon the earth and to bring forth the Book of Mormon, to bless us in this dispensation. And we continue to receive blessings through great leaders, especially through our living Prophet, President Monson.

Today, I place my trust and faith in our Heavenly Father, our Savior and in the Holy Ghost that you will be protected and guided always.

Today, I place my trust in you! I know that you will be a great disciple in the Lord’s vineyard and that you will be successful in all that you do!

Today, your family will be blessed a million times over and all will be well with us! Remember what I said, “As long as you’re ok, I will be fine!”

Today and always, my love will be with you and you will be in our prayers! I am so proud of you, Elder Marcus Kaawai Auna! I leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Auna is Called to Serve

From Elder Marcus Auna's setting apart

Elder Auna was set apart this morning just hours before his flight to the mission field. Mom says that it was a sweet, yet teary meeting. Gramma Noe and Dad said prayers and Jacelyn bore her testimony.

Elder Auna's mind had been weighed down with deep concern for the welfare of the family, but was able to take comfort in President Bauer's blessing. He was counseled not to worry about his family's well-being and that they would be taken care of. After the setting apart, Elder Auna bore his testimony, as well as recognized and thanked each member of the family for their support and for helping him get to this point in his life.

Mom wrote her impressions in the comments below. She wrote, "It was such an awesome feeling to be part of Marcus's special day. On Sunday, he bore his testimony as well and said 'that year ago when he left is was hard, but leaving a second time is even harder.' Today he shared in his testimony that 'I know I will do good and that I am ready to serve!' Thanks to the love of all the Keaukaha Ward members, friends and especially his loving family, I know Marcus will serve the Lord with all his might, mind and strength. I know that he will bless the hearts of those in San Bernardino, California. Mahalo for all the love and support!"

We love you Marcus - you will be a wonderful missionary! You will be in our thoughts and prayers and you will be greatly missed!!

From Elder Marcus Auna's setting apart

From Elder Marcus Auna's setting apart