HOME AT LAST...and first thoughts

November 15, 2012

Elder Heimuli arrived at the Salt Lake City International Airport.  His oldest brother Hema was able to snap this photo of him arriving at Gate C13...ahh, the perks of working for Delta Airlines!

Elder Heimuli smiles as he enters the gate area with traveling companion, Elder "Driving" Nguyen, and sees Hema standing there 

Coming down the escalator, Elder Heimuli makes his way into Mom's open arms.  Harrison will just have to wait 'til Mom gets a hug first!

Mom, Elder Heimuli and Harrison

Elder Heimuli gets a big huge bear hug from Dad

Grandpa Tom Murray, Elder Heimuli, and Grandpa Peni Heimuli

Family photo at the Airport
front row: Lauryn Pili (holding white sign) & Houston Heimuli (the weird one on the ground)
second row: Melisa Heimuli & Aka Heimuli (holding balloons)
third row: Jojo Pili (holding red sign) & Harrison Heimuli
last row: Dad Lakei Heimuli, Uncle Ricky Soliai, Bro Hema Heimuli, Sis-in-law Norma Heimuli, Kastle Soliai, Elder Heimuli, Mom Pania Heimuli, Grandpa Peni Heimuli and Grandpa Tom Murray

Harrison & Elder Heimuli leaving the airport and heading straight to the Stake Center for Elder Heimuli's release

First thoughts that popped into my head when I saw Helam at the top of the escalator:

Tall.

Handsome.

Stripling Warrior.

Another Good Son.

Home.

Headed Home

Doctrine & Covenants 31:

1 [Helam], my son, blessed are you because of your faith in my work.

3 Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation.

5 Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.

_________________

Two years have literally flown by!  Elder Heimuli's last hours in Atlanta were full of goodbyes, hugs, tears.  

Elder Heimuli in the foreground; classic Atlanta in the background -- greenery everywhere, railroad tracks, beautiful.

Spanish members made this Elder Heimuli shirt, tie & missionary tag cake

Elder Heimuli in front of the Atlanta's Skyline

Saying goodbye to President John and Sister Debra Harding (from Bountiful!)

Week 100 - To Close, I Just Have a Simple Testimony

Dear Mother,

I am doing fantastic! The last little while has been SUPER busy and I'm finally getting to rest a bit haha, but not too much:)

I'm sitting in the Saldanas living room right now, waiting for Elder Bakes and his comp to get here so we can echar relajo and have a BIG mexican breakfast! I can quickly just run through all that's happened.

Elder Baugh, Elder Heimuli, Elder Bakes meet up for breakfast

The zone training meeting was good...and kind of a struggle haha. I dont know what it was but there was kind of a dull feeling to the meeting and I struggled to put my thoughts together. I talked about the liahona and how our own personal progress and growth depends on how we heed the promptings of the spirit in our trials or just life in general. God knows what we can become and EXACTLY the route we need to take in life to become such. Our trials and tribulations refine us and the choices we choose to act on will shape our becoming. I still don't feel like I'm exactly where I need to be but I'm striving! I'm super grateful for the atonement and the enabling power that comes through it. I know that I can change and become better as I rely on grace and do all I can to make things happen on my own. That's when we're blessed. After we have done all we can do.

So, things were kinda confusing for a while with Davids baptism. On friday we called Bishop Young and he told us that since he was 8 he needed to interview him, so we had to cancel the baptism until he could do the interview. Then we called him back and realized that David isn't a child of record, so it was counted as a convert baptism. The only problem was that we hadn't done anything for it and the baptism was the next morning--so we set up an interview, a whole program, and called and coordinated the whole thing w the ward. Normally, the ward would set up the program for a child's baptism, but since it was a convert we had to set it up. Friday was CRAZY as we ran around doing exchanges and all this random stuff. Saturday came and the baptism went smoothly. There was a lot of ward support and some good talks and testimonies. David's mom was there (who used to be a member) and I hope that it was a good experience for her as well. I hope she felt the spirit and will decided to come back to share in the gospel with the rest of her kids.

Elder Paxson, David, Bro Hainey, Elder Heimuli & Elder Smith

Saturday night was crazy as well. I had to go and give 4 baptismal interviews in spanish and we had a full night in our own area, so we did and exchange. I went up to doraville with Bro Saldana and Bro Madsen! Holy cow, it was sick!

Elder Heimuli just finished giving Brother Saldana a haircut

We had a little get together with both the Saldanas and Madsens and I was so glad that I could spend time w some of my favorite people in the world!

Hermana Madsen, Elder Heimuli, Maya, Hermana Saldana

Then we went up and did the interviews (which were Elder Bakes' investigators and his first spanish baptism! I am so happy!)

IDK, I'm kinda lost for words right now but just know that I had an awsome week! I'll just tell ya everything in a few days. Write down any questions you have.

As for food...lets eat some poly food!!!!!! pork and rice! and pineapples! and I want to make some otai.

To close, I just have a simple testimony of Jesus Christ. I have learned so many things here in Georgia and I love the people here. Especially the hispanics. I am so grateful for the gospel and how I have come to understand it so much better. I love the testimony that I have of Christ. I cannot deny it. He lives and loves me. Through Him I can become better. Thank you all for giving me this opportunity to serve the Lord for 2 years.

I love you all! See you in a few days!

--E. Heimuli

Week 99 - Ending My Mission the Same Way Hema Ended His

Dear Mother,

Elder Heimuli checking in and feeling awake and refreshed! The daylight savings is a real blessing in the fall--I woke up at 530 this morning, only to realize that I could lay my head back down and sleep for another hour. Tender mercies of the Lord, I say!

Yet another blessing that I've had is to have this past week feel like an actual week. It didn't just zoom by like the others and for that I'm grateful. I've been able to enjoy the experiences that we've had on a day to day basis. I've met some crazy people and I've pondered on some great things I've learned.

Elder Heimuli holds a 2-day old kitten found in the closet of a less active member's patio

We had the great privilege to hold our Zone Leader Council this past thursday (my last one) at the Atlanta Temple. Instead of doing a session, though, we all did baptisms and confirmations--it reminded me of the good ol' Stonecreek ward, which was the last time I'd done baptisms for the dead. We did EVERYTHING so that was cool. Then we gathered together and discussed some really great things and ideas--focusing it all on the Doctrine of Christ. Now, we're preparing for a Zone meeting tomorrow where we'll take all the stuff we've learned and teach them to the members of our little ATL East Zone. It's a big deal and we want to do a great job. Pres and the APs will be there so that's a great help. We've been studying non-stop for hours--as well as I'm still trying to finish reading the BoM in spanish before I go home. I've on Alma 41 and I need to pick it up!!!! I'm so excited about the things I've been learning.

It's interesting, cuz I read Alma 40:11-12 probably about the same time as Monica and I felt the same assurance that God loves us. Those of us who wade through trial, sorrow and tribulation are those who don't take the easy way out. They are the righteous. They are those who put their trust in God DAILY and stay the course, no matter how much suffering they must go through--but then, when their time comes, they are taken home to God and enter into a state of peace, happiness, and rest. He loves us and we show we love him when we follow Christ--this wonderful plan He has provided. I feel like Nephi when I say that I don't know everything, but I do know God loves us. It's been shared w me by the Spirit and that's enough.

Tell the Johnsons I love them and I'm praying for them. I'll come see them when I get back.

I got the cards and I was surprised cuz there were TONS. I don't even know that many people haha. Thank you. It's a lot more convenient than writing out my info every time. I appreciate it a lot.

I didn't tell Pres about the musical numbers...but I'll be sure to soon.

I can definately speak spanish with Hema when I get back, I'll need it as well. And tell Dad that he's not allowed to speak english to me either--all tongan all the time! I'm serious! If he doesn't do it I wont answer him :)

It looks like I'm going to be ending my mission the same way Hema ended his. 

May 3, 2008:  Last baptism before Elder Heimuli's brother, Hema, ended his mission in Ecuador.
L to R are Hema's youngest son Elder Richard Peters, 9-yr old Carlos Alejandro & mom Gladis, and Hema of course! 

This Saturday we are going to baptize DR, an 8 year old boy. Then sunday he'll be confirmed. We've been teaching him and he's excited to get into the water. This past week we had to invent a lesson right on the spot. We were teaching him about the gospel and his attention span was very...much like mine hahaha. No, it's hard for a kid to pay attention to someone just talking, so we got creative. He LOVES basketball so we made a makeshift ball out of a wad of paper and then used a bowl as a hoop. We told him to stand back and shoot. As he made the shots he was allowed to move up one space at a time (there were five and they each represented principles and ordinances of the gospel). It turned out very well and he enjoyed it. I'm not super good w kids and I was just glad he didn't completely hate it. Oh man, if I thought that was hard, I'm gonna struggle as a parent trying to teach my kids. JK JK it'll be good.

Thank you Mom, so much for everything. Thanks Dad for being such a great example. I love you both so much and I'm grateful for the opportunity you've provided for me and I don't know how I'll repay you but I'll find a way. I love the gospel so much and I pray for ya'll daily! This boy aint trunky just yet! I got work to do!

--Love, E. Heimuli

Week 98 - I Don't Know if I'm Gonna Come Back

"At first the hours seem like days and the days seem like weeks, but before you know it, the weeks will feel like days, the months will feel like weeks."

On the way to the BYU vs Georgia Tech game sporting his "blue" sweater given to him by the Madsens.
It's not BYU-blue.  Not even Georgia Tech-blue.  It's like eye-blinding "look at me" blue!

This was the prediction given to me in the MTC by...I forgot who, but someone who had already served a mission. Maybe my teacher???  Anyways, this fact is standing true as I'm sitting here watching the sun set on my mission. This past week has flown by and it really did feel like only yesterday I was sitting here recounting to you the experiences of my previous week. I am so grateful for all the things I've been able to do.

The front came in last night and I'm here shivering with my fingers half numb, trying to type out all of my experiences haha. I guess God's warming me up for snow-filled Utah. (It snowed yeah? that's what I heard anyways...)

This week has been one thing after another and it seems like I'll be going full-steam ahead until the end. Monday we didn't take a p-day, we just wrote letters. Tuesday was normal and then on Wednesday we headed down to Fayetteville for a leadership training meeting. There were all the current mission leadership in attendance but as well about 30 other missionaries who I can just assume will be future leadership. They're getting 'em all prepped for when all of us old timers kick it hahaha.

It was really great. Brother Watson came to speak with us. He is one of the people who put together Preach My Gospel and he had some amazing things to say. It wasn't anything new, but the way he put things made it so clear to me and everyone else in the room. He taught the Doctrine of Christ and how it is the center of EVERYTHING. The Atonement and it's amazing capabilities should be the focus of all we do. He and Pres Harding then introduced some things that the mission is going to do a little differently: ie, using creative ways to get our message out there (like concerts or musical numbers or other stuff) and being normal people but representatives of Christ (ie, going to the BYU game!). It made me kinda sad to see that there are all these wonderful things going on...and I won't be a part of it. We all left that meeting with a renewed commitment to continue being obedient PMG missionaries. Pres Harding is kind of a goof (in a great way!) and LOVES symbols and visuals. So he brings out this huge, legit sword to the meeting and asks all of us to sign it and agree to 100% obedience. I signed it, of course!  :)

This past friday me and my boy E Paxson set up an exchange with...my other son Romero!

Elder Heimuli & his youngest son, Elder Paxson

Romero came with me and we just did work. We were able to talk. I wanted to make sure that he recognizes he is here for a reason. I freaking love this kid and I'm so proud of what he's done. I'm planning on visiting with his family once I'm home to let them know how great he is. Anyways, so we had a good time. I know it's been hard for him cuz his very first transfer E. Hansen went home. Then he's here now with me going home soon. And his comp right now is going home next transfer. Not to mention all the CRAZY people here in ATL making it hard to stay positive! Romero will be a great missionary, and when I see him all i can think of is "Ammon." He was a little down yesterday at church, so I called him last night to see what's up.  :)

So, saturday we went to the BYU game and holy cow, I've never been more trunky in my life!!!

Georgia Atlanta East Zone enjoying the pre-game festivities!

The night before there was a fireside and I talked to Brandon Doman, Steve Kaufusi (and Bronson...who is HUGE!) and some other players I recognized from high school. Then, on actual game day I talked to Jason Kaufusi (who was sporting a nice blue uniform hahaha,

[Note from Mom:  Jason would have been Helam's coach at Weber but now is coaching at the Y...good for him!])

Lance, umm?

[ANOTHER Note from Mom:  Reynolds...gosh, these kids need to know who these legendary folks are, instead of just calling them "Dad's coach" or "Dad's teammate" every time!]

(well, you know...Dad's coach...I think that's his name. Anyways, he says hi!), Chad Lewis and they were all talking about how they need to get me to BYU.

And then, oddly enough, one of the cheerleaders came up to me and it turns out it was a girl I went to high school with! That was super weird. I got into this weird mood at the game cuz I just felt like I was back in Utah and it freaked me out!

L to R: Elder Paxton, Elder Heimuli, Elder Romero & Elder Shelly
Are their noses bleeding yet?

Speaking of the Madsens (at the beginning of this post), the blue sweater got attention!
Here are Elder Heimuli, Brother Madsen & Elder Charlesworth
(Elder C's sweet mom, Lacey, sent this pic!)

I don't know if I'm gonna come back, it's just too weird. I like being a missionary here. If you don't see me step off the plane come Nov 15th, you may have to fly out here and drag me back!

Kimberly was baptized Sunday morning and it was great! There was lots of support from the ward and it just set a great tone for the rest of the Sunday. I am so lucky to be here and I feel like I'm finally seeing the fruits of 2 years of struggling in spanish,  hahahhaa.

L to R: Elder Smith, Elder Heimuli, new member Kimberly, Elder Paxson & Kimberly's sons

Oh, and there was a fall festival at our chapel saturday after the game. We got there late and missed all the festivities but i don't care cuz when I got there I heard this shriek "Muuuuliiiii!!!!" and I turn and I see the Mata family from the Chamblee branch there! I ran over there so quick! We spent the whole time cleaning but it was great cuz I saw all those awsome mexicans that I love!!

That's it for my week. I hope it was descriptive enough  :)

Tell Houston that he needs to go all the way to the finals so I can cheer them on! That would be so sick!

Anyways, I love you all so much. Love ya mom!

--E. Heimuli

Week 97 - Hope to See a Mormon in the White House

(Note from Mom: For two years, Elder Heimuli has submitted a small paragraph to wonderful missionary mom Gayla Allen. Gayla's son, Kevin, is serving in the Mexico Merida mission.  Gayla has diligently put together this incredible monthly newsletter which highlights now over 40 missionaries from the same Bountiful High School graduating class of 2010! As Elder Heimuli's mission winds down, this newsletter is certainly something he -- and Mom -- will miss! Here is Elder Heimuli's last and final paragraph to be included in the November newsletter.)

Hey everyone!

This is just a quick (and last) letter to all of my brothers (and sisters?) in the field. Nothing too formal or epic, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am grateful for the opportunity I've had to serve as a full time missionary for 2 years. I have learned and grown in stature as well as in spirit and testimony. I love my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ for the enabling power of the Atonement and the power of obedience and diligence. Please take all that you've learned, all that you've become, and move forward! There are so many great things to do while we're here, but not a lot of time to do them. Use that Spirit you've been able to master to keep making right choices. I love you all lots! Catch ya on the flip side! 

 

Gayla, thanks for the newsletters. I will miss getting them every month but look forward to seeing you all in person! 

--E. Heimuli 

(Now...on to this week's letter from Elder Heimuli)

Hey Mom!!!

Yes, it's crazy that Week 97 is goners. I keep having these small moments of "Holy cow, you're almost done," but then that wears off in a few seconds and I feel normal -- like I'll be doing this for the rest of my life. That wouldn't be so bad either.

I can't remember any details from this past week. I know that we worked very hard and we have seen some tender mercies for it. Tuesday I went out to Dunwoody and served w E. Baugh for the day...IDK where he's from. Anyways, it was Spanish and I was so stoked! We saw a family that they've been working w for a while. They had a baptismal date but then it fell through cuz they have some marital issues to work out... But they're fantastic and they kept trying to feed us! (There is so much I miss about Spanish, but I don't really miss having to stuff myself everyday.) But we withstood the temptation and taught them a quick lesson. Spanish was a little struggle that day for some reason, but it got better after I was there for a while.

As for our investigators, Ky is still shooting for this Sunday! The ward is so supportive and we're BUSY this week hahaha so we're trying to figure out how to get everything done that we need to before then. Bro. Saldana is helping a lot though, so that's great! D hasn't come to church yet. We saw her last week and she said she's been busy but she'll be coming when she's got a spare moment. J (Marriott girl) was busy when we showed up for out appt last week. We're going by there right after this, so wish us luck. Kn is still awsome, but we are trying to figure out how to get her to church. She is very capable of getting there, and she told us she would go, but she just did not tell us when. Bleh...at least she loves the BoM! So we're just trying to keep on going w our investigators that we have now. Things are a little slow w them, but it's ok.

I got the ballot and I signed it and sent it the day of. Things are getting intense here w the whole elections. Well, intense in a good way. People here LOVE Romney and always tell us that they hope to see a Mormon in the White House. That's been cool to see, but the persecution is gonna come soon -- you know it!

The most interesting thing I'm doing now, in conjunction w missionary work, is trying to read the BoM before I go home. I am so far behind but I'm reading like a beast! I read a while back in 1 Ne. 15:24 where talks of the Word of God and how we must hold fast to stay strong against the temptations of the devil. It connects so well with Jarom 1:10 which talks of how the prophets taught ("threaten" is actually the word they chose to use, haha) according to the word of God. God's way is so clear and exact, and if we continually hearken to those things, we cannot err.

So will the BHS stadium have to be renamed "Bishop Larry Wall Stadium?" hahaha, that would be great! That man is so amazing!! I still remember lessons that I learned from him during those high school football days. As a missionary, I've gained such a great respect for bishops and branch presidents. They do A LOT!!!!! Great men.

Well, everything is going well and we're all doing great. Just trying to do the Lord's work. Thanks for all the love, prayers and support -- and keep 'em coming!!! I love you Mom! Tell everyone what's up!

--Love, E. Heimuli

Week 96 - So Very Blessed to Be Here

Good morning Mom!

I don't know what it is about P-day, but they've been super cloudy and gloomy lately. The weather here has been weird cuz it's only on p-days--the other days of the week are pretty warm and sunny. Falls just acting up over here haha.

Thanks for getting those addresses for me. I appreciate it a lot. I'll be sure to write them or something. Oh, and i did get the packages and I am sharing the wealth! Hahaha way too much sweets for me anyways--I'm trying to slim down to look good for all my fans back home:) ...well, fan haha.

No, this past week has been really great! I don't know why, but we have been really blessed! Things just started to work out.

Final Transfer with Elder Paxson & Elder Smith

We found two super legit new investigators: D (a girl...yeah, she even admitted that it's a weird name for her) and J. We met D just knocking around the neighborhood of a less active member. She answered the door and immediately let us in. She told us that she had been praying for help and we knocked on her door. Classic missionary story, yeah? E. Paxson was freaking out cuz it was such a cool miracle.

J we met knocking a random street in a remote part of our area. It's pretty crazy cuz most of the houses on her street are vacant or super run down. She pulled up to her house right as we were walking by. We talked about the BoM cuz she works for the Marriott and has always seen the BoMs but has never read it. She is way cool and we're going back to see her this week.

Hindulo is good. We saw him the other night and got some good pics w him and his fam. He is really happy and loves that he is a member now! He can feel the holy ghost so distinctly. They're working on going to the temple--so we'll see what happens. It won't be for another year so maybe I'll need to fly back here one day.

The Beautiful Smith Family:  baby Nayhalo, Ghensa, Elder Heimuli & Hindulo

Oh, and last night we had a lesson with Ky. First one in about a transfer. We got in there and asked her if there was anything she had questions about or anything we could help her with. She said no but then said after a short a pause, "I guess we can just get ready for my baptism now." I couldn't believe what I just heard. There was about a 5 second delay until I could say anything. I was able to pipe out, "Wait, do you feel like you're ready now?" and she responded, "Yeah," with a nod of her head. I froze. I'm not use to success like this. I couldn't believe that after all this time of struggling she finally is gonna be baptized. E. Smith was a champ and took over. We set her date for the 28th!

Kn is good and said that she'll come to an actual church service to make up for the conference haha. She is loving the BoM! She even picked her own homework assignment--Mosiah 27, which is a really good chapter.

I'm trying to finish reading the BoM by the end of my mission. I'm in the first chapter of 2 Nephi...I need to pick it up hahha!

Elder Heimuli met up with old friends & companions at his final transfer.
L to R: Elder Perez, Elder Heimuli, Elder Thomas & Elder Searle

I'm so very blessed to be here and I'm grateful for all your support and love and prayers! I'm doing fantastic and just want to keep working hard! Love you all and I'll talk to ya'll soon!

--E. Heimuli

Week 95 - She Gave Me a Hug!

As I read your letter just a few minutes ago, I realized that I have so many blessings in my life. There wasn't anything that's changed dramatically, I have just become more aware of those things that I either over looked, or took for granted. Time has moved by so quick and isn't halting one bit. It's October now and I am faced with the daunting reality that the mission for me is actually ending--this realization has come in painful, hitting waves over the past week: resulting in near whiplash--and it's very sad. It has, though, given me time to reflect and see the change that I've gone through. 

One thing I just want to hit on is that I am SO very grateful for you and your example of charity and love. When I read about your encounter w Art Nielsen tears came to my eyes (yeah, the ability to "not-cry-like-a-ten-year-old-girl" was a blessing that I USED to have in my life, but now that it's totally gone I see that I even took that for granted haha) I thought of how thoughtful it was for you to not just give him a ride home, but to go in to meet his wife and talk with them. That means so much to people and I never really understood the impact of loving actions like that until my mission. Harrison was part of something really beautiful. Can you send me contact info for Art and Coach Evans? If you can't then can you at least tell them that I'm thinking about and praying for them?

The past week has been eventful. We had transfers and got our new boy on Wednesday! E. Paxson from Gresham (near Portland), OR. I don't got a pic yet, sorry. We'll get one soon  :)  He's a funny kid who has a great testimony.

Pres. & Sis. Harding

We had our "Meet the President" meeting on Thursday, where the entire mission got to officially meet Pres. Harding and his family. Sis. Harding and her son Stockton, her daughter Candice and her son (forgot his name) and his wife (forgot hers too) all arrived last Saturday. At the beginning we kinda did the "wedding line" greeting where they stood there and all us missionaries formed a line and walked in front of them, shaking their hands and greeting them. 

After I greeted Pres. Harding, I moved on down the line to his wife. Sis. Harding looked at me and said, "I can do this. This is from your mom," and with a big smile, she gave me a hug! Thanks Mom! Luv ya! She continued to say that she met you and thinks you are such a wonderful woman--of course I agreed :)

This weekend was great! General Conference is my favorite! We were late to the Saturday morning session (due to lack of communication among members) so I missed the official announcement of the mission age change, but when I did hear it it blew me away! That's crazy! Missionaries are already too immature as it is! hahahah I'm kidding, whom the Lord calls, he qualifies, yeah? It'll be a great blessing for those who take that step and heed the call to serve. A testimony of Jesus Christ is all you need. A knowledge that He loves you, and faith that as you do the Lord's work your family will be blessed, the work you do here will go beyond this life and that you will change and become better. These things are so very true!

Kn came to the Sunday afternoon session w her son and her boyfriend. Oh man, it was rough for them. I sat by them and they looked so bored! After it was over I asked her, "Well, how did you like it?" and after a brief pause, she said carefully, "It was...different." hahahaha! I remember feeling that way not too many years ago! hahahaha! Oh well, maybe the spirit touched her some other way! They bounced after that. 

Tell Elders Soliai and Fraughton that I send my love and gratitude!

All is well here and I don't need much. I just need enough time to do what I need to do here. May God be with you during your hectic day.

Love ya lots,
--E. Heimuli

Week 94 - I Will Die in Lithonia

Hey Mom!

Wow, so Reed Johnson is headin to the mission field already?! Time moves quick! He will experience much growth and much learning as he works as a missionary, I can attest to that. But, as one who is coming to the end of his mission I have learned that, no matter how much I learn and understand, some things--like the meaning of the word "tutelage" or why Utah State is all of a sudden good at football--will forever stay out of reach of my understanding. Humbling.

This week has been such a blessing. I don't remember many details but there were a few things that I have clear remembrance of. Thursday was one of my most memorable days.

We started off the day by going to the temple. Pres. Harding called a ZL council but decided that he wants us missonaries to go to the temple more often. I'm ok with that hahaha. Well, blessings don't come w/o a little anxiety. The meeting was scheduled to start at 9 am. ATL traffic is HORRENDOUS but that particular morning we were making good time thanks to some expert driving. At about 840 am we were well on our way: 30 miles away from home and about 5 minutes to arriving at the temple..yes! That's when I decided to take a quick look at my wallet to make sure I was prepared...I wasn't. It dawned on me that my recommend was sitting on my desk in our apartment. All I could do was laugh and turn right back around. We let Pres know that we were gonna be a little late as we fought traffic back to Lithonia and then once again made our way back to the temple. We got to the temple at 915. Oh yeah.

We did a session and it was a good experience. E. Smith hasn't been to the temple for 14 months, so he was just ecstatic about his visit. Afterwards we had a meeting and Pres Harding expressed his ideas and shared a bit about his promptings with us. Staying true to "mormon time" (which means never start or end on time) we went over time about an hour and 45 minutes. We were getting anxious towards the end cuz we had a baptism to get to at 6pm. It was 4:45 and we still had to travel through ATL rush hour again.

The meeting ended and we BOLTED out of there. For most of the trip to the chapel in Lithonia we were in stand still traffic. As we were sitting there trying to plan out our plan of attack we kept realizing how unprepared we were for everything. We had no programs for the baptism, I had no clothing, no one was at the chapel and the baptismal font was empty...and it was 5:45 and we were a good 8 miles away. During these times I just laugh. By some miracle the cars parted like the Red Sea and we sped toward the chapel and arrived with 5 minutes to spare. Hindulo wasn't even there. It was just us two and Bishop Young. We made the preparations and quick! When Hindulo finally arrived we pulled together one of the smallest, simplest baptisms I have ever been to in my life. We were a whopping 6 people (and a baby). Despite the few numbers of people, the ones that mattered were there. The Spirit flooded the room as I baptized Hindulo (and nearly broke my back from trying to make sure he was completely submerged. The water level was ridiculously low due to being pressed for time to fill it). Really cool experience.

Elder Heimuli, Brother Smith, Elder Smith

Sunday was great. The other missionaries had two baptisms that morning so in sacrament we had 3 confirmations. That made for a very powerful rest of the day. Hindulo, his wife and his daughter were so cute w there matching african patterned clothing.

Ky came to church again. We still haven't gotten to meet w her. Crazy! Kn is good. I wasn't there for the last lesson we had with her but things are good. We just need to find out how we can help her take the next step.

Oh, we got a new ward mission leader and guess who it is?! BRO SALDANA!!!!! Oh man, I'm so excited! I freaking love him and his family! you have to meet them some day, you'll love 'em too!

I talked to Pres Harding this morning and it was confirmed that I will die (finish my mission) in Lithonia. I will be staying with E. Smith, but we're gonna have to take that posterity picture again cuz we'll be training someone again!!!! E. Smith is pretty excited hahaha.

Alright, I love you guys! Thanks for all you do!

with love,
E. Heimuli

Week 93 - Tall Guy & Pix From A Son

Hey mom!

 

This week has been so great! I want to thank you for all your "thank-yous" and that I am very aware of how blessed I've been to have served under 3 mission presidents. It's cool to see the difference between the leading style of the different mission presidents but to know that, no matter who they are, God has called them to lead and guide the mission and it's a tangible feeling. President Harding arrived on Saturday and he called us and the other ATL zls to meet up with him at the Ponce de Leon chapel at 830 that night. We got there and he greeted us with a hug. Tall guy. Pres was there with the APs only--his wife and kids will come next week. We huddled up under the dim parking lot lights and just talked. He told us how excited he is to finally be in Georgia, how great we are and how we're gonna do some great things here. The only way I can describe him is "fatherly." He brought me support from a whole city haha. B-town!

 

Now...this week has been good. Lots of stuff going on. The transfer ends next wednesday...insane! The whole mission is gearing up for a good start to next transfer under the Hardings' leadership and we're all excited.

 

Um...in other news H is set to be baptized this friday. We're excited but we have quite a bit of prep to do still. His work schedule is crazy so he only gets every other sunday off. People usually get baptized on saturday here so they can be confirmed in sacrament the sunday after but this sunday H can't come, then the next sunday is conference and then the next sunday he can't go to church. That's 3 almost 4 weeks with no Holy Ghost!!! So we're baptizing and confirming him Friday.

 

The past few days have been kinda luke warm. We've had long drawn out days where we won't get in to talk to ANYBODY and some of our appointments will fall through. We are finding some great people, though and are just trying to work as hard as we can.

 

Kn is an investigator who has been progressing and she reads everything we give her. She takes notes in a notebook and everything. Last Thusday we had a lesson at her house. There were a group of 12 year old kids playing football on the front lawn as we walked to her front door and into her house. Kn started off by saying that she read in 2 Ne 31. We asked her what stood out to her and she responded, "Verses 8-14. I really like how it talks about baptism." This was really interesting to me cuz everytime we give her an assignment to read, she always comments on the baptism aspect. I asked Kn exactly what I've observed and she says, "Well, I've always wanted to be baptized but I've just been to scared. I want to feel ready and perfect before I do." Our mouths dropped. We knew exactly what to say. We started into how we don't need to be perfect to be baptized, we just need to have faith in Christ. The Spirit started coming into the room--and then we hear the door open and a little girl's voice squeels, "Kn, the boys are fighting outside." Kn jumped up and bolted out the door. Disappointed I followed her out. I get outside to see one boy on top of the other, pummeling his face with his right hand while his left has him in a headlock. We break up the fight and sort everything out. By the time we finish, it's dark and time to head home. 

Satan and his contention prevail hahaha. We go back in a few days. Pray for us!

 

IDK if Houston is a "mini" Helam. He looks pretty big to me hahaha! Tell him to keep being a stud on the field, in the classroom and at church. His example is gonna affect a lot of people around him. Congrats on the dance, buddy:) Have fun with Caroline!

 

Thanks for all your love and support! It really does mean a lot to me! Have a great week:)

 

Love, E. Heimuli

PIX!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(One of Elder Heimuli's sons -- Elder Bakes -- sent these to Mom today...what a good kid)

Elder Heimuli's "Posterity" (L to R) Grandson Freeman, Grandson Barrett, Son Bakes, Dad/Grandpa Heimuli, Son Newman, Son Romero and Son Nay...that's a lot of kids!

 (L to R) Grandson Barrett, Son Bakes, Proud Dad/Grandpa

Week 92 - I Hope I Don't Lose Charity

Dear Mother,

I did get the package w the hawaiian candy and stuff in it. Thank you so much! The pake cake and almond cookies are almost gone haha E. Smith loves them just as much as I do! The package was kind of a call back down to earth for me in a way. My mission has kinda been this dream where my only cares are the cares of other people.

When Dad asked me about school in the letter it hit me HARD that I'm almost done. This dream will be over and I'll have to get back into the grind and worry about myself...I hope I don't lose charity for other people, though. I've been thinking a lot about school and what I want to do. I feel good about staying at Weber and working hard there.

This past week has been yet again a blur. E. Smith and I were freaking out Saturday night cuz we could have SWORN that Sunday was the just the day before.

At church with Bro. Lisonbee (Incredible Ward Mission Leader), Elder Smith, Elder Shelly

The exchanges really make time fly. We went w two other companionships this past week.

On Tuesday I was with E. Bakes!!!! I was so happy hahaha! We tore it up! That night we saw two of his solid investigators and a less active family I worked with when I was there over a year ago...weird to say. Things are looking up over there. I remember when opened that area w E. Shumway and the work was TERRIBLE!!! Bakes and I took a stroll down memory lane and recounted all of our shenanigans that we pulled when we were in C. He said that whole day he felt like things were backwards cuz he thought I was supposed to be the one driving and making decisions of where to go. That boy is about to hit his year mark. Kids just grow up too darn fast! (he loved his cake btw)

Three Generations Picture

Happy to be with "grandbaby" Elder Barrett & "son" Elder Bakes

We are still in the process of teaching H, and he is almost there. The schedule is still making it hard for us to see him but we go by atleast once a week. We finished with the main lessons and are going into the little ones like chastity and the word of wisdom and so forth. He wants to be baptized THIS week but we'll see if we can get everything taught. We're going by tonight so hopefully it all goes well. He can only come every other sunday to church cuz of work, so he wasn't there yesterday. Next week, though! A little about him: he is from SL, A. His wife is a member and they have been married for 3 years. They have the CUTEST 1 year old girl that destroys everything--but you can't get mad at her cuz she just looks at you and gives a little laugh that melts your heart! They moved here from C about 4 months ago and fit everything they owned in a white jeep grand cherokee. The other day they finally acquired their first piece of furniture--a wooden chair. We teach them sitting on the floor in their pretty vacant house.

Ky came yesterday too! It was a small miracle cuz we haven't even talked to her for about 2 weeks and she just showed up with her two kids. I was able to say hey right before sacrament but she bounced before I had another chance to talk to her. (obviously the Heimuli's aren't so great at rock-paper-scissors cuz I had to pass the sacrament and couldn't sit next to her during the meeting) IDK what's going on w Ky but she came. She knows something is true.

I feel like I had a lot more funny stories to tell you but I can't remember them now. The weather here is cooling down and it's fantastic! The fall here is beautiful! I'm excited for the arrival of Pres. Harding and very sad that the Snows are leaving. Why can't they just have two presidents, just until I leave! That'd be great!

Georgia Atlanta Mission Zone Leaders with Pres. Lowell M. Snow & Sis. Tamara Snow

Football is here and we heard all the drama at church today. There are still VERY die hard cougar fans here in Georgia. Freak.

Love you all so much and I hope ya'll have a great week!

--Love, E. Heimuli

"As he now prepares to return home..."

Received this letter in the mail from President Snow.  Can't believe Elder Heimuli's time is coming to an end so soon.  It really does go by too quickly...yes, even for Mom.  :)

Of course, we don't yet have a picture of Elder (Helam) Heimuli's homecoming, but flashback to May 2008 when Elder (Hema) Heimuli returned from Ecuador -- same language, same family -- but soon it'll be the guy sitting underneath the sign (holding the guitar) to hear, "Bienvenidos Elder Heimuli"

Week 91 - Just Be a Normal Missionary

Hey Mom!!!

Life is THE BEST!!! This week was such a blur -- but a good blur :) 

I actually took some pics this time so I could remember some events haha. Yes, going to Chamblee last week was a DREAM! We taught a lot of people and got to visit some members too! We ate like 3 times that night hahaha, good ol' Chamblee. I miss those days when we literally ATE BY FAITH -- not knowing whether or not our stomachs could keep it together, but pushing on with hope. My stomach has shrunk a lot.

This past week we had interviews with Pres. Snow. We all met in the morning at the Chamblee building -- we met with one of the other districts in our zone. 

President Lowell M. Snow

I was the last one to be interviewed. Pres and I sat down and we just talked about things: what I've learned so far, the growth I've made, what I could do to help the Chamblee branch, etc. We had some good conversation. 

I went into that meeting with something on my mind, and I finally brought it up at the very last. I said to him, "President, I've been thinking how I am so grateful for the many opporitunities I've had here and for all of the things I've learned as a Zone Leader. I almost hesitate in asking, but I would like to be dropped and put into Spanish for my last transfer and just be a normal missionary."

Pres. Snow looked at me very thoughtfully. My heart rejoiced! I took this as a good sign. After a few seconds, he smiled and said, "Elder Heimuli, I can't do that."

Dang it. I won't share with you all that he said after that, but it was good. He appreciated the work I've been doing here and said I have a LOT more I need to do before I leave -- especially now with Pres. Harding coming in on the 22nd.

That probably means I'm staying right here.

This past Friday we had a Zone Leader Council meeting and it was a bittersweet one cuz it was the last one with the Snows. That may be the last time I get to see them in person. They have only been here for 9 weeks and they've made such a great impact on me. Some of the greatest people I've known -- and I've really come to love and respect them. 

At the end of the meeting they expressed to us how much they loved us. They didn't expect to get so attached when they left. Sister Snow put it this way, "It feels like we adopted a baby, and 12 weeks later the birth mom comes and asks for it back."

We all chuckled half-heartedly as she shared this with tears in her eyes. Everyone of us felt it, too. I am hoping to see them one more time before the 22nd rolls around, but IDK. They are just SO AWSOME!!! I'll really miss Pres. and Sis. Snow a lot.

One of the many great benefits of ZLC -- besides the obvious blessing of meeting with Pres. & Sis. Snow -- was reuniting with other great leaders/former companions Elder "Prince" Charlesworth (from Pleasant Grove) and Elder Anderson (from Canada)

Things are going well here. E. Smith and I are getting along great and just doing work. We're both amazed at how quickly the time goes by. 

Sitting in front of a pub (what?) with Elder Smith (from North Carolina)...

H is very excited to be baptized. Oh, and he's the only one who went to church. We got in to see him the other night and he said he wants to get baptized this month! We're just gonna keep teaching him and when he's gone, he'll just hop on into the water. Ky, we haven't talked to for a little while. I don't know who Karen is, but Kn is doing well. She reads everything we give her and is there for all our appointments. We're going back this Wednesday.

Thanks Mom and Dad for all that you do for us kids. I know that things are stressful and tight and you don't get the appreciation that you deserve, but I wanna say thanks for all you do from all of us kids. I'm sure the Lord is blessing you for giving me the chance to come closer to Him and to help others know the Gospel as well. Probably the best way to thank you is to just work hard here in the mission field. I'm sure Hevynn feels the same. She's working and studying hard to make the best of the opporitunity you've given her.

It kinda works that way with the Atonement, too, yeah? Christ doesn't expect us to pay Him back, or anything like that, for His sacrifice. He just wants us to make the MOST of the Atonement. That is how we can show our thanks to Him. Judging from biblical evidence, I am SURE that when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He felt like things were tight and pretty stressful when he cried out, "Abba (father), why hast thou forsaken me?" But He did it for each one of us! As we read the scriptures, we understand that Christ did it alone, but He did it so we don't ever have to be alone. We can ALWAYS have faith that He will be with us. That's the kind of faith y'all have and it's so cool to see!!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!

It's Elder Bakes (one of Elder Heimuli's sons) b-day today so last night E. Smith and I made him a MAD b-day cake. It's freaking cool. 

Upon closer inspection, the MAD b-day cake E. Smith & E. Heimuli made for E. Bakes appears to be the Savior standing outside the tomb. That IS pretty freaking cool!

Yay! Houston made a TD! I almost jumped out of my chair I was so excited!

Anyways, that is all. Much love from the ATL and I hope to talk to you next week!

--E. Heimuli

Week 90 - Hope

Hey mom!

 

It's tuesday and it's looking like we're gonna be having a busy busy week and it's gonna go by fast--again! We just got done w a district meeting and I'm on exchanges with Elder Thomas in Chamblee!!!!! I'm so excited to be in Spanish!!

 

This past week was one of our slower ones...but looking back now it went by pretty dang fast. It was slow because it was the end of the month, and as you could probably guess, we were out of miles. COMPLETELY out of miles...with 4 days left. So, we strapped on our walking shoes and worked worked worked. Our area is pretty dang big and most of our investigators live about twenty minutes away. We just decided to walk and talk and knock. Not super effective but it's the kind of work that we could do.

 

We were able to see some investigators when members came w us and we had some really good lessons. One of them was a new investigator named Kn. She was a former who we talked to again and she let us teach her! She is used to going to a mega-church, which is held in a stadium and has about 10, 000 members hahaha CRAZY! She doesn't like it, though, cuz she didn't feel it on a personal level. We have invited her to church and she said she would come, but she didn't tell us when.

 

Ky called us this past week crying cuz her oldest son (12 years old) ran away from home. We felt bad cuz we were stuck all the way south and she lived in the very north of our area. We wanted to help look for him so bad but it just wasn't gonna happen. The only thing we could do was call some people and organize a search party. So we did. All ended well and he was found that night in a nearby neighborhood. I don't know why he bounced but they're all home safe and sound now. Ky is still working through some things and can't seem to take that step of baptism.

 

Sunday was good. We fasted as a zone to find, but we did it personally by inviting each area individually. We felt if it was labelled as a "zone fast" the missionaries wouldn't be as gung ho about it. Well, the missionaries all were into it and we had good results. We are already finding some great people who want to progress! It's awsome!

 

I have had such a wonderful time here in the mission. It has been hard but it has been great. The reality that it will be over soon has been looming closer and closer and really it's kinda scary to think about. I don't know what my new life will bring. Will i make good decisions about what i do with the rest of my life? Will i be ok? I'm starting to think that i will. 

Recently I have been thinking a lot lately about Hope. Hope is so important and w/o it we really can't get to the kingdom of God. (Ether 12:32) We usually think on baptism as the key and it is, I'm not dissin it. But what is baptism worth if you don't endure to the end? How can you endure to the end, through the trials and tribulations and such, if you don't have hope? 

Well hey, I know that with the knowledge that we are sons and daughters of God (which means we are heirs to his kingdom and ALL that he has[Romans 8:16-17]) and the knowledge that Jesus Christ performed the atonement (which paved the way and made it possible to inherit all things), we will have the strength to press on! 

I have a hope that I will be a better person when I go home and it has motivated me to work hard and use the atonement daily. God loves us!!!! He won't leave us comfortless and he knows that we are ALL strong enough to over come our difficulties and trials to make it back home. We just need to know that for ourselves :)

 

Thanks Mom for everything! I don't really need anything at the moment. Keep praying for me!

 

--Love, E. Heimuli

Week 89 - Hansen Died (R.I.P.)

Hey Mom!

The new transfer has begun and it's going well. Elder Hansen died (RIP) wednesday.

Funny, he doesn't even look ill.

He was replaced by E. Kyle Smith. E. Smith is from North Carolina and has been out for a little over a year. All the Georgians love it cuz they finally have a 'southern boy' instead of all these crazy random Utahns...

Elder Smith & Elder Heimuli

We kinda just rolled into this trasfer so nothing has changed too much. We have been trying to find the past half week and it's had a little bit of success. Smith's southern hospitality (if you could call it that) has opened up a few doors.

H was the only investigator that came to church yesterday. We still haven't been able to sit down with him this week and teach. He did start his job today so that was a blessing. We met this awsome guy named B who is staying w a member for a little while. He came to church and the baptism last week and LOVED it. We sat down with him and the member he lives with, T, and had a good lesson. B is this quiet but funny guy and just loves all the things he is learning in church. Neither of them came yesterday to church but we're not worried. Things will work out the way they're supposed to.

Now, K is stuck and we've been at this point with her for about a month where she knows that she needs to get baptized but just won't do it. She says that she 'isn't ready' but won't tell us what she needs help with. A member couple invited us all over for dinner last night and we were able to talk there. We read the BoM and invited her to read it everyday! She accepted and we even have a member who will call her every night to help her read. I know that if she reads she'll receive and answer to be baptized!!!!!

I was walking through the chapel yesterday, talking to people and Sis. W grabs me and the first thing she says is, "Your Mom is so sweet." (or something to that affect) Of course, I smiled and agreed:) Sis. W's Mom came to church! I was really excited about that and I bet she was too. MIRACLES! Cuz we for sure didn't do much but that's just a testimony that the Lord hears prayers and the Lord does his work.

I am just so grateful for all of you and for the support and love I feel here. One thing I am definitely grateful for is the knowledge of eternal families--I can't say that enough. Probably the most rewarding feeling is helping someone else come to the same knowledge and you're all helping in that cause!

Love ya'll very very much
--E.Heimuli

MORE PIX!

Left to Right: Unknown, Unknown, Elder Morrill, Elder Hansen, Elder Heimuli, Elder Fruean

Elder Romero, Hansen & Heimuli

Left to Right:  Elder Shelley (Springville UT), Romero (Taylorsville UT), Smith (Somewhere in NC) & Elder Bad-Hair-Day Heimuli (Woods Cross UT)