Morgans 20th Letter - Photos

Dear Family & Friends

So this has been a good week. We had Transfer Calls on Sunday.... And..... Me and Elder Shepherd are Both Staying in the Area. Which is Awesome because i am loving it here! and Im Loving My companion a bunch. We get along super well! better than me and my 1st companion Elder Pincock. Elder Pincock is going home tomorrow back to Highland Utah.

Last Sunday our Hot Water Stopped working. I looked around the Hot Water heater to see if i could tell whats wrong. I flipped the switches in the breaker. and Nothing. So all week we had freezing cold showers. It reminded me of when we had Freezing Cold Showers in the 1st Cedar Hills house, because the Electricity wasnt on yet. But Its warm here, unlike it was in Cedar Hills. On Friday Evening a Repair Man came and Fixed the Hot Water Heater. So Now i really appreciate having hot water.

On Thursday i got a call from Sister Scott, she works in the Mission Office. She asked where i was. and I was suprised at the random question that was, then i replied i was in Papakalea. Then she Says Well your supposed to be Getting your MRI right now. I totally messed up what day my MRI was on. So i call the Bishop and rush down the the office. and Luckily they still let me get my MRI even though i was 45 minutes late. Inside of the MRI machine, she had me cross my arms acrossed my chest. and like halfway through my Elbow started burning, like it was gonna melt, like my elbow was being microwaved. I tried to handle the pain but it was too much, so i pushed the emergency stop button, and the machine stopped. Then she pulls me out, and asks whats wrong. so i tell her, and she tells me to lay my arms next to my side this time. so i do that, and No Pain, everything was fine.

We were Walking across a park on Friday. And Some random guy gets off the Bus and Runs up to us. He was Probably 30 years old. He had Shoulder Length Ratty hair. and A Long Beard. He was Haole, which means white. He had really yellow Crooked Teeth, and His Eyes were really blood shot red. His veins in his eyes were all bulging red. He was really Drunk, and High, and everything else. He walks up to us and hands us a bag with 2 Chocolate Milks in them. I thank him. Then he says " you gotta drink them right now while they're cold," then he snatched them back, and says "your not gonna drink them right now are you?" Then he opens one and drinks it. Puts it in his backpack. and Grabs out a White Milk Carton. and says " Here's the really protein, i carry this everywhere with me." Then he was telling us about his Squating at the Gym, and that his stretch marks are embarrassing. Then Elder Shepherd gives him a pass along card, with Jesus appearing to the Nephites. He says "oh Ive read The Book of Mormon before, All the way to Isaiah." Then he Flips the card back over, and looks at the picture. And Says "Oh look its Moroni and Hes grabbing Solomon's by the hair to save Him." Then He asks us where were going and we tell him Papakalea. Then he says "dont go there, those people are fags." "Go up there to Aleva Heights, those chinese people are nice." Then He started Rapping about Chinese people, and when he ate at a chinese restaurant. I was trying not to laugh! Then He points to Aleva Heights and says "we need to go up there and resque all the Mormon Girls. Or else they are going to get kidnapped." Then He says " Look its Captain Moroni up there next to Curtis's house! We need to go up there with him." " Do you see him, hes on the mountain up there." Then we tell him we have to go now, but he wont let us leave. He just keeps talking. So we tell him we have an appointment and start walking away. We walk for a minute and i look back, and hes still staring and pointing at the mountain. It was a really funny experience!

Well thats pretty much everything i can think of that happen this week. I love you all an hope you have an awesome week!

Love Elder Durocher

So on Saturday and Sunday nights all of the Missionaries in the Honolulu Zone were Ushers at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Christmas Concert! It was super fun. So my job was to stand at the north door and great everyone coming in, and give them a program, and direct them to a seat. It was super fun, i enjoyed it. Then after everyone was seated we got to watch the Christmas Concert. They had a whole Orchestra, Lots of Singers, and Performers, and Dancers. It was an awesome concert. The Place was packed full of people. I dont even want to try to guess how many people came. Probably near 1000+. We also handed out lots of Book of Mormons, and other Material.

Oh Tantembaum..Oh Tantembaum...

Elder Shepherd with his Christmas package

Morgan has a toy Helicopter in his hand

MTC Buddies in Hawaii

Morgan's 19th Letter - Photos

Downtown Honolulu

On the steps of somewhere?

Suicide Shake!

Dear Family

So this week we had a Zone Christmas Party. It was on Thursday. We got there in the morning, and we played songs with Chimes that all made different notes. Then everyone would hit their chime when the Christmas song said it. It sounded really cool and was super fun. Then we Watched " The Other Side of Heaven." It was really funny to watch, because i could relate to a lot of stuff the John Groberg was talking about. Then They gave all the missionaries a little duffle bag, with the mission emblem on it, and a key chain thing. Then everyone had their Interviews with President Dalton.

I have a cool story about The Other Side of Heaven. So In the Movie John Groberg goes to an outer island of Tonga and starts a school. Well i met one of the little kids that was in that school, and knew John Groberg, in real life, not the movie. She is 60 something years old, and shes from Tonga. She attended that school when she was a little girl. Some of her other Brothers and Sisters also attended that school. Her Father knew John Groberg very well. Her name is Sister Richter. She married a White guy, im not sure what her Tongan Maiden name is. But shes in my ward. and It was cool to hear that connection of history.

Sister Richter also told us that The Other Side of Heaven is actually filmed in Fiji. When they starting the production of the movie, they tried to connect all of their stuff ( Equipment, trailors, buildings, all the stuff it takes to make a movie) Into the Power Grid in a small island of Tonga, and It Blacked out the Whole Island. So the Whole island had no Electricity. So the Chief of Tonga said they had to go, and could not film the movie in Tonga anymore. So They filmed the Movie in Fiji instead.

On Friday i went to the Dentist to have them fix my Top Permanent Retainer because it broke again. He Just cut off the part that was hanging down, and put glue over the pokie part. So i guess that works. Haha i thought it was funny how he did it. But its working good now. Dr Mallard did it, and hes a dentist that does missionaries for free. Hes a cool guy.

On Saturday we went to Sister Richters house to do service. We prepared lots and lots of food for the Ward Christmas Party Saturday Night. I made the special Tongan Banana's, they were boiled, and then pealed, cut up, and then covered in Coconut Milk. We also made Mussels, Potato Salad, Sweet Potato, Turkey and Chicken, All of this in very Large Quantities. It was really fun to learn from her. She is a super nice lady. She wrote a book about her child hood growing up, and their are lots of amazing stories she told us that are in the book. Her Father saved a whole island in Tonga, because he stored up a bunch of food, and then their was a Tsunami that destroyed the whole island, so he provided food for the whole island. Her Family was one of the First Members of the Church in Tonga. You should look up the book mom?? Its Called " From Tonga to Zion."  "The Story of Fa'aki Kihelotu 'Alatini Richter or Faith and Prayer." (So i guess thats her Tongan Name). Prepared by Ella Mae Judd. Sister Richter is an amazing person.

We found 2 new investigators this week. I had a really spiritual experience when i was on an exchange with an Elder Miller. We visited one of there investigators. and The Spirit just took over me. I shared a scripture with him from Helaman 5, about building your foundation on Jesus Christ. He really loved him. Then I said some more things to him, and Then i invited him to be baptized on the 29th of this month. It was super amazing and the Spirit was working through me so Powerfully and so strong. The next day, he told me that both of his parents want to be baptized too! It was an amazing experience!

Well i love you all. Happy holidays!
Love Elder Morgan James Durocher

Morgan's 18th Letter

Hello Family This week has been pretty great!

 I got a lot of exercise this week. But i also ate a lot too, so I'm pretty sure i gain weight this week haha! My area is on the Mountain, so everywhere we go is uphill. We have a pretty large area too.  At the beginning of the Week i was loving all the exercise from walking, but towards the end of the week i was hating it haha. So on Saturday we walked around for like 4 hours, walking all around our area, trying to contact all of our Investigators, Former Investigators, and Less Active Members. We have only met a few people cuz we are both new. So this whole week we've been focusing on trying to see everyone. On Saturday we stopped by like 25 peoples houses, in like 4 hours straight of walking, with No success. The person was either not home, or no one answered. It was really lame. We had 1 lesson this whole week. But we did find a new Investigator.

Some guy on Saturday flagged us down, while we were walking down the road. and asked if we could pray for him, because he was having a hard time. So we pray for him. and talk to him. and Then i share a scripture Alma 36:3, that i had found in my personal study that morning. that Says " For i know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their Trials, and their Troubles, and their Afflictions, and shall be lifted up in the last day." Its a super cool scripture that helped me and helped him. The guy was slightly drunk, we could smell it on his breath, and by the way he was talking, and standing. We got an appointment to go back the next day. So we go by the next day, and he says he's better, and he doesn't want us to talk to him, or stop by any more. But it was a cool experience to find a scripture that same day to help him.

Me and Elder Shepherd are getting along perfectly. Like super amazingly well, hes an awesome guy, and we work really well together.

So i Have had a goal since the Beginning of my Mission to Bear My Testimony every Fast Sunday. and So far i have. Yesterday was my 5th time so far bearing my testimony in sacrament. Its kinda scary to bear your testimony in front of tons of strangers, but it went well. It was cool to bear my Testimony on My Birthday.

On Sunday we had 2 dinner appointments. Our first 1 was at the Richters home, they are our ward mission leader. and They made Spaghetti and Garlic Bread my favorite!! They didn't even ask what i wanted for dinner, and i never told My Companion Elder Shepherd that i like spaghetti. So it was an awesome coincidence! Then  they brought out a Birthday cake for me and i blew out the candles. Sister Richter is Tongan, and was telling us stories about back home in Tonga. Her Family was friends with the Guy in the Other Side of Heaven, i forget his name.

Then our Next dinner We ate at the Wongs house. And Guess what!? To my Surprise we ate Spaghetti Again!! :) and garlic Bread! I was totally shocked and in aww. it was really funny!

Then we go home, and a ward member, who is our next door neighbor calls us and tells us to hurry over. We think that there must be an emergency, and she's in trouble, so we run over. and Knock on the door, and walk in, and there's a birthday cake on the Table, and they start singing to me. and they got me a Christmas tree tie, and a box of chocolate. and Groceries. They actually were going to buy a house in Cedar Hills. They were going to Buy the Ethan's friend Michael Perry's house, about 3 years ago. The big house right next to the 3 story park. It was really cool to talk to them about that. I ate so much food on Sunday, i was so stuffed.

I got your Letter in the Mail on Saturday so that was really fun. and a couple letters from friends.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNIE!! i hope you have a great 23 birthday!! :)

Well that's all i can think of right now Family.


Love Elder Durocher

Sara here.....as an added note, at home I had my nephew Harris and niece Heidi over for dinner with Ethan and Kwinn and I.  While eating dinner I realized that I had made Morgans favorite meal.....SPAGHETTI!!! And this was on Sunday, his birthday!  I had purposefully made him a cake with candles and sang happy birthday!  Pretty funny!

Morgan's 17th Letter - Photos

Sara here.... I wasn't sure I wanted to post this letter but decided it's important to tell the truth.  This is the truth of what happen to Morgan and a testimony to his strength and fortitude to serve the Lord.  I am very proud of him and hope for the best outcome for the rest of his service on his mission to Hawaii.  Thank You dear Family and Friends for supporting Morgan and praying for his health and well being.

Dear Family & Friends,
So this has been the most craziest Week of my life. I am going to send this email to Mom and Dad, and if you decide that the Family doesn't need to know what happens, or the details of what happen you can just cut these few paragraphs that explain what happen. OR if you want the family to read what happen go ahead and keep it all.

 So me and Elder Maloata, have been getting along okay, not super great just okay. He gets really Moody, and impatient really easily. So I've been trying really really hard to get along with him, and to talk to him, and to become better friends. So last Monday we were emailing at the Library and Elder Maloata got really impatient at another Elder, Elder Merril, and yelled across the library for him to hurry up so we could go. And then i Drove all 4 of us to our House, cuz i wanted to check the Mail and grab some food. So i get the Mail, and the 3 of them are standing in the Elevator. I tell them I'm not hungry anymore so I'll eat later. Elder Maloata says "Get in the Elevator, that's why we came here." I tell him I'm okay and I'm feeling good. He says " Get in the F$@# 'ing Elevator." I say I'm okay. I can tell hes getting angry. So he says here give me the Keys, so i hold them out and he tries to grab them and drops them. So he picks them up, stands up and Shoves me into a wall. 

Then On Tuesday He doesn't want to have language study, he says its a waste of time. So i finally convince him to let me have an extra hour of language study. He falls asleep during personal study, and wont get out of bed. We haven't had a language study since I've been there. I always just have to study by my self. So we go to another Elders Pad for Lunch, Elder Merril and Elder Kniff. We have an hour of lunch break but we don't use all the time. We were having lunch break from 1-2, and we left those elders house at 1:30. We had an appointment in the KPT at 2 pm. so i wanted to drop off some extra food i had, at Elder Johnson, and Elder Bolkcoms House. I ask Elder Maloata since we have 30 minutes of extra time, can i drop off food at the other elders house. He says no, i ask again. He says no. So I'm driving so i Stop at a Red Light and put my Right Blinker on to Just Go to our 2 pm appointment at the KPT. Were at the Light, and Elder Maloata grabs a can of trash and throws it at me, and says "do you have a problem with me?" Then he Slaps our GPS off the windshield, it bounces around and lands in my lap, he grabs it again and throws it right at my head. He then Shoves the Car into Park, and takes the keys out, and Starts walking down the Sidewalk. 

My car is In the Middle of the Stupid Intersection, and there's traffic building up before me. I don't know what to do because i don't want the car towed, but im supposed to stay with my companion and he has my keys. So i get out and catch up to him, and ask for the keys back so i can move the car. He says " Get the F$#@ away from me" I ask him again for the keys, and he says " I said get the F$#@ away from me right now." So i turn back and go back to the car. The Crosswalk lady that's helps children cross the road tells me i need to move my car. I tell her i cant, cuz he has the keys, She had been watching the whole thing. I ask to use her phone to call someone to get the situation figured out. She says I'm not allowed to use it. But she would call her Supervisor. She calls them, and they ask to talk to me. The Cops get all my Information and the Car information. And send a cop car out to us. By now its been 15 Minutes with my car stuck in the intersection. Then i see a random Elder Walking towards me from way down the Street. It was Elder Takahashi, He was on a exchange with Elder Bolkcom. So Elder Bolkcom was with Elder Takahashi for the Day, and Elder Johnson was with Elder Hansen for the day. Elder Takahashi was all confused and told me he had the keys. We jump in the Car, right when the Cops Pull up. We drive to the side of the Road and Talk to The Cops for a minute, and they let us go. Elder Maloata as he was walking by himself ran into elder Bolkcom and Elder Takahashi, and Gave Elder Takashi the Keys, and Elder Maloata and Elder Bolkcom went to their house.

Elder Takahashi hadnt had lunch yet and was hungry, so we went to get lunch, which took like 30 more minutes. Elder Takahashi said My companion Elder Maloata was fine now, and he calmed down, and he loved me. Elder Takahashi Tells me lets go back to the Pad and talk things out. I ask him if hes sure we should go back and see Elder Maloata yet. He says Yes, Elder Maloata Loves you and is calmed down. 

So we walk into the house and Elder Maloata and Bolkcom are in the bedroom talking to each other. So me and Elder Takahashi sit in the front talking to each other. Then Elder Maloata Comes into the Front room, Grabs Me by the Neck, Knocks me over in my chair, because i was sitting in a chair. And he shoves me into the corner of the room. He starts squeezing my neck saying " Do you have a problem with me," " Is there something you wanna say to me." Finally after 15 seconds he lets go, and I start choking for air. Then he goes into a frenzy rampage throwing stuff all over the room. Throwing books and papers all over the room. Knocking stuff off of the Wall. Then he goes into the Bedroom. And Grabs Elder Johnson's $500 Old Tahitian Banjo, comes into the front room, and swings as hard as he can at the TV on the Table. The TV shatters and Goes Flying. Then he swings at the Table, and Then hits the Walls like 6 times. Then he Looks at me, to intimidate me, This whole time im laying on my back in the corner, covering my head and body with my hands and legs. Then he swings right next to my head, barely missing me. The Banjo shatters into pieces. Then he grabs the Kitchen table, and Flips it at me in the corner. Then he goes into the back room again. I think he's done so i stand up and collect my composure. Elder Takahashi and Bolkcom are just standing there in Awe, they have no idea what to do. THen Elder Maloata comes back in, throws a Kitchen GLass and me, it Wizzes past my ear and Shatters on the wall. Glass Flies Everywhere. THen Elder Maloata Grabs my shirt and says "come on were going." I say no im not leaving here with you. I want to stay. He Rips my shirt in half pulling on me. THen i run for safety in the Bathroom. He chases me into the Bathroom.  Then i agree to come with him, so i dont get hurt. He pushed me outside the house, and then slams the door, with him still inside. They live on the 3rd floor of an apartment building, so i walk down to the 2nd floor. and Then i hear Footsteps coming down the Stairs. I sprint down the rest of the stairs and run and jump into the car, and lock the doors. I think Elder Maloata is coming after me to kill me. But then  i see it was only Elder Bolkcom coming with me. We Leave there house. and drive into the City. They Calm me down, and help me to relax. He freaked out for me for no reason, i didnt argue with him, or egg him on or anything. It was ridiculous. 

This happen on Tuesday. So on Wednesday and Thursday i was in a Tri-panionship With Elder Bolkcom, and Elder Johnson ( Our Next Door Neighbor In Cedar Hills). And i was on an exchange with the Zone Leaders a lot too. I got to really get to know Elder Johnson really well. Hes an awesome guy. I spent thanksgiving with Him. I found out we have some of the same friends back home. Mission President Dalton Then had an Meeting with Me and Elder Maloata Separately, and I told him everything that happen. Elder Bolkcom and Takahashi also told president what happen. and President Dalton Decided it was not safe for me to stay with Elder Maloata, and i would get a new companion. President was not happy about Elder Maloata for driving, because he is Black-Dotted and not allowed to Drive. He Told me Elder Maloata has had problems in the past with his last few companions. Friday I got My New Companion. I am now in the Honolulu Zone, In the AuwaioLimu Ward. and Im in a walking area, with Elder Shepherd. ELder Shepherd is soo awesome, we get along fantastic, he is awesome i love him. Im in an English Ward Now. THis has been a really crazy week.

My Back has been doing better this week. It seems like every time i decide i need to get an MRI, my back feels better the next week. Thanks for all the information about doctors. Ill try to print it out when i get a chance. I really dont know what to do about my back about getting an MRI or not. When i talked to President Dalton he says to have a determination to serve a full time mission. and Don't even have thoughts of maybe going home. He says he knows the Lord will provide a way for me to finish my mission. He says to talk to Sister Scott about if i should get an MRI. I have the BEST MISSION PRESIDENT EVER!!! I love him so much, he is such a great guy. He has helped me out so much i love that guy.

I love you MOM and DAD. and Like i said, if you want to cut out the story i sent go ahead. I just thought i better let you 2 know what happen, and the story. Im okay now, Im doing great, so dont be worried about me. Im trying to figure out what the Lord wanted me to learn from that companionship. Or maybe theres something The Lord wanted Elder Maloata to learn from me. My new Zone is pretty cool. Im sad i had to leave my old zone, cuz i was becoming super good friends with Elder Johnson. I feel bad his Tahitian Banjo got smashed into pieces. There were 2 other people that were in my MTC District, in my old zone, so they were super fun to be with. But im looking forward to be in this new area. I think im gonna like it. 

I opened my Christmas and Birthday packages! :) I just couldnt wait. It was too exciting! thanks for the Tie, Watch, Music, Tie Bars, and Candy Stalking, and everything else! I love them all. Thanks so much mom

I love you Family. THanks for all the EMails from everyone! they were awesome to read. I love you all. Happy Holidays!

Love Elder Durocher

Archway through a Banyan Tree root

Companion  - Elder Shepherd

Mountain top hike - Nov. 2012

Root jump over the canal

Morgan's 16th Letter - Photos

Dear Family

I love you all so much! It feels wierd to be alone during this holiday season. But im doing great out here.

So Heres the Big news of My Transfer!! I got Transfered to Honolulu. Im in the Honolulu West Zone, in the Moanalua 2nd Ward. And Heres the crazy thing, im in a Samoan Ward!!!! :) I have to learn the Language too. Because i am in the Samoan Ward my Area covers half of the Island, So we go to Kaneohe, Honolulu, Hon-West, and Waipahu Zones. Which is Basically half of the Island of Oahu!! We have a car, thankgoodness. We live in a high riser apartment that has like 25 floors. The Pad is really nice. My companion is Elder Maloata. He is from American Samoa, and he is pretty cool.

Learning the Language is going okay. All of church is in Samoan, i recognized like 5 different words in church. Samoans freaking feed you a ton of food, and make you keep eating and eating. I hope i dont gain weight, because that would make things even worse for my back. When i left on my mission i started a personal NO-Caffeine goal, and i was hoping to make it through my whole mission without drinking caffeine. I made it all the way until this week when i was at dinner at a Samoan families house, and they gave us Dr Pepper, and i didnt want to be mean and say no. Cuz they hate it when you say no to food they give you. So i drank it. I made it almost 4 months haha.

So my Friend Elder Kniff told me that i probably have the Gift of Tongues, so i shouldnt be worried about learning Samoan. He says i probably have it because i was originally called to a Samoan, language learning, mission. So he says i should pick it up easy. And my Patiarchal Blessing mensions me learning a language on my mission. So hopefully it goes well. Ou Te Alofa Vate 'oe, Means I love you. And O le tusi a Mamona, is The Book of Mormon. Ive learned a few sentences and a few words. But please pray for me to be able to learn the language quickly and easily.

Im the Driver, because my Companion is Black-Dotted, so hes not allowed to drive. So i am trying to learn Roads of Honolulu, along with Kaneohe, and Waipahu, and the roads and cities are so confusing. We have a GPS Navigation thing, but its really crappy and gets us lost a lot.

I finally got you package on Friday of this last week. 2 1/2 weeks, or 17 days after you sent it. It took it a really long time to get here, im not sure why. But at least i got it. I sent Gentry Wiscombe a Letter, and its Been 4 Months and he still has not gotten it, pretty sure it got stolen. I'll be looking for that other package you sent for Christmas.

All the news from home is excting. From the Adamsons, to the Cat Story, to Thanks Giving. I cant believe its already Thanks Giving!

My back and leg have been feeling more sore than normal, i dont know if its my bed, or if its getting worse or what. My bed is pretty crappy and uncomfortable. This last week ive been getting really bad stomach aches. and i dont think its related to what im eating. It dont know what could be causing it. I wonder if Nerves in my back, are connected to my stomach pain? and My Right leg will every once in a while get a wierd nerve pain. and My arms and hands will get a wierd Tingly Sensation. I dont know if its connected to my back or not. But im kinda worried. I think i just need to get an MRI, cuz if there is a pinched nerve or something, just leaving it could make the nerve pain perminent. I dont know what to think anymore. My permanent retainer broke like 3 weeks ago, one whole side broke, so the wire was just dangling down. so i called the Mission Office and i got it fixed. Then it broke again this week, and its still broken, i havent gotten it fixed yet. I figured out last friday that my Fake Tooth is a little loose. While i was eating i thought i felt it move. So i go to the bathroom, and It like squeeks when i wiggle it, and it wiggles forward and backwards a little bit. Its been a week, and it hasnt fallen out. I dont know what to do about that situation.  

 

Love Elder Durocher

Quindt Family

Brother Davis who had the heart attack in a previous letter!

The Hyde Family

Brother and Sister Hyde

Hi'i

Pa'a

Ahi

I forget the youngster's name

 

Outing to Temple Square

Michael and friend Adrienne stayed until Sunday and we spent some time at Temple Square.  After a recent snow storm the Temple grounds were very beautiful and extremely cold!

Sara's 50th Friends Party

A party 10 years in the planning had come off perfectly!  I had a friends party on my 40th birthday and as 50 approached, I had been planning the event with selected friends.  Although I could have invited dozens of woman who have profoundly influenced me, I narrowed it down to 8 locals, knowing my friend Wendy in Idaho, Shanda in Arizona, Debra in Nevada, and my dear own Sister Tamie in Nevada couldn't make it.  I had much delight in making the table pretty and bright at Iggys Grill in Orem.

I greeted my guests and introduced each lady with a words of appreciation on how they enriched my life, knowing each was placed in the chapters of my life by the Lords hand and wisdom.  I thanked each dearly and let them open the gifts I had prepared for them.  Each received a hand beaded necklace with a pendant that says Forever Friend - Forever Sister.  I had pretty colored daisys in vases they could take as well as my favorite nail buff and my favorite candy, Reeces Peanutbutter Cup.  We all talked and chattered like a hive of humming bees!  In fact, Anita brought her very own honey made from her bees!  Thanks so much for coming to my party ladies and letting me share my appreciation!

From the back row, L-R is:
Pam Lee, Karey White and daughter Savanna, Janine Sucher, LaNae Morrill, Tanya Roylance, Anita Worthen & Diana Walters.
Front Row - L - R:
Michelle & baby Hayden Durocher, Sara, & Janine Miner.

It was just fabulous to be together as we don't all live near each other.  Thank You Dear Sisters & Friends!

Sara's 50th Birthday - Family Fun Surprise

I've never had a problem with aging and my 50th was no exception!  The day started out great with lots of Facebook birthday greetings and around 1pm at work a bundle of balloons were delivered from my Mom & Dad that read, "Over the Hill!, with the card saying,"it's only just begun"...Pretty great ehh?  Thanks Mom & Dad!

I left work a little early and went to JoAnn Fabrics and while driving home Ethan called to ask if he could go hang out with friends?  Uhh No!  When I got in the house I heard singing of the birthday song and found all my kids, except Morgan & Annie in my livingroom!  I was so shocked!  We gathered quickly and went to Red Lobster for dinner!  Before leaving the house though I checked the mail I just brought in and found a packet from Morgan!  WhooHOoo!  I brought it along and opened it at the restaurant as well as a card from Mom & Dad. 



Durocher kids plus one!  Welcome Kwinn Sutton to the family!



What a delightful evening we had and Annie called while we were there!  Thanks so much to my children for making the effort to be here for my 50th birthday!  I love you all so much!  Morgan gave me a Hawaii T-shirt, a turtle keychain and a SIX page handwritten letter!  Thanks Morgan!

Baby Hayden is 6 weeks old now and quite the handsome boy.  Grandma kisses were attacking him however and Cambree needs some too!

Morgans 15th Letter & Photos

Dear Family,
This has been a pretty normal week. We got a call on Sunday saying that I am going to get transferred at Transfer meeting on Wednesday. So im leaving my greeny area. I dont know where im going yet, or if im going off island or not, all i know is im leaving Waianae. Im really excited for my first time getting transferred. im excited to see everyone I was with at the MTC at the Transfer meeting.


On Wednesday we had something called a cottage meeting. Its like a testimony meeting for Investigators and Recent Converts. This cottage meeting was At Mission President Daltons house. We brought Jordan and Eleanor to the Cottage meeting. It was like an hour and ten minute drive there. Pretty much the opposite side of the Island. Jordan and Eleanor shared their Testimony, and their Conversion story infront of like 60 people, they did really good. They were really nervous. We thought it started at 7, but we double checked with the Zone Leaders and they told us it started at 6. so we left Waiane at 4:45, and got to President Daltons house by 6 pm. To find out that it didnt really start til 7, and the Zone Leaders were wrong. So President Dalton and Sister Dalton fed us dinner, KFC, and we all talked, and help set up until 7pm. It went really good, and was really fun. I got to see Sister Neilson who was in my district in the MTC and talk to her. Then the rest were missionaries i didnt know.

Sounds like everyone had a good week back home. And that Mom had a great birthday with All the Kids there. Im Glad my package got their right on time. and that the whole family got to eat dinner with each other. Visiting the temple sounds like it was fun. Those were cool pictures too.

My back is doing about the same as last week. Its being really wierd i dont know what to think. I think im gonna get an MRI when i get a chance, and just figure out whats wrong.
Thanks for the last Letter Mom, i really liked it. A lot of cool stuff happening back home.

Love Elder Durocher.

Morgan posted two pictures from the MTC in August 2012


Morgan and Drew Torgeson in the MTC




Morgan and friend Elder Judd in the MTC



Native tree in Hawaii, the Banyan Tree

Morgans 14th Letter & Photos

Dear Family.

Another crazy week being a missionary in Hawaii. It has gone by sooo fast!

 

This Morning for our P-Day Hike we hiked to the top of Maili Point. It took maybe like an hour to hike to the top. Maili point has a bunch of old World War 2 Bunkers, and Look-Out Points. So we explored all those, and played around inside them pretending to shoot down air planes. Then a Helicopter kept circling around us. The Helicopter was getting super freaking close. Like i could see the people inside the Helicopter, and see their faces. I got a few pictures of the helicopter, and the bunkers. The Helicopter kept coming in close, circling out, and then coming back in close again. It did it for like 15 minutes, and then it left. I hope we werent doing something illegal, and the Helicopter was trying to get us to leave. Im pretty sure it wasnt Illegal but who knows.

 

World War II Army Look Out Bunker at Maili Point, Hawaii

Morgan is showing off his 'Squishy and Flabby' arms!  Haaaa!

Morgan looks like he's hovering!  Inside WWII Army Look Out Bunker

 

For Halloween on Wednesday we had to stop Proselyting, and stop doing missionary work at 6pm. So all the missionaries met at the Stake Center to play basketball. I watched them all play while i was sitting on the side. We got pumpkins to carve, and a carving kit. I want to try to make pumkin pie out of our old pumkins, so we'll see how that goes.

 

We set up our christmas tree this week. A member gave us a litte fake 6 foot tree she was giving away, and it has lights on it. Then we cut out Snow Flakes out of Paper, to put on the tree as ornaments. and i made an Angel out of paper to put on the top. Then we got some of our pass along cards of Jesus Christ, and put them on the tree as ornaments. It was really fun.

 

This has been a normal week of missionary work. We taught a lot of people this week. We have a few people with baptismal dates this month. We are focusing on them these next few weeks. One of them is the William Family. The Father is named Robinson. The Parents became members in Guam in the 80's, and then became innactive, and havent gone to church since. None of their 6 kids are baptized. 4 of the kids still live at home. We have been able to get the Dad and the youngest daughter Raslynn to come to church a few times, but the rest of the kids arent as intrested. A lot of the kids names are similar. Heres their names Oldest to Youngest, of the Kids that live at home. Arze-17, Rastin-13, Rastlynn-11, Raslynn-9. I dont know the oldest kids 2 names. Their names are really similar. The William family are Chuukese. And Chuukese have a weird tradition with their Last Names. So the Grandpa of the kids is named William. And all of his Grand Children's last names are named after the Grandpas first name. So thats why all of The Kids have the last name William. Robinson has a different last name than his Children, Robinson's last name, Is his Grandpas First name. So does that make sense? Robinson has a different Last Name than his Children, because your Last name is your Grandpas first name. We are going to focus on this family, to get all of their children baptized.

 

My Leg and My Back have been worse this week. Not good at all. I musta done something that bugged it this week. Hmmm maybe it was because i played a game of Basketball last P-Day :( im sorry! its so hard, and tempting, and they couldnt play cuz they needed 1 more person, so they begged me, and i fell into temptation. I played for like 30 minutes, and was taking it easy, it didnt hurt or bug it to play. But afterwards it was feeling sore, and feeling more nerve pain. I promise I wont play anymore. I feel so dumb, and bad that i did play. Its so hard not to exersize. Because thats what i love to do. I think Hikiing today made my back feel better, so thats good.

 

Thanks everyone for Reading my Emails. I love you all!

 

Elder Durocher

Morgan's Thirteenth Letter with Photos

Family & Friends,

This was a crazy week, it flew by like none other!

 

 

 

On Friday we had a baptism at 6 pm, of Rosa Norris. There was only 4 people from the ward, we didnt have very much support from the ward :( The 1st counselor was 35 minutes late, so we had to wait to do the baptism til we got there. We had no Piano player. But that stuff isnt really important. The spirit was there, the talks were great, and really focused on Rosa. She was able to be baptized and Receive the Holy Ghost. Which is what is important. Rosa was really nervous, especially when we got into the water. I said the Ordinance and then submersed her in the water. She receive the Holy Ghost and was Confirmed a member of the Church on Sunday during sacrament meeting, by the Bishop.

 

(This is a picture of Jaslynn, the person i gave a talk at her baptism, and Elder Garr, and the Makaha Elders, Elder Boyle and Elder Willyerd )

 

Saturday was a crazy day. At 10:30 AM i gave a talk at Makaha Elders Baptism. The baptism was for Jaslynn and i met her at a dinner party thing, and she wanted me to give a talk. So i gave a talk on Baptism. The baptism went great. It was over at 11:30.

 

From 11:30 til 2 we were getting everything ready for the Next Baptism, Including the final touches to the program, getting the cloths, and setting up the reception dinner, and decorating. We had a really huge problem come up, but with much struggle and energy we resolved it. At 2 The Wedding/ Baptism of Jordan and Eleanor Started. They were married by the Bishop, did their vows, and kissed each other. Then we proceeded to the Baptism part. A member gave a great talk on Baptism. Then we went to the water font. Brother Davis, a friend of Jordan and Eleanor, Baptized them both. Then we went back to the Relief Society room for the talk on the Holy Ghost, and Closing remarks. After that we had the Wedding Reception dinner thing. We had Spaghetti, Salad, and Bread, and Juice, and Cake.

 

Then at 5 pm the Trunk or Treat started. It was for 4 different wards, Waianae, Nanakuli, Makaha, and Tongan ward. We had some of our Investigators come, so we talked to them, and ate with them. It was really fun, i ate lots of candy, played some games, and talked to lots of people.

 

Then at 7pm, 5 cop cars pull into the parking lot. There was a fight between 2 different families in the ward, that was getting out of control. The 2 families have something personal between them, i dont really know what it is. But the fight was out getting out of hand, and the cops were called, and they had to report what happen. Then about 10 minutes later, We get news of a Tsunami Warning, and that we all have to leave and go home. The Tsunami was a 7.7 ( i think) off the coast of Canada and Alaska, and it would hit us at about 10:30 that night. We went to our house, and then tried calling the Zone Leaders. But the phones would not work at all. Probably because everyone was trying to call each other, it was like overloaded. We finally got a call into them, and asked what we need to do. They didnt know, and they would call us back with information. Then the Cities Sirens went off. At 9 pm we find out that we have to go to the stake center in Makakilo. The Stake Center was in a high part on the  mountain. Which is like a 25 minute drive, like 15 miles. But the traffic was crazy, and the Highway runs along the ocean all the way from Waianae ( where we live) to Makakilo. so it wouldnt be very smart to get stuck in traffic right next to the ocean. So we tried to see if we could drive up to a high part of Waianae. But we couldnt, The Zone Leaders said we had to go to the Stake center. We had to pick up the Makaha Elders, and then Drive there in the stop and go traffic. We made it to the Stake Center at like 10:20, 10 minutes before the Wave was supposed to hit. THe Stake Center was PACKED full of people. People from all over came to the Stake Center. We were there until midnight, when they let us go to the Zone Leaders House and sleep there. They live really close to the Stake Center. So there was like 12 of us elders sleeping in the House all over the place. We finally got to bed around 1 am.

 

Sunday we woke up, drove home. and got ready for church. I confirmed Jordan and Eleanor in sacrament meeting at church. and gave them blessings. It was a really cool experience. Eleanor has a really long hawaiian middle name i had to learn. and then Rosa was confirmed by the Bishop.

 

This week i performed my 1st baptism, and my 1st confirmation. It was a really Great, and Spiritual week.

 

We had Zone Conference, and Mission President Dalton and the Assistants taught us something called the Prayer Approach. The simple version is that when we go knocking on doors, tracting, we have a prayer with them, and then invite them to be baptized within the first 5 minutes of knowing them. Its really cool, im excited to use it this coming week. So that we can find the people prepared by the Lord, and the Elect people. It sounds pretty crazy but its inspired.

 

I hope everything is going awesome back home. Im doing great out here. I love each and every one of you. thanks for reading my emails. Love ya

 

Elder Durocher

 

PS. 

thanks for all the information on the MRI stuff. ill print off this email. Im still not sure what i should do. My back and Leg are feeling about the same as last week. Its still somewhat painful, but i can deal with it. its not as bad as it used to be. I think ill have to pray about it this week to see what i should do. Thanks for all the info though, so i can have options. Ill try to keep you updated the most i can. I love you Mom and thanks for all your help. Thanks for keeping me updated on the Family. Love Elder Durocher

Morgans 12th Letter - Photos

Dear Family

I have had another great week out her in Waianae! Heres an experience i had with an Investigator.

So last week we visited with an Investigator named Trisha. She lives in a Group home, and has a few disabilities. She has been struggling with quitting smoking for the last few weeks. We taught her a lesson, and then at the end of the lesson, Trisha said she wanted to give her Cigarettes to us, so that we could dispose of them. and That she was done with smoking. and she was really excited to be done. We took the Cigarettes, and then had a closing prayer. We told her we would buy her some stuff that helps get rid of cravings. So we go to the store and buy some supplies, like travel Toothpaste/ toothbrush, Gum, Grapefruit juice, Vitamin C, Mouth Wash, Mints, and a few other things.

 By the time we get back to her house, she was crying, and depressed. She told us she wanted us to stop coming to teach her, and she didnt want to join the church, or be baptized. and then she told us to leave. We tried talking to her a  little bit, but she was non respondant, then we  asked if we could say a prayer, and read a chapter out of the book of mormon. We started reading the Book of Mormon, and we didnt know if she was paying attention, cuz her hands were over her face. But by the End we could tell she was getting better, and feeling better. Then we taught her a little bit more.

Then i told her about Joseph Smiths first prayer, and when the Adversary over powered him. and that the Devil was trying to stop him. and That the Devil is trying to stop her from making one of the best choices of her life. We then Read Joseph Smith History. and I began to talk to her more. The Spirit was there so strong, and it was using me as a mouth peice. We were both "Edified." The Book of Mormon brings such a strong spirit. The Book of Mormon combined with the Spirit is the best way to teach. She re committed to quitting smoking. and by the end she was in a happy, cheerful mood again. The difference from the beginning to the end was so clear. It was an Amazing Missionary Experience.

We had a similar thing happen to an Investigator named Rosa, Where we read the Book of Mormon to answer her concerns and the Spirit was so strong. and Testifying to all of us the message was true. She's planning on being baptized October 26th. She talked to her Jehovah Witness friend, and her friend convinced her not to be baptized. So Rosa told us she didnt want us to teach her anymore, and that she didnt want to be baptized. We read 2Nephi 31 with her and the spirit was so strong. and she recommitted to baptism, and shes planning on being baptized this weekend.

We have 2 Investigators Jordan and Lani being baptized and married on the 27th of this month. It has been crazy trying to plan out a wedding plus a baptism. But now weve gotten everything figured out as of today. Please pray for them, that they will be protected from the adversary, or anything concerns or anything else. And that they will be baptized. Rosa is also being baptized this weekend on the 26th, so please pray for her too.

Today for P-Day activity, we played airsoft at a professional arena. We had professional guns and everything. It was super painful when they hit you, especially on the skin. in the 2 places the pellets hit me in the skin, it broke through the skin and started bleeding. It was super fun though, ill try to send a picture. Everyone in our zone except 2 missionaries came to play Airsoft. We played for like 3 hours today for P-Day.

Sounds like everything at home is going well. Sounds like ethan sure had a fun week, with everything he had going on. And cool the family got to get together. and hopefully Annie stays safe on her Trip.

Love you all thanks for the support.

Aloha Elder Durocher

Morgans 11th Letter - Photos

Hawaiis roads are really funky, and messed up. I took a picture of the 2 signs, that dont go together. Because its a One Way road, and then theres a stop sign facing the way your not allowed to go. I thought it was really funny.

It is customary to remove shoes at each home visited.  While Morgan was inside a dog ate his shoe and this is what he found!

Morgan and the district of Elders did a service project on the USS Missouri at Pearl Harbor, HI.  Swab the deck Maties!

Dear Family

This has been a good week. It has gone by super fast. My back is doing okay, not better or worse. I think im gonna get an MRI this week and just see whats up inside there. Its super annoying.

 

Weve got 3 investigators that are going to get baptized this month. the first one is named Rosa, she is about 60 years old, and weve been working with her for a couple months now. She feels like she is ready now. The other two are Jordan and Elanor. They are in their late 20's, or early 30's. They have 3 kids, and have the cutest little family. Weve been teaching them, on and off for about 2 months. They are not married, so that needs to happen first. We told Jordan that the Bishop could perform the baptism for No Charge, and he wants to get married, so he was excited about that. But he needs to talk to his wife. So he wants to be Married and then Be baptized, with his wife. His three Kids are all under 6 years old. We took Jordan and Elanor to the Tongan Wards baptism on Friday. Before the baptism we gave them a tour of the church, which went amazing, they love it. Then we went and sat down in the Relief Society room to wait for the baptism to start. They came in, and everyone sat down, the room was packed full of people. We didnt know this before, but it was a wedding, and a baptism. So the Bishop married them together. and then proceeded to the baptism part. Since it was the Tongan ward, a lot of the stuff was in Tongan. So we couldnt understand, Jordan and Elanor dont know Tongan Either. They got to see the Ordinance, and kind of see how everything went. About half of it was in English, and Half in Tongan. At the end of it they sang the closing song. It was Love At Home, and they sang it in Tongan. It was so Beautiful, and i felt the Spirit so Strongly while they were singing the song. I really loved it, that was my favorite part.

 

So last week one of our Members had a Heart Attack. His name is Brother Davis. We were at our Pad eating dinner. So it was about 7pm. We got a phone call and Elder Pincock answered the phone. Bro Davis said we needed to get over there ASAP, and give him a blessing because he was going into cardiac arrest. We race over there, which was a couple minutes away. We pull into the drive way, and hes just laying there on his back, in the middle of the driveway. We jump out of the car, and he says hurry hurry, give me a blessing. He tells me to annoint, and Elder Pincock to Seal and Bless. I fumble with the Oil container trying to open it, and Bro Davis tells me to hurry up. I Annoint him with the oil. and as soon as i finish, he hands me his phone and tells me to call 911. Elder Pincock Sealed and Blessed him while i was calling 911. 911 transfered me to the ambulance dispatchers. I tell her to send an ambulance cuz a man is having a Heart Attack. The Dispatcher Lady asks me why i think hes having a heart attack. I explain the situation. Then she starts asking me a bunch of other questions. In the meantime bro Davis is rolling around in pain, and moaning. She asks if im related to the man, and if he has a history of health problems, and about his breathing, and if his skin is clammy. Im asking Bro Davis questions about his health history and pain, Then Bro Davis says give me the phone. He snatches it out of my Hands and says something along these lines, " I have a history of Health Problems, it runs in my family, i have small valves, and something else, i have been having chest pain all day long, I passed out, i can barely breath, and my vision is Blurry, send me a Dang Ambulance before I die! he says this yelling at her. Then he throws the phone acrossed the drive way. He told us that he was watering his Lawn and Next thing he knows hes laying on the ground, with extreme chest pain. He had passed out, and fallen on the driveway and hit his head. The Phone Starts ringing, so i go pick it up and answer. Its the Ambulance Dispatch lady, she says please do not hang up again. the ambulance is on its way, and i need to know some things before the ambulance gets there. She starts asking me more questions, and then Brother Davis Starts rolling around side to side, moaning, and grabbing his chest. Then his eyes close, hes stops moving and talking, and he's out again. We start calling his name, and moving his hands trying to get a reaction. But Nothing. I cant tell if he's breathing, his chest is not moving, and theres no breath coming out of his mouth. I tell the Dispatch Lady that he went unconscious, and hes lifeless. She asks if hes Breathing, and i say no. She says to check his pulse. I was by his feet, so i tell Elder Pincock to check his Pulse. Elder Pincock froze up and didnt know what to do, i tell him again. Then i say put your finger on his neck and check his pulse, Still Elder Pincock was frozen and useless. I run up to his head, and try to check for his pulse. Brother Davis is still not Responding, moving, or breathing. I was scared. I tell the Dispatch Lady to Hurry and Get here, cuz shes still on the phone. Hes been out for 3-4 minutes by now. Brother Davis all of a sudden takes a breath. it sounded painful and scratchy. He is Struggling to Breath, his Breathing is Irregular. I am kneeling next to him now. He grabs my pants and squeezes super hard. I feel like hes going to rip my pants off. He's Moaning and in pain. He is all sweaty, and i can see from his body language how much pain he was in. I tell the Dispatch Lady that he came to, and is back. Brother Davis Tells me to call his Wife, and tell her to send Kimo to get home ASAP. Kimo is bro Davis's Brother, and Bro Davis's Wifes name is Sheenah. Sheenah was at work, and Kimo left to go bring Sheenah her dinner at work. So i call Sheenah and tell her that her Husband Bro Davis is having a heart attack, and Kimo needs to get home ASAP. I hear her tell Kimo to run home. Then i tell her what happen. She tells us to Elevate this head, so we do. She tells us that shes stuck at work, and cant get off.  By this point in time, Bro Davis went unconcious again. This time not as long, and after like 30 seconds he was back again. I give Brother Davis my hand to squeeze, which ended up being a bad idea, cuz he was sqeezing really hard. after a few more Minutes we hear Sirens. Then 2 firetrucks pull up. 5 or 6 firemen run over to us laying on the ground. They start asking us questions about what happen, if anyone was with him when he fell, and who we were. They ask Brother Davis about his history of heart problems, and where the pain was located at. Then they check his blood pressure, and his pulse electronically. Then We get Brother Davis's Wallet, ID, and Phone. THen after a few more minutes. and Ambulance shows up, they get the stretcher. The Doctor guy comes over and asks more questions. They Put Him on the stretcher. and we give them his Phone and Wallet and ID. They were about to leave and Bro Davis yells for me to come over. I come over and he grabs my hand and thanks me for being there. and Says, "your in charge of my house, and my 4 daughters okay, dont let Me down." They wheel him over to the Ambulance, load him up. and Drive away. Then Kimo shows up, we relate what happen. Then we go inside to check on his 4 daughters. They are all freaking out, and in shock. They are Crying. They were watching the whole thing through the front door, They saw their daddy pass out, and get wheeled off on a stretcher. We give Kimo a Blessing of comfort to know what to do. Then in a little while we left. Cuz we had a meeting we had to get to, and couldnt miss it. We get a voicemail from brother Davis at 1 AM that night, saying that he is okay, and that he is in the hospital, and if we had not shown up to help him at that time, the Doctors say he would have died. He thanked us, and told us we handled it perfectly. Doctors said they are expecting a full recovery.

 

Wow sorry That Story is so long, maybe i went into too much detail. That moment is in-grained into my memory, so thats how i guess i explained it. Heres the short version: Bro Davis a member from the ward, had a heart attack, and went unconscious, we helped him out until the Ambulance could get there, and Now hes okay. :)

 

Yeah so on a lighter note. We got a free washing machine today. and we got 3 free AC's this week, we put 2 of the AC's on the windows of our bedroom, and the other one got stolen from our pad cuz we left it outside. Things have been getting stolen from our pad recently. We had some dumbells for working out, that got stolen, along with a bar and some weights. then this last week, our AC got stolen from our pad, along with a Box Fan of ours. I hope nothing else gets stolen :/

 

Well i Love you Family, THanks for Enduring this extremely lonnnngggggg letter. Thats great to hear about ethans football games. and about David, and Annie.

I love you all so much.

 

Elder Morgan James Durocher

Morgan's Tenth Letter

Dear Family,

Wow what a crazy last 2 weeks back home in Utah, i dont even know where to begin. Yeah i am able to print stuff if i want to, its 15 cents a page, so not too bad. For the last 3 weeks i have been emailing at the Public Library because its less than a mile away from our house. And the computers at the Library dont let you send pictures home, so thats too bad. Next time I email at the Stake Center i will be sure to send all the pictures i have been trying to send the last few weeks. The Stake Center is a 30 minute drive, so its kinda annoying to have to drive all the way up there and back.

 

Crazy all the news i have received from home, seems like everything has been the same at home since i left 10 weeks ago, until the last 2 weeks. thats a lot of news. i was blown away reading it.

 

First off im super glad that there were no complications with Hayden being born, or No health problems that i know of. Crazy to think that both Cambree and Hayden will both be talking and walking when i get home off my mission. Im glad to hear that David is doing well. It makes me happy to hear hes returning to his happy, bubbly personality i remember him having when he was in highschool. I hope for the best for them. Thats fun you learned that Mom and Dave got to learn how to country swing dance together that sounds really fun.

I cant believe Aunt Debbie died. That was really quick, i was expecting her to live for a few more months. I Felt the Spirit so Strong reading that part about Debbie and Larry being together right now. And also know for a fact that the Plan of Salvation is true. That we have a chance to accept the gospel after this life, and that Families can be together forever. I love Teaching the Plan of Salvation, everything about it is perfect, and amazing, and flawless, everything about it just seems right and makes sense. 

 

General Conference was so amazing, i enjoyed this Conference more than i ever have before. I loved and enjoyed listening to every single talk. We watched General Conference at the Church, so there was a special spirit from being in the church, plus the spirit felt by the Apostles, it was an amazing experience. Since Hawaii is 4 hours time difference, our morning session was at 6 AM, so we woke up at 5, got ready, picked up the other missionaries in the next city, and went to the church. I was suprisingly not tired or sleepy at all, which was great, i was able to focus. We invited lots of our investigators to watch General Conference at the church, or at there homes. So im excited to talk to all of them and see what they think about it. None of our Investigators came to the church to watch, so hopefully they all watched it at home. This years General Conference was really focused on missionary work. Maybe i only think that because im a missionary though haha. but There were lots of talks focused on Less Active Members, and Investigators. It was really great. Im am super excited for the Ensign to come out, so i can re-read all the Talks. I am really excited about the Age change for missionaries. I was talking to a member, and she thinks that the age change will double the amount of missionaries serving.  more sisters will serve because they can go at age 19 instead of 21. So sisters will have more desire, will be less Involved or Engaged into school or their career. and they wont yet be married. Then for guys since they can leave sooner, even right out of highschool, they wont have that year they have to wait, where they can be temped by the Adversary. There will be less opportunity or chance for them to get into trouble, cuz i  think a lot of guys get in trouble in that year they have to wait. I really love the change, and i know it was inspired. I bet facebook was "lit up" with comments about the age change. i was betting that its all over facebook, all the young men and women talking about it.

 

Well bad news im getting sick again :( i think its a cold coming on. Hopefully it will pass over soon, since i had a cold in the MTC, so hopefully my body already has some immunity to it, so it doesnt get worse. My back is feeling better this week. I have noticed improvement over last week. My leg and back both have not hurt as much, and have in general felt better. I am still taking Ibuprofen every day to help. Im thinking maybe ill wait 1 more week before going to the doctor, to see if it continues to improve or not.

 

Thanks everyone for all the Prayers, and for fasting for me. I know they are helping me out, even if its not making me better physically, its for sure helping me emotionally to be able to cope with it. I KNOW that Heavenly Father can heal me if that is part of his plan, but i also know he might have another plan for me, which involves other things. And knowing that brings so so much comfort and peace to me. I know he will do whats best for me, and what i need to help me grow.

 

I love and miss you all, thanks for everything.

 

Elder Morgan James Durocher

Morgan's Nineth Letter

Aloha Family

 

So i got a call from a Doctor Chamberland on Friday Night. He is a Doctor from California, and i think he is on a Senior Mission with His Wife. But he is a doctor that is over the missionary department, i think he specialized on backs, because he know a lot about it. I gave him the whole story on my back, dating all the way back from when i innitially hurt it last december. He was really detailed he wanted to know everything. He is a really nice guy. Then he prescribed me with another medicine, i forget what its called, but its the one i took when i had the spasm 1 1/2 months after my surgery. So i started taking that on saturday. I think its feeling better now, i guess ill just have to see how i feel this week. Thanks everyone for Fasting for me on Sunday, the power of Fasting is amazing. And Also thanks everyone for keeping me in your prayers.

 

We met a lady named Tianne on Saturday. She was a Media referal that we recieved through text message, one of her friends got on LDS.org and referred her to us. She is a single mother of 5 kids, ages 14 and down. and shes also taking care of 2 of her sisters kids. We stopped by her house on Saturday, and shared a message about Prophets and The Book of Mormon. She was really excited to see us, and really wants to start taking lessons again and going to church. She used to talk to the Missionaries a long time ago, but she hasnt for a while. She wants to start coming to church with her family. She was really nice, and im excited to teach her again this week.

 

So on Wednesday Morning we drove out to Pearl Harbor to do service. We got to Pearl Harbor at about 9 am. Then they had a Bus drive us acrossed the bridge to an island thing. Then we got there, and met with the boss guy, named Kevin. The boat was the USS MISSOURI, its a battleship from World War 2, and i think it was also in the Korean War, or some other war. It was decommissioned in 90's. and now its a Museum. It had tons and tons of Turrets, and Cannons, and guns on it. A lot of them were taken off though. Our Job was to sweep the Wooden top Deck of the Whole Ship. We had 14 Elders there, and a 800 foot long ship. It took a couple hours to do, we got done around 11, and then the Kevin took us on a little Tour. We got to see one of the big 16 inch cannons, there was a big room thing you go inside, probley 8 people who would work inside. It was cool to see. Then we Left home. I got some cool pictures, ill try to include them.

 

Today for P-Day were having a Zone Barbeque at a NanaKuli Beach Park. This week is Transfers week, specifically on wednesday is transfer Day. Me and Elder Pincock are staying together, and staying here, because i am still training. So i have nothing to worry about. I have 3 months of total training, so 6 weeks left until im done training.

 

I have been out for 2 months today. I have had an amazing experience so far, and im excited for everything to come. My Testimony has grown so much, and my understanding as well. I know My Savior Lives and i know He has a plan for each and everyone one of us. I know that everything we go through, all of our struggles, and trials, and tribulations, are to make us stronger, and make us grow closer to him, and become more like him. I like this scripture from 2 Nephi 2:24 "But Behold, All Things have been done in the Wisdom of Him who Knoweth all things." This has helped me so much going through my Back Struggles, I know theres a purpose and a reason behind all things. And my back problems have strengthened both my Faith, and Humility sooo so much. I hope and pray my back will get better.

 

Love Elder Durocher

 

Im gonna send pictures in another email. Cuz im at the Library, normally im at the stake center to email.  and i think thats what messed it up was sending the pictures and email in the same message.