Jesus Loves You/ The Ground Dances/ Farewell To President and Sister Granger is Close Now/ Shark Bait Lives Another Week!

Dearest Friends and Family!! How are you? Did you know I love you? I do hope so! How grateful I am for each and every one of you. I wish I could better express the Love I have for you! May the Lord bless you for your righteous hearts. Know Our Father In Heaven loves you. 

Yes! This week we had the opportunity to witness a 6.1 Earthquake here in Port Vila! We are safe and happy. It is incredible to see the amazing power of Mother Earth. Elder Hable and I were planning our day when everything started o shake like I have never felt before. We both looked at each other with the same look of amazement and fear. It was Awesome! Our Fridge and the apartment floor began to dance like me during Cha-Cha!! Sorry if I worried you at all. Still in one piece and loving life!! :) 

This week has been fantastic for me! Yes. It has indeed been hard and challenging. But I have grown and developed more love. Love for Our Father In Heaven, Jesus Christ, His Gospel, and for the people here. President Granger will no longer be our President, as Président Duquette will come this week! Life is going so fast! Because it is the last week of President Granger he told us he wanted to go out and work with us. He got about 500 Pass Along Cards and told Elder Hable and I, "We are going to handout everyone of these. And we won't come back until they are all gone!"

 It was a fantastic experience as we did all we could to talk with anyone we came in contact with. Probably the most memorable person I talked to was not who I was expecting. A white Australian Lady. I offered her a Pass Along Card saying, "Hey! Would you like to learn more about Jesus!?" I would like to add that this was one of the only people I spoke English to. She responded with, "Are you a Mormon?" Me: "Yeah!!" Her: "Well, what do you know about Jesus?? Take your card back. I will only teach the true things of Christ." A little hurt and shocked I quickly thought of the most Christ like I could say. All I managed as she stormed off was, "Well, Jesus Loves You!" The Lady continued her trotting off without a second thought. And then the spirit warmed my soul. And told me what I simply taught was true. Before my mission, I would have nothing good to say about this woman. Now, I can't help and think, Jesus loves her. He loves me. He loves you. He loves us all. What a great Eternal truth this is! I am so thankful for what the spirit taught me during this experience! Christ will always have open arms toward us! 

Here are some thoughts I had during discussions with my companion, scripture study, and prayer. Just some thoughts I wanted to share because when we know something/when you feel The Lord reveals something to you; you should share it! First. The Mission Field is truly the "MTC For Life." Let's start with some basic components of missionary work. Companions. How important are companions? What does The Lord want to teach his missionaries through companions? I think the basic principle of how we are so desperately in need of support of Eternal companions, and the continual support of a Loving Father in Heaven, through his valiant Son's Atonement. We need companions. From the age of 8 and on we need the companionship of The Holy Ghost. He guides, protects, and shows the love of God The Father and of The Savior Jesus Christ. We cannot progress without the Savior. We need the support and strength that comes though Christ's Atonement. We learn and I testify that we cannot go farther than the eternal Light of That Precious Atonement shines. We need it. We can't do this alone. One of my favorite chapters in The Book of Mormon is Alma 26. Two verses I feel inspired to share come from verses 11 and 12, which state, 

"11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.

12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.

We really need the companionship of the Savior, which comes through the Holy Ghost. Lastly, God The Father teaches in His Holy Temples of the importance of Eternal Marriage. How about that?? Another companion!? Yes. We are taught that we cannot progress, and even obtain all God has, even Exaltation without a companion. This means what? That even God The Father the greatest of all needs a companion. We do have a Mother who I know Loves Us. We do not speak of these things often not because they are secrets. But because they are sacred. You are a precious son or daughter of Loving Heavenly Parents. They want you to be happy not just now but For ETERNITY!! This is why we are taught these things. We need companions. And that is what I believe God is trying to teach those of us who are in the Mission Field. We must work in unity. Cool thought huh!? Wanted to also share 2 Nephi 22:2. How much do you Love The Savior? How do you show it to others? 

My Family and Friends, my heart swells worth joy to read your emails and hear of your success and experiences. I read them. I love them. Thank you for sending them! 

May You All Have A SPECTACULAR WEEK!!! 

Much Love,

Elda LaMont/ Shark Bait/ Island Boy/ Your Alekken Ty/ Probably the Whitest Dude on Vanuatu 

P.S. Dad! Thank you so much for keeping me a little updated on The World Cup. It is fun to know things because first off, I love it! Second, it actually comes in handy while contacting. No joke! The people of Vanuatu are my kind of people! They are so excited for the World Cup and it so on everyone's lips! Honestly, by the end of two years maybe all of my family and friends should just come here. I love it here with all my heart! 

So, we had our last Zone Conference and we learned a tribal dance from Gaua (island in Vanuatu) to perform for President and Sister Granger! It was awesome! I really got into it! More ZC photos! Allez Les Bleus ! Go France! Vive La France !  I serve in the most beautiful place in all of the world! 

I also pulled some more money for gift for President and Sister Granger.. Hope it was okay. Small gift! As well as money for France jersey. Still looking to maybe purchasing a small suitcase because we will be traveling a lot with Président Duquette very soon. Love you all!!

Shark Bait's First Trip to Santo/ World Cup Fever Father's Day

Dad, I wanted to start out by saying I love you. Happy Father's Day!!! Thinking about you a lot especially as awesome members keep me updated on World Cup. Germany lost to Mexico?! How is France?? GO ICELAND, FRANCE, AND BELGIUM!!! Love you Dad. 

Hello beautiful family and friends! It is the time once again to write to you! How the time is going by so fast, and I wish I could make it slow down.. However, I am happy to report things are still amazing in this glorious part of the world! It has been a hard-working, miracle/adventure filled, and exhausting week for Elder Hable and I! Really could have not gone better for us here in Paradise. 

The first part of the week Elder Hable, The Grangers, and I flew to Santo. For those who don't know, Santo (or it's full name Espritaro Santo meaning Holy Ghost) is another island here in Vanuatu. It was about an hour flight from our island of Efate. We immediately got off our plane and got to the chapel to be a part of the last Zone Conference the Granger's will have in Santo. I will admit that plane travel is exhausting... But in no way am I complaining. I only wish you could see what I am able to witness. This Assistant Work can be really tough since we are still trying to have success in our area in Vila but the traveling is fantastic! The Zone Conference in Santo went really well! We are hoping to inspire and uplift this part of the mission because it has recently been struggling. Elder Hable and I reminded them of  the divine potential we all have as well as our sacred calling to Invite Others to Come Unto Christ. The Spirit guided our words and helped us during our trainings. It was Legit! 

I don't know if it helped the Zone but it sure helped me remember something pretty important. I am a Son of God. Have you taken a moment to ponder on this wonderful truth?!?! You are a daughter or son of a Living Heavenly Father. Your true home is not here. Do you sometimes imagine our Heavenly Parents holding us in Their arms hoping through faith and love we would return to them one day? How great this True Gospel Is! We should never forget where we come from. I am certain if we take more time to ponder where are souls are from we would be less likely to think mean things about ourselves, put ourselves down, or think less of our special self’s. Don't let the adversary use this trick. You are special. I encourage you to read my favorite hymn. 

(#292)  "O My Father"

1. O my Father, thou that dwellest

                                                                        In the high and glorious place,

                                                                        When shall I regain thy presence

                                                                        And again behold thy face?

                                                                        In thy holy habitation,

                                                                        Did my spirit once reside?

                                                                        In my first primeval childhood

                                                                        Was I nurtured near thy side?

                                                            

                                                            

                                                                        2. For a wise and glorious purpose

                                                                        Thou hast placed me here on earth

                                                                        And withheld the recollection

                                                                        Of my former friends and birth;

                                                                        Yet ofttimes a secret something

                                                                        Whispered, “You’re a stranger here,”

                                                                        And I felt that I had wandered

                                                                        From a more exalted sphere.

                                                            

                                                            

                                                                        3. I had learned to call thee Father,

                                                                        Thru thy Spirit from on high,

                                                                        But, until the key of knowledge

                                                                        Was restored, I knew not why.

                                                                        In the heav’ns are parents single?

                                                                        No, the thought makes reason stare!

                                                                        Truth is reason; truth eternal

                                                                        Tells me I’ve a mother there.

                                                            

                                                            

                                                                        4. When I leave this frail existence,

                                                                        When I lay this mortal by,

                                                                        Father, Mother, may I meet you

                                                                        In your royal courts on high?

                                                                        Then, at length, when I’ve completed

                                                                        All you sent me forth to do,

                                                                        With your mutual approbation

                                                                        Let me come and dwell with you.

A pretty special hymn and truth. Don't forget! 

Something really awesome happened on the plane back to Vila from Santo. A man across from Elder Hable and I (from Australia) started asking us questions. His first one being, "Wow. Boys. Do you iron your shirts and pants everyday? Why do you do that? How young did you say you were again?"

My answer: "Shirt, yes! :) My Momma taught me how to iron a shirt! We would love to answer your questions!" One question lead to another and then he asked, "So, does your faith believe in the trinity?" We knew we had him after that question :) . We taught him The Restoration, answered his questions, and gave him a Book of Mormon while in the sky! He loved it and said he is very excited to read the Book of Mormon! My Mission is pretty awesome! I have taught people in boats and now in planes... That was the first time I have taught a white man in English though... Crazy times! The Lord really blessed us with this experience to remind us that although we have our Assistant assignment our calling to Invite Others To Come Unto Christ remains! 

We also went to New Caledonia later in the week for President and Sister Granger's last ZC there. Because it is a little colder and they speak French it provided me an opportunity to wear my jumper and speak some French. I'm getting sort of better! I had my first lesson in French, which was so legit!! My French is still pretty bad but I like to think of something a missionary I look up to greatly told me, "We all have to start somewhere." I'll get there if it is The Lord's Will. If I still can't express my Love for this beautiful people in the amazing tongue of French I'll just use my body language to show love and testify (somehow) of Christ. All things are possible through God and Faith. Mosiah 8:18, "Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings." 

My family! How great it is to hear of your success and happiness! Mom and Dad enjoying the garden and helping with this awesome new cabin. Keaton becoming friends with Rafiki the kitten and being a stud to our sisters/ being with his awesome girlfriend Luci a.k.a. JEPPSEN!! Claire rocking out hard work on the ACT and driving abilities and showing that not only is she beautiful on the outside but also the inside. And sweet Vivie speaking on Sacrament Meeting. It was a beautiful talk Vivie, and I bet you delivered it with such energy and spirit much like everything you do! Dearest friends and other loved ones, how grateful I am to receive your emails of encouragement. I know I don't always have time to respond to you individually but I hope you know of my love! I love every email I get. Thank you! Much love to you! 

Dad!! Loving the World Cup Updates! Thank you! :) I appreciate your efforts to keep me included! Elder Hable and I are always excited by your updates. We always ask our investigators too.. :) Keep them coming if you can. Sure do love you! 

Until Next Week Olgeta Man wei mi luvum tumas! 

Elda LaMont, Shark Bait, Your Alekken Ty, A VERY big fan of The World Cup who loves any/all updates provided to him

P.S. Yes! I do know a Sister Thornley! She is a very good friend of Elder Hable and I. One of the STLs in New Cal! I am excited you got an invite from the Hable family. Please tell them I love working with their son! I love my companion.  

A picture with President Granger. Sure am going to miss him. I will probably cry... Perhaps a lot... Exciting times though. It will be great to have Président Duquette!! 

Shark Bait says Farewell to Elder Piol/ MLC Training

Dearest Family and Friends!!! I couldn't be happier to report another great week here from the beautiful islands of the South Pacific! I miss my family and most dear friends but I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. How great the day will be of our reunion! How important the work is that I and so many others are blessed to be apart of. I encourage you to remember the Love Our Heavenly Father has for you. The Love Our Savior Jesus Christ has for you. They live. They desire for your happiness! We find happiness by being obident to their commandments. 

 It is hard to describe the great joy in my life now. Yes, missionary work is hard. Sweat, tears, and even blood are required. But the joy of seeing miracles, the Hand of God in His grrat work, and someone forgetting old lives and traditions to follow their Savior is worth every hardship. I love my mission! Thank you for those who have sacrificed that I might do the Will of Our Father. A special thank you to my two beautiful parents who taught me to love this true gospel. I love you. Thank you. 

This has been a fantastic week! I have been battling an ugly cold (Give respect to viruses. They are small but can make the strongest of men and women fall to their knees) My companions have worked well with me so we can still work but  I am granted rest when needed. Ibuprofen is a great blessing! 

The highlight of this week would be MLC! Or Mission Leadership Training. As Assistants, it provided for a great opportunity to work with the Zone Leaders and STLs of the mission. They are the true MVPs. We had them all fly in so we could have training from the Mission President together. We also got to play games, feel the spirit, and learn how to more prepare for Président Duquette's arrival in less than a month now! My favorite game we played during MLC would be Crab Soccer for obvious reasons. This means we will be having our last Zone Conferences in Santo (Another Island of Vanuatu that I have not been to yet) and New Caldedonia with the Grangers. We will be heading there at the end of this week. We will be in Santo for a day and then the very next day we will be flying to New Caledonia! I am excited!

The crazy thing about the upcoming Zone Conferences we will be having is Elder Piol will not be with us. He is leaving this week to go back to the Philippines leaving Elder Hable and I to stay and be Assistants. We will miss our Golden Trio but are thankful for the things he taught us and the great friend he has always been for us. Elder Hable and I are preparing to do these next trainings without him. He will be missed but I am excitd for the time in which Elder Hable and I will have to work together. We are ready, somewhat prepared, and excited for the journey ahead. And the ability we will have to help President Grangers (these last few moments of his mission) and the chance to work through God's chosen servant in President Duquette. We love The Lord and are ready to give all we can! 

While looking for things for our training coming up I came along this fantastic talk which talks about love. Which I enjoyed very much because I feel the most important thing in all of missionary work is love. You can not do the work of The Lord without love. These are the Words of Elder Massimo De Feo of the Seventy in the latest version of General Conference. I encourage you to read if if you have time!

"Now, dear brothers and sisters, isn’t this what the Savior did? Of course, in an eternal and much broader perspective. But in the midst of His greatest pain, in the garden that night, He was the one who needed help, suffering in a way that we cannot even imagine or comprehend. But in the end, He forgot about Himself and prayed for us until He paid the full price. How was He able to do it? Because of His pure love for the Father, who sent Him, and for us. He loved the Father and us more than Himself.

He paid for something that He had not done. He paid for sins that He had not committed. Why? Pure love. Having paid the full price, He was in the position to offer us the blessings of what He paid for if we would repent. Why did He offer this? Again, and always, pure love.

Pure love is the true sign of every true disciple of Jesus Christ.

President Thomas S. Monson said: “May we begin now, this very day, to express love to all of God’s children, whether they be our family members, our friends, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. As we arise each morning, let us determine to respond with love and kindness to whatever might come our way.”5

Brothers and sisters, the gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of love. The greatest commandment is about love. For me, it’s all about love. The love of the Father, who sacrificed His Son for us. The love of the Savior, who sacrificed all for us. The love of a mother or a father who would give anything for his or her children. The love of those who serve silently and are not known to most of us but are well known to the Lord. The love of those who forgive all and always. The love of the ones who give more than they receive." 

Well, That's all Folks! Know that I love each and everyone of you! I am grateful for this true gospel. I testify of God The Father and of His Son Jesus Christ. I along with missionaries around the world our Their chosen servants called to bring the World It's Truth. We are as the Armies of Helamon!! 

Love to hear about Mom's Grass, Garden, RSL Updates (PS wpuld love World Cup Updates), and to hear the succès of my family and friends! Love you so much! 

Love, 

Elda LaMont, Shark Bait, Your Alekken Ty, Island Boy

P.S. Found a Diet Coke can and thought of Mom! Your boy loves you!