Veitalia na Draki - 8 Jul 2018

Bula Vinaka Kemuni Kece,

It's been an odd week.  The work in our area is going very well and we're continuing to witness tender mercies everyday.  However, this week officially marks 1 year since I received an email from my mother telling me of my brother, Jamie, taking his life.  I found myself pondering on this a lot more than usual this past week.  Jamie was one of my best friends, someone I could talk to about literally anything.  Thinking about him not being there when I get home breaks my heart.  But this tragic loss has opened up my eyes to one of the most important things we can do in this life, Temple work.   I happily await the day I can take his name to the Temple.  I know how tough this past year has been for my dad and my brother's mom, Jill.  I love them both and wish I could be there to give comfort.

I have been blessed to serve a mission.  It has taught me so many things about myself and the Gospel that I wouldn't have ever been able to learn otherwise.  It's crazy for me to think about the person I was 2 years ago and the person I am now.  I am still learning a lot and I still need to make a lot of improvements on myself, but I now know what I need to do and how to do it.  

My companion and I have set a high baptismal goal this transfer, 5.  I know we can do it and I wanted something that would push us to work harder.  I have faith we will accomplish our goal and hopefully exceed it.  

The Naulu area is a blast!  Its the city... but if I had to be serving anywhere in the city I am glad its Naulu.  The friendships I have developed with our members and investigators are ones that will last for life.  I am forever grateful for my choice to serve a mission and even more fortunate to have been able to serve in Fiji. 

Have a great week, 

Love,

Elder Richardson 

Watchout... Palagi nice with the coconuts.  Learned a thing or two on Rabi. 

Exchanges with Elder Aisa.  He's the man.  Samoan out of Australia.  Plus our two girls Nunu and Christine.  Christine is getting baptized in a week. (left)

Na Vosa Levu Dina.   The kid to my left is perhaps the loudest kid in all of the land.  

9- mile cemetery.   Always popping.  Funerals almost everyday out in the islands.