Semana 44 - Blisters, Maps, Conversions

Hi mom!

I'm doing good and everything is still moving along here. Not as well as we'd like, but it's going as well as God likes, hahaha.

Our zone sports day went well. We played a big game of soccer, then rugby, then football. By the time we got to football I was SO tired! We had about 30 missionaries and it was really fun! It rained the ENTIRE time we were there haha. The weather held until we got to the park, then it poured non stop until about 8 that night, it was great! It felt more like we were swimming than running. I did make the mistake of buying brand new cleats the morning of, so I had a couple nice blisters and a pretty pronounced limp to go along with it.

A lot of our time this week was spent making our map of the area. We pin up our investigators, members, and potential investigators. It takes hours to do. We're still not completely done but we're getting there. The map is useful for visualizing the areas we can work in throughout the day as not to waste miles and time.

As for investigators, we haven't had much success. There were a couple families that we found and seemed really great but they never answer the doors again haha. This week an English elder came on exchanges with me (again) so that meant I had to teach all by myself for a few days. It's a great experience but very overwhelming. We went by Luis' house and gave a blessing to him and his girlfriend. Then we taught them how to bless their house. I guess Casey felt like there was a weird spirit in the house and recently they've been feeling contentious and stuff like that. We talked with them later in the week, and they were feeling better and decided that they're getting married the 1st of December and we set up a date for his baptism for the 3rd. Those are for next transfer and we're all positive I'm being transferred. Just my luck, right?

So, as for the "conversion story" I don't know if I'm gonna have a crazy one any time soon, but I don't really expect them cuz God doesn't work like that...too often. He is more of a "step by step" kind of guy. The conversions I have heard of or seen have been progressive things. Even in Ramon's case, I found out my last transfer in Marietta that he was actually a former investigator of Elder Henderson's when Henderson was in Marietta as a greenie...almost two years earlier. He didn't just fall out of the sky and into the font. The Lord prepared him and he was converted through the Spirit over time. There is that scripture in Alma 25 (?) that talks about how the Lamanites that were converted by Ammon were converted by the Spirit and for that, they stayed firm in the gospel. Even though what I witnessed with Ramon was a quick, he-obeyed-everything-we-taught-him experience, he was actually shown the gospel earlier and the Lord worked with him over a period of months and years up until the point he was finally spiritually converted and told us he wanted to be baptized.

Thank you so much for the shoes, shirts and packages! You guys are the greatest! Oh, and before I forget, How is Ben Heimuli doing? I've been thinking about him a lot. How is his family doing? Can you tell them that I say hi, and I love them, and I pray for them? Has my cousin decided on the mission yet?

Yes, mom, we're eating at members' homes:) Don't worry about me! And we're going over to Berwynn's granddaughters house tonight to eat and teach a lesson in their FHE. It's gonna be good!

Anyways, I love you all and I hope you all have a good week!

--Elder Heimuli

(Note from Mom: I received a wonderful email from Berwyn's granddaughter Emily with pics of her family and the elders' Monday night dinner/family home evening/pumpkin-carving contest! Her oldest daughter and Elder Stockman took the "best-lit" pumpkin award, while her youngest son and Elder Heimuli won "cleanest/best-smelling" pumpkin (not too many years ago, Helam never would have won a "cleanest/best-smelling" award...I'm so proud).

Semana 43 - Columbus Day, Surprise Contact, Back to M-town

Yeah, it surprised me that the libraries were open today as well. I guess people here don't believe in Christopher Columbus...haha. Maybe a bit like how some don't believe people need to actually keep the commandments to be saved. Weird.

Anyways...I'm doing great! The sun is shining and it is another p-day! We're gonna go play sports today as a zone so that's really exciting. Especially since I haven't exercised in a transfer and a half, and you can tell.

This week has been good. We find some investigators and we lose them. We still have our couple semi-solid ones. There hasn't been much progression, but we are still working with them. We're still waiting for Luis to see if he is gonna marry his gf so we can set a date, but we didn't see him all this week. We got in to see Jose and he is progressing once again. We didn't teach an actual lesson to Francisco this week, but saw him on the street once. So pray for them.

We're still working hard every day. One day we got a referral from Chamblee elders and we decided to go contact it. When we knocked on the door, we were shocked when Tony answered! He is 18 and lives where Stockman and I both served before. I thought I'd never see him again, and the night I left he wasn't in town so I didn't get a picture with him. But there he was and we were both speechless! I was so happy and all of us just started talking. His dad and brother both live there. The referral was from his sister in law. So now we're gonna go by and teach them! Super cool and I was so happy!



Saturday we went to another DIA DE LAS NACIONES but this time back in Marietta! How awesome! Stockman and I were so excited to go and see everyone! Pretty sure one of my happiest moments was just seeing everyone I knew and talking to them.

(Guess this is Elder H's happy face? Hm.)


It felt like I was home! Everyone was doing great! J has a date for this Saturday but is still waiting to see if the divorce went through. He'll hear word back today. The coolest thing was that there was a lady there named Margarita. She was an investigator I found and taught and she was really awesome. We later fell out of contact cuz her machista boyfriend came back and he didn't like us. Anyways, she recognized me and we started talking and she is getting baptized with her son on the 22nd! Oh man, I was SO happy! One cuz she still knew me and two cuz she is finally getting baptized! I knew she was a good one!



That's all really. Our area is still trucking, slowly, but at least the work is progressing in the world. Well, that's all for now, I'm gonna send pics in an email.

Love you!
Elder Heimuli

Semana 42 - Conference, Marshmallows, Polys

Hi mom and family!

I decided to recount my week backwards. So I have to agree that conference was amazing this weekend. I can't tell you how many things I learn now that I actually watch it! It's great! Since all of the talks were so great, it's hard to pick a favorite. I did my questions again this Conference and every single one of my concerns were answered. I know it shouldn't, but it surprises me every time I do it and it builds my testimony that God really loves us. He knows our problems and the challenges we face and he tells us the answers through our prophets and other leaders of the church. Like the words of President Uchtdorf, "Our Heavenly Father is the most powerful being in all of the universes and he loves you." ...or something to that extent. I know that's true. I have more light and direction in my mission and my life.

I did get the package! We swung over to pick it up as we headed over to the saturday morning session. I actually got it a couple days before but we were out of miles and had to walk everywhere. Thank you so much Hevynn for the chex, and mom and dad for the letters and the food! ESPECIALLY the letters! The shoes are great too, of course I want them! I just didn't want to get them dirty and ruined like my other ones...but I busted 'em out just for conference--I was lookin' good haha!

In between sessions on Saturday we went to a little girls' birthday (I forgot her name...) and that was fun. It's ok that I forgot her name cuz she's not in my area haha. There they had these GIANT marshmallows and I tried to see how many I could fit into my mouth at once, without chewing, and I only got 2!



They were as big as my face! The Sunday session we just all got together (8 of us) and cooked a bunch of spam, rice, eggs, and corned beef. Oh yeah, I'm converting everyone in the mission into polys.

Speaking of Polys, here's Elder Kivalu, Elder H, Sister Havili, Sister Nansen and Elder Lauese


Stockman and I were hoping to see a couple people at Conference but no luck. We spent the last half of the week walking and tracting and inviting our little hearts out. We know that if someone hears the prophet speak, there's no WAY they won't know he is sent from God. But yeah, no one came. It's ok though, cuz that meant I could watch conference in english and I get a lot more out of it that way.

Luis gave us a scare cuz he's been canceling his appointments with us for the past week and a half, but we finally did see him last night and he's doing good. He watched conference in another ward and he really liked the talk about the BoM. He knows it's true now haha! We need to work on his marriage but once that happens we'll have a date. Other than that we have a couple ok investigators but we are still trying to find the elite! I want a good story to tell Harrison...maybe he can just tell MY conversion story, cuz that's the biggest one i've witnessed out here. It's cool, I'll find one.

Besides that our week has been a little iffy, but super great. I'm so blessed to be out here and learning the things I am! I love it--the good and the bad!

I just barely destroyed my running shoes this morning playing basketball so I think I need other ones. But please don't go and buy brand new ones, I feel bad. Go to DI and grab some 5 buck ones and that would be AMAZING! Besides that, just send me your love! Well, here's me sending my love! (and pics in a little bit...)

--Elder Heimuli

General Conference broadcast: Elder Kivalu (from Tonga) and Elder Heimuli (from Utah)

Semana 41 - Goodbye Shumway, Hello Stockman

Hi mom!

So I have another transfer here but I got a new companion, Elder Stockman. Shumway got transferred somewhere with Elder Haight, my MTC comp. It was a surprise cuz we were POSITIVE we were gonna stay together another transfer, but God has other plans haha.

It's good though, Elder Stockman is cool. He is a super good missionary and I'm trying to learn a lot from him. He came out with Elder Shumway so they have the same amount of time. Stockman is from Sandy, UT and went to Brighton High School. There are SO MANY Utahns here! This past transfer we had about 8 or so new missionaries and all of them were from Utah, except one who was from Idaho...close.

The transfer so far has been pretty ok. We are back down to one solid investigator (the others just disappeared) and we had to push his date back so hopefully we can still pull it through. One crazy thing was that last transfer we barely had any food, and only a few dinner appointments a week. So far, in the first week, I think we've had a dinner appointment every day and there were two or three days where we had two dinners in a span of two hours--oh man, I thought I was gonna die! Hispanics are like Polys: you eat EVERYTHING on your plate, and then get seconds. You have no choice.

This week was just full of planning for the transfer and trying to teach whomever will let us. Stockman and I are speaking Spanish the WHOLE TIME and it's great! I'm learning a lot faster this way. Thus far, we've spoken more spanish to each other than english. The week has just been full of me learning and improving and I have a feeling that's how it's gonna be for the whole transfer. I'm super excited.

Church was good. We didn't have any investigators or less actives come but it was still good. I forgot that it was fast sunday cuz of conference! How lame am I? So yeah, I'll definately be fasting extra...soon!

I'm super excited for General Conference and it's crazy that it's here already! I remember last conference I was just a greenie! I don't really need any activity things for conference seeing as we have no investigators, but when we get some, I'll be sure to make a maze or somehthing for them to do hahaha!

This week we've taught a lot about profets and how they are God's messengers. They are here to guide us and to warn us. Theirs words can comfort us, heal us, help us, and may other things that I don't even know. The only way to know is to experience it yourself. One cool thing I've been doing during conference (since Thomas told me to do this last year or so) is I write down questions I have or things I need answered in my life, and pray for guidance and council. It's amazing that every time I've done this, and paid attention during conference, every one of my questions have been answered by the talks given. They really are the words of God and He is there to help us in our lives if we just seek him and heed those answers.

The weather here is still pretty hot but it's been cooling down. Maybe not cool enough to break out the sweaters but maybe in a month or so. It's crazy how fast time flies by...and how slow it seems to limp past as well...it's all a matter of perspective. My perspective is that I'm here to help others, and in the process learn a whole bunch of stuff myself. There's never enough time to learn everything.

Thank you guys for all that you do and tell everyone that I love them. I will talk to you all later!

--Elder Heimuli

PICS! A few weeks ago, Elder H mentioned seeing his uncle in a missionary article in a church magazine. Today he scanned and sent it.


At Coke World with Comp #5 Elder Shumway who was transferred last week.


Having smores on Elder Shumway's last night as Elder Heimuli's comp.


District photo at the Atlanta Temple.


Elder Heimuli enjoying a cold one with the founder of Coca-Cola (disclaimer: neither the drink nor the founder seated at the table are real).

Semana 40 - Great teams, Happy families

Hi Mom!

So, yeah, super confusing what happened last week. I hope you got my replies to your emails last week as well, I think they were scattered over two letters or something. No worries, I got the letter today with no problems!

That anniversary story is so cool! Totally worth the $100 steaks, yeah? I know that what you learned in FHE is true. The bonds we form here on this earth with our families are supposed to last forever. That's the way God intended it. This is how we obtain the greatest happiness here on this earth, and when we are reunited with our Heavenly Father with our families we experience infinite happiness (Mosiah 2:41). That's why Satan tries so hard to destroy the family with all of the evil things we see in the world today. The only way to stay strong and endure to the end is through obeying the commandments God gives to us--ITS TRUE!!!!

I'm glad all the kids are doing great! Sound busy but great! I'll send you a cool conversion story for Harrison...as soon as I get one haha! And speaking of stories, did they stop making the NEWSLETTER? I haven't seen it for a while.

Our week was good. We have just been working hard to finish off the transfer. Wednesday is transfers and we get calls tonight to find out what's gonna happen. We are thinking we are gonna stay together, but you never know cuz the transfers here are unpredictable.

For right now we have Luis as our investigator with a baptismal date for the 1st of Oct. We have a few other progressing that we have pretty big hopes for: Jose, Francisco, and Anet. The area is really picking up so it's exciting. I can't say the same for my Spanish, though, but maybe you're right...but a big MAYBE. It's really challenging to improve and constantly get better, and I love it for the most part. It is what life is all about.

We went to Jake and Emily Huckaby's home again for dinner on Friday and they were hanging their BYU flag with pride outside their front door...but I don't know if they left it there after that game hahaha. I guess there are no Utah fans back here to make fun. They are doing great and they're super awsome! Their kids are cute and HILARIOUS too! They may be a Handful for them, but they are great entertainment for us haha!

Like I said, I'm doing great! The weather is getting chilly, though. I guess it's gonna be a cold winter. There's not really anything I need--just your love and support and I'm golden! Thank you all so much for what you do for me and I'll talk to you later!

Luv, Elder Heimuli Pic from Elder Pasiaka's website!

Semana 39, Part 2 - Remembering 9/11 & Football

After resending my letter, I finally got a reply:


Yay! Ok, I got the letter! Super cool!

I do remember when the twin towers were hit, I was at school waiting for the bell to ring. I think I was in Mrs. Allen's 3rd grade class too. Wow, that was a long time ago. But it's always good to remember times like that, not dwell on them, learn and continue moving forward. "The future is only as bright as your faith." (Thomas S. Monson).

Oh man, I didn't think I'd ever miss football as much as I do now hahaha! Work first. Play later, yeah? I can't wait to come back and get back into it! Good for Houston. Keep being a stud. I can't believe Bountiful lost to Viewmont, ughhh! Houston better not lose to them when he plays. Boo Viewmont! Boo Hema! (hahaha jk bro, you cool),

Work here is going good. Then it rained for 4 days in a row but now it's starting to heat up again. I like the cooler weather much more. And I did get the box dad sent. Thank you so much! I don't wanna wear the new shoes cuz their so nice compared to my other ones I have haha! Church was good and we only went to our branch.

Well, that's all for this second installment! Love you guys!

--Elder Heimuli

Semana 39 - Where's My Mail?

The only thing that makes a missionary mom sadder than not getting a letter from her missionary, is to get one from him asking, "Where My Mail?" Don't have a clue why it didn't send. From my outbox, it looks like it sent. So here's what he said without the benefit of the 100 questions I usually ask in my email:


Dear family,

Yes, today is Monday. Seeing as I didn't get an email today from you guys I figured it was either one of two things: armageddon is here and it hasn't reached the south yet, or you guys are sending me a SUPER DUPER HUGE package in the mail today and put the letter in there! I pray it's the second one!

Anyways, I'll give you guys a rundown of what the happenings are here in Atlanta.

This week we commited two people to baptism. One guy is Jose who we met last week just knocking doors. It's a pretty funny story. So when we were knocking we weren't having any success, people wouldn't let us in, let along answer the door. So on our last door we knock, I look down and there are two pennies face up on the ground. I just laugh and pick 'em up and hand one to Elder Shumway. I told him that this guy is totally gonna answer the door and want to be baptized. We just laugh and wait a little longer. Well we decide we're done for that complex and turn to walk away but then someone answers the door. He immediately just invites us in and we have a lesson with him. Then next lesson we have with him, a few days later, we soft commit him to baptizm, which he said yes.

Then we recieved a referral from the Yankees (North Missionaries) for a guy named Luis. They told us he's super golden, so we're just like, "Great! Thanks a lot!" We go over to his house and meet him and his girlfriend Kacee. She just moved here from Florida and is a recent convert of 10 months. He is from Mexico. They're both in their twenties, so they're young and super cool. He wants to get baptized and marry her and maybe serve a mission if he's not too old first. So we had a lesson with them and it was good. We set a date with Luis for the 1st of October. Really exciting stuff.

One of the biggest events this week was a party called Dia de las Naciones. It's a big party the branch holds every year. It's a celebration of all the Latin countries where we do a tour of the chapel, eat food (dishes from every country) and they put on a show made up of all the dances from the different countries as well. It's really successful and we get a lot of non-members to come to it. This year, one of the people in charge, Sister Saldana, blackmailed us into singing a musical number. She said if we didn't sing, she would stop feeding us! Well, once the whole thing was done she said we did great and then added, "you guys didn't really think I'd stop feeding you, right?" We performed a song called, "How Can I Be?" and I played the uke. We only practiced twice and half the singers didn't even know the song haha. It was fun though!


(Elder H in the middle playing the uke)

Luis and Kacee came to the party and cheered us on haha! We met a lot of cool people at the party, got a few referals, and ate a lot of good food. I'd say it was a success!

This is the last full week of the transfer so we're just gonna finish strong. Oh, and I heard Juan has a date for the 20th of Oct or something so that was cool to hear!

Well hope you are all doing great and I'll send pictures in a separate email!

Luvs--Elder Heimuli