Morgan's Third letter in 2013

Dear Family & Friends,
So this past week has been a pretty good week. I'm sending my letter out on Tuesday instead of Monday because most of Monday was spent doing service and so we had no time left to email.

 So Monday all 20 missionaries in my zone met at the Tabernacle at 6:30 AM, and then left to the Waialae Country Club Golf Course to do Volunteer Work. The Golf Course is on Beach front property in Honolulu, and has a huge hotel called the Kahala Hotel for people to stay at. Its cost around $50,000 down to become a member, and then $500 a month. The Golf course hosted the Sony Open for 2013, which is a giant Professional Golf Tournament. The were about 40,000 people that came through that week to watch. Our job was to take down chairs and tables and stack them, so you can imagine how big the Job was. We worked for about 6 or 7 hours just stacking chairs and tables on pallets, and doing a few other jobs. They fed us Breakfast and Lunch. After we were done, they gave us a free Hat, and a Free polo golf shirt. They showed us the dolphins at the Hotel. The Dolphins were in a giant pond, pool thing. Their were 5 dolphins and we got to see them really close up. If you pay money, you can go swim and play with the dolphins. Then we went in the Kahala Hotel and they show us a hall that has a picture of some of the Celebrities that have stayed there. Their was so many famous people on the wall. We got home at about 3 pm, and then showered and got ready. We had dinner with the Saffery's at 5:30 pm, it was their son Shawns birthday, so we went to The Spaghetti Factory. It was super fun, their whole family was there, probably like 30 people.

So on Sunday, we had like 15 white tourist that came to church. We get tourist every once in a while, because our Church is Auwaiolimu, so its at the top of the alphabet, so  a lot come to our ward. 1 of them sat down next to me, so i started talking to him. His name is Dave Neilson, and he goes to school in Washington. He used to live in Salt Lake City, and Build houses in Cedar Hills. I found out he helped build most of the houses in our neighborhood in Cedar Hills. I was describing where i lived, and he knew exactly where it was. He Worked for Dakota Homes, which is the company that build a lot of the houses in Cedar Hills. He says he remembers building the Johnsons home. It was  really fun to talk to him. 

I got your box in the mail on Monday. The box was super beat up, but everything inside was fine, besides the cookies. They were turned into powder dust. Thanks for sending all the stuff mom. 

Last Monday for P-Day we went to the Zoo. We were there for about an hour and a half. All the Missionaries in the zone were there, and it was a really fun activity. I took a lot of pictures there, ill try to send some of them. 

I cant think of anything else. Have a good week everyone!

 Love Elder Morgan Durocher

Morgan and Elder Mafi from his Zone

Morgan on a Giraffe at the Honolulu Zoo

Morgan's Companion, Elder Shepherd

Elder Kipaimoa, Elder Durocher, Elder Gardner, Elder Orberg, Elder Ewar

Baby Blessing of Hayden Andrew Durocher

In other news of interest for the Durocher's, Nicholas & Michelle blessed their new baby, Hayden Andrew Durocher on Sunday, January 6, 2013.  He was born on September 25, 2012 in the early hours of the morning, weighing in at 6 pounds 10 ounces.  Hayden is a content happy child and Cambree loves her little brother.

Morgan's second letter in 2013

Dear Family
Im glad Mom got my box in the Mail this week. Yeah the Box was super heavy, and packed super tightly thats for sure. The Claw thing that you saw in there was from an In-Active Member back in Waianae. Its a Chicken fighting spur/claw. Its illegal to do, but a lot of people in Hawaii Fight Chickens. The Police dont really stop them either. Its super popular though. So they Tie the Spur onto the chickens foot, and then the chickens fight to the death. He gave me some of their old Spurs and thats what i sent home. I figured i didnt need to carry all that stuff around with me.

So this has been a pretty fun week. Monday was our Normal P-Day, and for New Years Eve we were allowed to stay up until 1AM. So 4 of us elders just played games late into the night. Tuesday was a Non-Proselyting day, so we had another day off. We went to a Members New Years Party and ate lots of yummy food. Then the Rest of the Day we just chilled as a zone, with all the missionaries in Honolulu. On Wednesday all the Missionaries in Honolulu went to Pearl Harbor to do Volunteer Work. We got there and went aboard the USS- Missouri. They had us move some flags around, and then sweep the deck again. Then me and 3 other people went somewhere else, and stripped paint off of some machine gun turrets. They took about 3 or 4 hours. Then we went on a mini Tour of the Battle Ship. We went inside of one of Turrets. It is a 17 Inch Barrel and like 50 feet long. It can hit targets accurately like 23 miles away. So we got to see where they loaded the Cannons and How they aimed it, and watched a short movie about it. Then we were able to go to the Top Tower where they drive the boat. It was really fun. Then we went down and look around in the Boat.

While touring the boat i saw someone that i thought looked kind of familiar. I asked one of the guys where they were from. And They Said Orem Utah. Then i asked The guy if he went to Lakeridge Junior High and He Said Yes. Then I asked if his name was Mckay Hatch. And He said yes! We used to be friends back in junior high, and i havent seen him since 9th grade when we moved. I was able to talk to him for a little while, he just got home from a mission near Turkey. He was on vacation with his family. Mckay's mom asked what My moms number was so she could call her and send her a picture of us. So after i left she called mom and had a nice little chat with each other. It was super awesome to run into him. Just the week before i was thinking about how Totally Awesome it would be to run into someone i knew back home in Utah. and It actually happened! What are the odds of that!?

Sounds like all the family is doing well, and the Baby Blessing went smooth. Good job Nick on the blessing.

On Saturday we had a zone exchange. So all the missionaries in the zone switched around with someone else. I ended up going with Elder Orberg who is in the McCully Chuukese Ward. I had some spiritual teaching experiences teaching some of the Chuukese people. Around 5 pm we got a call from a Rocky Mathias who was a member of the McCully ward. He said he needed some 20 Chairs for a Birthday party. We called up the bishop to make sure that was okay, and they we delivered the chairs to him. He Invited us to come eat with them so we did. I was talking to them for a while. I found out they lived in Utah for like 20 years, in Utah County. And They moved to Hawaii less than a year ago. Then they brought a giant plate of food. It had rice, Potato Salad, Spaghetti, Chuukese Banana with coconut milk on it, there were 3 colors of banana, redish, yellow, and a greenish one, there was mussel on the plate, Ribs, Shrimp, Pork, Teriyaki Chicken, a whole cooked fish, and then a Raw fish with the head still attached and the Eyes still in the head. It looked like it just died. I ate everything else just fine, and then i got to the Raw Fish. It was huge, like 14 inches long. But i ate it, it actually wasnt as bad as i thought. I was proud of myself. Then they Served Desert which was Pudding, and Cake. It was totally a Chuukese dinner.

Thanks for the News from home, and that analogy was cool to hear. I love you all and hope you have a great week.

Elder Durocher

From the Tower on the USS Missouri, Honolulu, HI

Elder Dorff in front of the famous 'Sailor kissing woman' statue from the photo

Morgan First Letter of 2013

The Picture is on Top of Diamond Head Hike, its a really popular tourist hike (with Elder Yamashita, son of General Authority, Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita.

Dear Family

I was so much fun talking to everybody on Christmas Day. It was great to hear everybody's voice, and to hear from everybody. It was really fun, and I'm looking forward to the next time i get to call home for mothers day. 

So I've been having some really weird dinners over here in Auwaiolimu. Haha try to pronounce that word!! :) We had a Big Slab of Salmon which was okay, beside them having put 2 inches thick of Mayonnaise over the whole fish. and Then baking it. Then tons of Raw Onions on top of the Mayo. It was not the best way I've ever had Salmon before.

For New Years Eve tonight, we will celebrate it as a Zone with all the missionaries, and we are allowed to stay out until 1, and then wake up at 8AM. Tuesday is another Non-Proselyting Day. And THen Wednesday we are Going to Pearl Harbor, on board the USS- Missouri to do service again. Im excited for the next few days, they should be really fun. 

Today i bought a Jesus Book. A Jesus Book is the New Testament Translated into Hawaiian Pigeon. Heres a funny Verse. 

John 3:16

Jesus say, "God wen get so plenny love an aloha fo da peopo inside da world, dat he wen send me, his one an ony Boy, so dat everybody dat trus me no get cut off from God, but get da kine life dat stay to da max foeva." (John Tell Bout Jesus 3:16)

Haha ive been flipping through it a little bit. its pretty funny stuff. 

The work has been going kind of slow in this new area. Hopefully it will pick up soon. We have a referrals from people that will hopefully get baptized, they have the potential. I think walking so much in this area has been helping my back feel better. Except for i get super sweaty every day. It finally cooled down here in Hawaii. I can manage the Temperature now.

I forgot to say in the last letter. But we had a Christmas Eve Dinner, and Elder Shepherd my companion was Santa Claus!!! All the Kids were Hawaiian. So a White Santa scared the crap out of most of the little kids. He made like 10 kids scream and cry, when the parents made them get close to Santa Claus for a picture. It was super super funny!!

.

Me on the Side, Sadie Saffrey in the Middle. The Saffreys are an awesome family from the ward, we eat at their house every single Monday. 

A gigantic Centipede!! They can get up to like a Foot Long here in Hawaii, this was just a baby one!

 

This was on our Hike to the Top of Mount Olympus i think its called. We hike for like 5 hours and finally got the the top. This picture is like 1 third of the way up the mountain. I hung my camera on a branch and did the timer, which is why the picture is tilted haha. When we finally got to the top of the mountain, there was thick fog. if the fog wasn't there we could have seen like half the Island.

Me, Elder Yamashita (The son of Elder Yamashita in of the  Quorum of 70), and Elder OrBerg

My Retainer broke again. Sister Scott wants me to ask you what you want me to do. Either i can get it glued again and hope it doesnt break again. Or i heard about a procedure where they grind a slit acrossed the back of my front two teeth, and put a wire in the slit and glue it in. Then My teeth wont hit it because the wire will be kinda inside of my teeth. Just a thought?

Any word from Doctor Reichman with my Back MRI??

I sent a package home, of mostly just junk i don't want to have to carry around with me everywhere. There is a bunch of papers i don't need. A Book of Mormon in Samoan, Tongan, and Hawaiian. And Some Samoan Language learning books. And My Quad Scripture set, because i never have used it. I already have one and dont need 2. I sent a Hawaiian Calender, a Wooden Rice Spoon, and a Frog for Mom for Christmas and just for fun. And there's the 2 watches in there, and a stocking you sent me

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