Morgan's 8th Letter

Sorry if this is the 3rd time getting this message. My computer keeps saying the message failed to send to the recipient. If the other 2 emails didnt work, ill have to send the pictures next week, cuz i cant send the pics now.

 

Yet another great week here in Hawaii. So Here in Waianae, and Maili which are both my Areas, i have never seen so many ice cream trucks! I probably see like 2 or 3 different IceCream trucks like  3 or 4  times a day, and then im always hearing the icecream song that they play. Its kinda crazy. Hawaiians also have a Manapua/Snack truck, that plays the icecream truck song, and looks like an icecream truck, but sells snacks and Manapua. Manapua is like a shredded meat, thats inside of a roll. Hawaiians really love it. So i see IceCream trucks, and Manapua trucks, like all the time every day.

We have found 3 new investigators this week, They are all super prepared and super solid. We teach them this week, and im super excited for them, because i know it will bless them so much, and help them so much. I am really enjoying it out here. I love the Weather out here in Hawaii. it took me like a week to get used to it, but Now i Love it. We have an Investigator Named Jordan who really wants to get Baptised with his Wife. They just have a struggle getting to church. Because he just started a new Job, and he has to work on sundays, he said he tried asking for it off but his Boss wouldnt let him. We were gonna work with him some more, to try to hopefully get him baptised. Because Investigators are supposed to come to Church 3 times before they are baptised. So we are working with him on that. He has 2 little kids, ages like 6 and 3. He is really an awesome.

Im gonna explane one of the pictures. So like on wednesday we were driving to some apartments to visit a kid named Jazen. And we parked our car, and then we saw a Pigeon get ran over by a car driving by, the car only ran over the Pigeons wing and Leg so it was still alive and breathing. So the Pigeon hops on one foot to the side of the road. We leave to go see Jazen but hes not home so we go back to the car, grab a Book of Mormon, see that the Pigeon is still there. and then we go to another appointment in the Apartment complex. after the lesson we go back to the car, the pigeon is still there, and drive somewhere else, to another appointment. Then like an hour later we come back to the apartments so that we could look for Jazen again and the Pigeon is gone. So we decide that a Cat must have found the pigeon and took him away. Then We walk to Jazens Apartment, and hes not home. Then We started talking to a little girl named Savanna that just got baptized. and as were talking to her, i look up in the air, and i see the Pigeon that had gotten ran over. Some Little kids tied a string around the birds wings, and hung the bird off of their Balcony. I was so shocked when i saw it, but it was super funny too! I never thought i was gonna see the Pigeon again lol. The Pigeon was just sitting there on the string, haha it was so funny! Then that night at 8 pm, we went to visit a ward member, Brother Hyde, he is the 1st or 2nd counselor to the bishop. We were talking to his son Paa, and Paa told us that they were the car that accidently ran over the pigeon!  Small world haha!

Well I love you All, thanks for everything!

Elder Durocher

Morgans Seventh Letter

Dear Family & Friends

I have had a pretty great week here in Hawaii. Today, Tuesday, is our P-Day for this week. Monday was a normal proselyting day. Tuesday was is our P-Day this week because we went to the temple. It was a beautiful drive there and back, to seee the jungle on one side, and the ocean and beach on the other side. The Temple is super pretty, and Inside is way pretty too. The Temple grounds is super gorgeous, plants and fountains and pools all over the place. We get to go through the temple every 3 months if were on an Island with a temple on it. Which is Oahu, and Big Island. I had a great experience there, and was able to feel the spirit super strong.

We Visited a Less Active Member on saturday. We got along really we'll, and connected really well. We got him to come to church sunday, and hes gonna hopefully keep coming, i think we helped him out really well. Hes like 30 probably, hes got a wife and 2 kids. We had a lot of similarities. Like We both worked at a rental store out of highschool, and both had back surgery, and back problems, and some other things. He opened up and shared a lot of stuff, and we were able to really teach through the spirit, and i connected to him perfectly. It went so well. I feel like we were both Edified, which is a sign of the spirit working. It was really cool. We did some service for them saturday night, then we visited them sunday and monday to teach the 2nd lesson of the Plan of Salvation. We are going to start coming over once a week, to teach them the lessons again. His name is David Quindt, and he told me that i was the good version of him. And i was the version of him that was born into the church. Cuz hes had lots of struggles and problems in life. He joined the church a couple of years ago. and Growing up he said he was the leader of a Gang in LA at age 15 and then by when he was 19 he went to jail, and turned his life around.

My back is about the same as last week. I am having more leg pain though. Im still just Icing it, and taking Ibuprofen. I talked to Starlene at Doctor Reichmans office, which is the guy who did the surgery. She said to just take it easy, ice, and Ibuprofen. and call her back this week. She says she doesnt think i would have re-injured it, and that its hopefully inflammation.

Oh and i think the MTC send you a bill for a shot i had to get in the Mtc. Thanks mom love you.
Well i love you Family & Friends, sorry that this week is so short, but today has been cut short cuz the temple trip. So i love you all thanks for reading.
=

Morgan's 6th Letter, 3rd from Hawaii, 2nd with Photos AKA: Mai Ke Kai Kimo KapohakuOKalani

Dear Family & Friends,

So yet another week here in the mission field. It feels like I was just barely at this computer writing the last letter to my family. Time goes by so fast when you serving other people and serving the Lord.

Well I guess I'll start off by telling you what I've done today. since its the freshest in my memory... lol. So this morning at 7 we started a hike. The hike started a little past Makaha, and goes all the way to the very point of the island at the north shore. So back in the 90's there was a Tsunami or something that destroyed the road past Makaha to the point of the island. It was a road that went all the way around the whole island of Oahu. But now that part is ruined and hawaii doesnt want to rebuild the road. Because somewhere along the road is a holy and spiritual place to Hawaii. It is a place where they say all the spirits of people go when they die. and that its like a resting place. and they dont want to disturb it by having people drive past it all the time. so they dont want to rebuild the highway. So we hike that trail that was ruined. The point of the island was really cool. It had lava rock all over the place. and Tide pools everywhere. So we were playing around on the lava rock beach, chasing crabs, and stuff. The Beach and Ocean is so beautiful and amazing. So that was really fun. not as crazy as our hike 2 weeks ago up mount Kaala.

So on Saturday we were on a Zone Exchange. So i was with Elder all day long saturday in NanaKuli and another city. from 11 til noon we did a window to heaven, so thats like knocking door to door. We found talked to a bunch of people, and got 3 New Investigators, and 4 OYM's (open your mouth). a New Investigator is when you share a message including 2 principles, a closing prayer, and a return appointment and phone number or address. An OYM is when you share 1 principle and get a return appointment. So that was really succesful. and then at 3 There was a party for a guy named Matt Moa who just got off his mission on wednesday, from Mexico. So he had a dinner party thing. So we ate a bunch of food there. Then at 4:30 we visited a Non-Active Member. He decided he wanted to cook us Steaks. So he Made us 2 giant steaks each, and gave us like 3 sodas. they were delicous, and i was soooo full! Then we Still had to go to a dinner appointment with a member at 6 pm. cuz we didnt want to cancel it. So we went to that and had a couple Chili Dogs, and Soda. Cuz they like make you eat alot of food here. Then at 8 we met with the Ward Mission Leader, Brother Wise. To talk about our area, and what we had done that week. We had no idea, but he prepared a dinner for us too! so i didnt want to be mean and say no. so we ate there dinner too, and it was big plates. and they had homemade juice too. I ate 4 dinners that night, i was soooo full! i felt like i was gonna throw up. It was like the most food ive ever eaten.

This Week Me and Elder Pincock have gotten 10 New Investigators, and our regular lessons with our Regular Investigators. So it has been a really successful week. We have seen lots of miracles this week. Ill share one real quick. So on Tuesday we had a dinner appointment with the Saiho's. and so we get to the house. Elder Pincock is reaching out the door, and his hand accidently hits the door and the key to the car goes flying acrossed the road and curb. Straight toward the Storm Drain. It bounces and Stops right on the edge of the drain. if it had gone 1 more inch it would have fallen into the Storm Drain, and we were far away from home, and we dont have a spare. It was nothing less than a miracle. Maybe ill send a picture of it. Ive seen lots of miracles with Our Investigators this week, its really amazing.

So last Night at Our dinner at our members house. We had it at the 2nd counselor to the bishops house. His name is Brother Hyde. He has 3 boys and 2 girls. and 2 cousins that were visiting. Im not sure all of their names. But there is Pa'a who is like 16, Hi'i who is 20 years old, and a 13 year old daughter, and a 8 year old son, and probley a 23 year old son. They are really nice, and way fun to talk to. they're family is really awesome. They gave me a Hawaiin name. cuz they have a book that translates names. and they know a ton of Hawaiin themselves. So Morgan: Mai Ke Kai.. James: Kimo, or Ukali.. Durocher (the rock): Kapohaku.. or The Heavenly Rock is: KapohakuOKalani.. So my name is Mai Ke Kai Kimo KapohakuOKalani.. It was really cool i had fun.

So bad news :( On tuesday morning for exercise time my companion was doing jump rope/ jumping training. And he wanted me to do it too. So i did. I didnt think anything of my back, and that could possibley be hard on it. I feel stupid now, cuz i didnt think anything of it. So that night my back was feeling sore, and a tiny bit of leg pain. The next morning it felt great. By the end of the day, after all the sitting, and walking and moving, and everything it gets sore. So this happen on thursday too. On friday i called Sister Scott who is in charge of health and medical. She told me to take Ibuprofen every 6 hours, and Ice my back, and be careful. and to call her monday. So i need to call her after im done writing. Today its feeling okay. It doesnt feel sore, but thats probley just the medicine. I dont know whats up with my back. But i just feel stupid for even doing the jump rope stuff. cuz it has been feeling great and amazing since my surgery. Like no problems at all. So i have been praying. and have gotten a Blessing. So please just keep me in your prayers Family and Friends.

Thanks everyone for Reading My giant Long Letters, i hope they're not too boring. Thanks for everything family and friends. I love you all so much.

1st Picture: thats a coconut we cut down from a tree, with that machete on a stick. Then we drank some of the juice, and ate some of the meat.

2nd Picture: thats the beautiful beach right outside the city of Kaleloa.

3rd Picture: the beach outside Kaleloa again.

--Elder Durocher

Morgan's Mission - Fifth Letter, Second from Hawaii, First with photos

                                         MTC buddies

                              MTC District and new found friends!

                                 Morgan arrives in Hawaii

                    First Baptism experience

                        Hike to the top of Mt. Ka`ala to be in a cloud  and not be able to see the view!  He's with Companion, Elder Pincock.

                             Mid way down Mt. Ka`ala, beneath the clouds.

I went on 2 exchanges this Week. i went on an excange with Elder Willyerd on tuesday night until wednesday night, and my companion was with Elder Boyle. I guess they do exchanges everyweek so that My companion who Is the District Leader can work with other elders to make sure theyre doing alright. Then i went on an exchange thursday night til friday night, with a zone leader named Elder Grover. It was really fun to go on both the exchanges and see their teaching styles and how they do stuff. IT was an awesome learning experience.

So last monday we thought that my companion had bed bugs cuz he had bite marks all over his body. So we had a member who knows lots about bed bugs, his name is Brother Davis, we had him come over to check. He tore apart Elder Pincocks Bed looking for them but couldnt find any signs of them, he was looking for eggs which look like dirt in the seams. and blood spots from when you squish they when you roll around at night. He said Elder Pincocks bed was totally fine. So then he said it must be in my bed, which scared the crap out of me. So He tore apart my mattress, box spring, and pad, which are in pretty rough shape with holes all over, and sweat stains all over. And he said he found Old Dead Eggs, but no live eggs, and no bed bugs. So the next day we sprayed this chemical on it thats supposed to keep bed bugs away.

We got a weight bench on last monday too. We got it from the Makaha Elders because they didnt want it at their Pad. Pads are what Hawaii Elders call there apartments and houses. So we got a bench and a ton of weights for them. so We have been working out everyday, cuz we get exercise time every morning. So hopefully i can keep from gaining weight here in Hawaii because the members feed you tons and tons of food. and we eat at members house like every single day. The members are so nice here, they are poor here in Waianae, but they always make nice dinners for the Missionaries. The average weight gain for Hawaii Missionaries is 40 pounds. Which is crazy!

So We hiked Mount Kaala Last Monday. We left at 6:30 in the morning, got to the trail head at like 7 to start hiking the mountain. We hiked up a paved path for like a mile or two, and then it turned into dirt and rocks. It slowly started getting more green and more green until we were in the middle of the jungle on a tiny path going straight up the mountain. The last 1 third of the Hike it started getting really steep and slick, and there were ropes to help pull yourself up the trail, it was so steep. We got to the Top, but we were in the middle of a rain cloud, so we couldnt see any of the view :( which was lame. but at the top their was a flat spot, with some old like powerplant or something, it had some creepy stuff up there. it felt like a Dinosaur was going to jump out of the bushes and chase us at any second. I guess that Jurassic park was actually filmed in hawaii, so thats way cool. and Also part of pirates of the caribean was filmed here too. Elder Mortensen, my District Leader told me he saw them filming part of Pirates 4 on one of the Islands he was on. While we were at the Top it started to rain hardcore, like straight up rainstorm. Then the Super Steep, Dirt trail full of rocks, turned into a giant slip and slide. The Dirt all turned into slippery mud, and i slipped like 10 times trying to climb down. We had to use the ropes so much, without the ropes we would have died. you had to be super careful with your foot placement. Then halfway back to the car the rain stopped. And i was able to get a picture when i was halfway down the mountain. Then we lost the Trail, Me, My companion, and 4 other elders. Before we knew it, we were in the middle of the Jungle, in the middle of the forest. So we started following a stream down hill, and walking down hill. We were lost for like 1.5 hours and then we finally found the trail. It was super duper fun, and i had a blast every second of it. Ill try to post a picture of it.

I have had alot of of amazing teaching experience the last 2 weeks. We have committed 8 people in the last 2 weeks to baptism, and all of them accepted it. We just need to keep working with them, so that they will be ready for baptism. We committed 9 people to come to church yesterday but only 1 actually came. it was really sad. but we just need to stay positive, and keep working with them, to prepare for baptism. Were teaching 1 guy named Robert who has been born again christian since he was 18. He is open to learning about it, just to learn, but doesnt really want to read or pray about it. so we need to keep working with him. The 1 person that camed to church is named Leini and she has a smoking problem she needs to overcome, and she has a boyfriend issue too. BUt were working with her and hopefully she can get baptised this month. she is scheduled for baptism, on september 29. She is way cool and super solid. I have met so many amazing people out here, i love it here in hawaii. theres nowhere else id rather be. I know im meant to be here.

Today we had a ward Barbeque at the beach. The food was really yummy, and alot of fun talking to people. It was really sad that we had to stay on the grass while everyone else was playing football and volleyball on the beach sand. but staying obedient is the most important thing i can do to help me have the spirit to guide me.

Heres some amazing food ive had here in Hawaii that ive never seen anywhere else. You have got to look for it as the store and try it. Its called a Melona Bar, its like a popsicle. the one i had was strawberry and it was so delicous. Trader Joes- Almond cookies things, they are like crackers, and super delicous. and the last thing is POG. its Passion Orange Guava. Super delicious stuff! Well i gotta go love you all.

Elder Durocher

Morgans Fourth Letter, First in Hawaii

Family & Friends,

So i have P day on Mondays and i got cut short on my email time, because theres so many other elders trying to write there families and theres not enough computers. and my computer wouldnt turn on for like 25 minutes, ugh it was frustrating cuz i want to be able to tell all of you whats happening here in hawaii.

 

So i got to hawaii on tuesday at 2pm hawaii time, after a 6 1/2 hour flight, plus waiting time. so we left utah at noon utah time and got to hawaii at 6:30 pm utah time, so we were all hungry and tired cuz we hadnt eaten since breakfast at the mtc.  and the Mission President Dalton and 4 elders were waiting at the airport. they gave us lei's, and asked if we wanted to go to a baptism or go back to the mission home and have a big dinner. We all picked the baptism, and so at like 3 the president took all the 14 new missionaries to McDonalds for lunch. We then went to the temple in Laie. and drove past the Polenesian Cultural Center, and drove past BYU-Hawaii. Then at like 6 we went to the baptism in a Tongan Ward. After the baptism they had a dinner with the Tongans at the Church. I just have to say it was very Interesting. Some things i liked alot, somethings i thought tasted funny. That night we went to the mission home, and opened an envelope with our new companions and our new areas. We stayed the night at the mission home. Then the next morning we went to a Transfer Meeting with ALL the missionaries that are on Oahu. so there was like maybe a 100 missionaries. Thats where we met our new companions, and our zone leaders, and our districts.

 

My Companion Is Elder Pincock from Highland Utah. Hes been out for 20 months, and hes my trainer for 3 months. My area is in a city in western Oahu called Waianae. So you could look it up. its right on the coast. and its SUPER DRY on this part of the Island. everything is dusty and dry and dead. Not how i pictured Hawaii to be. But its only like this on this part of the island, the rest of the island is super green. Its so wierd to see the ocean every day, and to think that theres ocean on every side of me. but im sure ill get used to it. The Members here in Waianae are super awesome. and we have so many investigators! we eat dinner at a members house everynight, and the food here is more normal, cuz its not a tongan ward. I am loving the food and the people in this area. This month my companion had 5 baptisms with his last companion, and 1 with me. and we have 5 people that committed to baptism for september. Hopefully they follow through and get baptised. They are all super solid investigators too. We had a baptism on saturday a couple days ago, i gave a talk on the Holy Ghost and i was a witness. It was really great, it was my first baptism! He had already recieved the first and second lesson, so we gave him 2 more lessons and then he was baptised. It was an awesome experience. His name Is Jordan Kamalii, and hes 18 years old.

 

 

 

Today we went on a P-day (preparation day) hike to the top of mount Kaala. Its the tallest peak on oahu. It was a 7 hour long hike, and we got lost on the way down, so we were wandering through the jungle for 2 hours. I took lots of pictures but ill have to send them next time, and ill tell more about it next time cuz i have to go. Ugh i wish i didnt get cut short i only had 20 minutes to write. Normally were supposed to have 1 hour to write family. sorry for the bad grammar, ive been trying to type as fast as humanly possible. Love you all family.

 

 

Mission Home in Hawaii

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Click on this link to see the Mission Home in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Morgan has arrived here and will go through orientation and then be assigned somewhere around the islands.  I probably won't find out for a week or so, where he is.  I talked with him on Tuesday, August 21st as he was waiting at the airport.  He sounded great and it made me so happy to talk with him.  He told me about his experiences in the MTC and the close friends he made there.  He sent a hand written letter home to Ethan and I which was received today.  We sure do miss him and look forward to his next letter and hopefully some pictures! 
Please write to him at:
Elder Morgan J. Durocher
Hawaii Honolulu Mission
1500 Beretania St. Suite 416
Honolulu, Hawaii  46826

He would love you get letters from his family and friends!
Thanks,  Sara

Morgan's Missionary Letter #3

Annalisa's photo from April 2012

 

Morgan will be flying out to Hawaii on Tuesday the 21st of August.  Here is his Mission Home address:

Elder Morgan J. Durocher

Hawaii Honolulu Mission

1500 S. Beretania   Suite 416

Honolulu, Hawaii   46826

 

Dear Family & Friends,

 

My time is super short cuz its my last P-Day before i get into the mission field, so everything is super busy, and i dont have a lot of emailing time left. I wrote mom and told her about my experience giving a blessing but i wanted to share with the rest of the family.

So last tuesday i was teaching My teacher Brother Yamada as he was pretending to be an investigator named casey, and at the beggining of our 3rd lesson he was rubbing his shoulder alot. we asked him if everythign was okay, and he said that his shoulder was hurting super bad, and he wasnt faking it. and then We asked if he wanted a healing Blessing. We then explained what a Blessing was, and how we give them. We asked him again if he wanted one, and he said sure. So i asked him what His REAL name was, and He told us His legal name was, Spencer Humio Yamada. My companion was going to Annoint the Oil, and me seal the Oil, and give him a blessing. I made my faith overcome my fear, so i wasnt very nervous, even though i thought i would be since it was my first blessing. So i had a lot of faith that it would go well, and that the spirit would tell me what to say. We then proceded, He annointed the oil, and I sealed it and gave him a blessing.

The week before i was having a question about why when you feel the Holy Ghost super powerfully, it makes your body feel tired and weak and exhausted. Like examples are 1 nephi chapter 1 when lehi is tired after feeling the spirit and lays down, 1 nephi 17:47 when nephi feels the spirit and is week, and ammon in alma 27:17, and Moses in Moses 1:9-10. Giving the Blessing was an example and a learning lesson for me, of how true this is. My Legs and Arms were shaky, and trembling while i gave the blessing, and i felt like my legs were going to give out, and me fall over. This was The Holy Ghost leaving my body, into Spencer Yamada's So that the Holy Ghost could heal him, and make him better. Then A Guy named Brother Mclay told me the story of when Jesus was walking through the multitudes and asked who touched him. And it was the Old Lady with a bleeding problem, and she knew that if she touched Jesus's Garment or clothing she would be healed. and Mark 5:30 says "Jesus immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him." the footnote for virtue is strength and power. So jesus felt himself get a little tired and thats how he knew someone touched him. Some of the Holy Ghost left Jesus, and went into the woman to heal her, and make her become pure, and clean, and spotless. and this is how i felt during my blessing that i gave. The blessing was super powerful and amazing, words just came to me, and i knew what i needed to say. It was an amazing experience, and My companion Elder Copeland said it was a Powerful Blessing. I have 30 seconds left of writing time. So i gotta go. I love you All. And Im greatful for all the Influence you have been to me in my life. I love you family and friends

Love Elder Durocher

Morgan's Missionary Letter #2

I cant really think of anything specific i want to say but maybe telling you about my week will help me think of some things i wanted to tell you. So last Saturday my permanent retainer broke while eating lunch, i could feel it wiggling around inside my mouth. So on Monday i went to the MTC clinic and they got me an appointment with A local Ortho-dontist, and figured out they were sending me to doctor Christensen. Which is the same Orthodontist that all of us got braces at, so i was excited to see everyone there. we rode the shuttle there, then the glued my retainer back on, but while it was broken my front 2 teeth split a little bit, so they glued it on without pushing my 2 front teeth together, and so i have a little gap between my two teeth which is kinda bugging me. So maybe ill go back and see if they can fix it, or just not worry about it. WHat do you think mom?? This week has gone by super duper fast, it feels like yesterday i was writing you all, so i dont really know what to say. Today our whole district got to go to the temple, which was a great experience cuz i havent got to go in a few weeks, and i got to go with all the guys which made it an even better experience. Being in the temple helped me to think through a couple questions i had about how the spirit works, and how you feel it. Thanks for all the packages you have been sending mom, they have been really helpful, im thinking i want another pair of jeans but i dont know how to describe which ones i want. and i dont even know how well they fit cuz i havent worn them forever. So ill try to figure that out. I got a cold this week from my roommate Elder Alvey, he has the flu but i just have the cold so far. Me and Elder Alvey have been Temporary Companions for the last couple days, so that we dont get anyone else sick and so that we can stay in the room, and both our original companions can go to class. ive been sick since tuesday, i got a blessing and some medicine from the pharmacy so hopefully it will go away soon. We had to go acrossed the street to urgent care for Elder Alvey, so make sure he didnt have any other sickness besides the FLU. I had to miss a few classes yesterday and the day before, so me and Elder Alvey just studied and Rested in our Room. Ive been having alot of fun playing Basketball and Volleyball this week, the 40 minutes we get to play never seems like enough time to play. But oh well there are more important things that need to happen in the MTC. I have had a lot of teaching practice this week, im getting better at it. Ive been studying the spirit a lot this week, and the promise we have that if we have the spirit, it will tell us what to say, in the very second that we need it. I just need to build my faith that on this promise, cuz i get nervous before my lessons, but they always end up going well during the lesson. and i feel like the lessons go good. time is flying by here in the mtc, its been 10 days here already, and i only have 10 days before i fly to hawaii. My plane flys out of SLC on tuesday aug 21 in the afternoon. I dont feel like im prepared enough. i have 1 more P-day, and 1 more letter to home, and then ill be in the mission field. So with ethan moving into my room, im fine with that, im just wondering did he pack all my stuff into boxes or what did he do?? Cuz i know that my room was stuffed full of random stuff, that ethan probley wouldnt use or want. Its awesome that annie finally found a job, i knew she would, im super proud of you annie!

Mom, Brother Maes needs a missionary scripture for my placque, so im gonna have to go with the scripture D&C 4:1-4. or if thats too long just 2-3. you cant go wrong with that scripture.

Thanks everyone for writing back to me, i was able to read through them all but im out of time so i wont be able to write back. Thanks for all your love and support Family, keep me in your prayers, and ill keep you all in mine.

Love Elder Durocher

Morgans First Letter from the MTC!

Hi Mom, and Hi family.                                                                                   August 4, 2012

The last few days here at the MTC have flew by so fast! i have been staying very busy here, and i have been feeling the spirit alot. I got a great group of guys as roommates! they all have such a powerful testimony of the gospel, and theres only 1 other guy from utah. my district is really awesome too, theres 10 people in my district, 4 sisters and then the 6 of us. Their names are Sister Huff, Sister Neilson, Sister Barnes, and Sister Haufepeaufi, and Brother Moodie from Connecticut, Elder Neiman from North Virginia, Elder Alvey from Arizona, Elder Kellog from Alpine Utah, and my Companion Elder Copeland from Missouri. On wednesday i got all my info filled out and my name card, then i got my stuff brought to my room, and then we had an orientation fireside, and then we went back to our rooms and unpacked. That night us 6 guys in our room had a testimony meeting, and we all shared our testimonies, a scripture we like, and why we went on our mission. The rest of the week here has just been filled with Classes, Studying, and Practicing Teaching. I am doing a lot better at role playing teaching than i thought, i thought i would be horrible but when i have the spirit i do pretty good. I still need lots of practice though. I was called as the District Leader, so im in charge of those 10 people i talked about. I feel like this is an awesome opportunity, and im so greatful for the calling, and i hope i can magnify my calling. Im in charge of getting the mail, checking up on all the Elders and Sisters, and making sure everythings going okay, and maybe a few more things im not sure yet. I am loving the food here, for the most part. i think in a few more days ill have it figured out what food i like and dont like. Me and My companion have had chocolate milk for every single meal here at the mtc so far. We plan on drinking chocolate milk every meal until we leave. I love the chocolate milk here, it comes from the byu creamery so it is very tasty. My Companion Elder Copeland is from Missouri, he has been a member of the church for 2 years. he grew up looking and searching for the true church, and he has been to many other churches, but then a friend introduced him the the LDS church, he knew it was true and he was baptised soon after. He has a very strong testimony of the gospel, and he loves to share the gospel and share his testimony. He seriously shares his testimony like 10 times a day. We get along great, we have alot in common, and we have fun talking to eachother. My time is short. i have 7 minutes before the computer kicks me off. I just wanna answer some questions from mom. No i didnt get lunch on wednesday, i had to wait til dinner but thats okay it was fine. I love my companion. the first day went great, i talked about it above. and no im not having texting withdrawals. and i am loving the MTC. Hopefully ill be loving it the whole time im here and not get sick of it in a couple weeks. I love studying the gospel, time goes by so fast. yesterday we had 12 hours of class, and study time. it went by so fast, i learned so much, and yes mom, my back was fine, i didnt feel any pain or discomfort from sitting too long. I am having a problem with getting sleepy in the morning, probley because im used to waking up so late in the afternoon. I have a stong testimony of Jesus Christ. I know he lived and died for us. I know he suffered the atonement so that we could have our sins washed away, to be healed, and to partake of eternal life. I know that the spirit does tell you what to say when your teaching, or else theres no way i could have had some of the lessons i have taught. I love you all so much, thanks everyone for reading this gigantic boring letter that has horrible grammar, im trying to write fast and not with good grammar. thanks for everything, and ill try to write you soon mom, im just so busy and writing hand written letters takes up so much time.

Love You all - Elder  Durocher 

 

Some things i need from the store, because they are expensive here. I want a like 5 spiral ringed notebooks. a Key Ring, My notes on the last General conference which should be in the tv room by the computer. some of those ball point pens that i really love, the ones that have the black and white striped grip, that are BiC. and some colored pencils, and some highlighters. I want a few colors of highlighters, like yellow, blue, pink, green and maybe a couple other colors.

Morgans Farewell & Departure

Friends at Farewell luncheon on Sunday, July 29th

Morgan with Cambree his neice

Morgan dressed up for 70's day at the Singles Ward

Morgans Uncle Bryan and family

One last hug for Ethan.  Might be up to 4 years to see each other again.

Handsome Missionary!

Saying goodbye at near the MTC.  August 1, 2012

Brotherly Love, Nick and Morgan.

"You can do this"

Annie and Morgan, one last embrace

Moms turn.

One last kiss from the Mama!  (can't get the computer to rotate the photo)

Morgan gives baby Cambree one last squeeze.  I love you!

 Drop off at the MTC curbside.  Have a great mission Morgan and enjoy the Best Two Years in Hawaii!  We LOVE YOU!

Missionary Farewell Sunday

Durocher Family - July 29, 2012

Family and Friends gather for luncheon after the Farewell Sacrament Meeting.  The chapel was full, the gym was full and more chairs had to be brought in.  Morgan did a great job with his talk and shared his missionary experience with Halo.  Very funny.

Got to have a funny face shot!

Morgans good friends.  Open your eyes Morgan!

Time Flies when you're Having Fun!

Much has happened in the year and a quarter that has passed since I last posted!  With Morgan soon to leave on his mission, I wanted to get back to blogging and post his letters and photos from Hawaii so family and friends can keep up with his progress.  I recently sent invites to family and friends to attend his Sacrament Meeting Farewell worded thus:

The day is drawing near for Morgan to enter the MTC after many months of waiting!  He received his call to the Apia Samoa Mission in November 2011, scheduled to leave in March 2012.  Due to a back injury and surgery in March he was detained but has healed sufficient to begin his mission.  His mission call was reassigned to the Honolulu Hawaii Mission, and will enter the MTC on August 1, 2012.

I'll update some photos from the last years events as I have access to them.  One of the most fabulous events was the birth of my second grandchild, Cambree Alayna Durocher to Nicholas & Michelle on June 6, 2011.  They are expecting their second child, a boy already named Hayden, to arrive in October 2012.  Annalisa took adventure by storm and landed in Hawaii for 6 months from Novemeber 2011 to May 2012.  We are delighted for her experiences but so glad to have her back.  She spent a month with her Montana Grandparents, Cousins, Aunt's & Uncles and had a great time especially at Brittneys wedding!  Ethan is training for 2012 football season at Lone Peak High School and is working at Firehouse Carwash.  Michaels year has been focused on his studies at ISU in Pocotello, Idaho where he is nearing his last year of school.  Gavin continues to impress with his happy face and excellent vocabulary.  He's turning 5 years old soon!  Wow!  David graduated from USU in the Mechanical Engineering program in Dec. 2011, but did the ceremonial walk in May 2012.  He and Ashlee recenty bought a lovely home in Logan.  David just got a new job and Ashlee will be returning to college!  Great job guys! 

I went on a fabulous trip to Washington DC with my co-workers in May 2012 where Dean & Lynne were fabulous hosts around the city!  It was amazing to experience the history and be granted the 'fast pass' into certain DC sites via D & L.  Thanks so much! In June my brother Bryan retired from the Navy and all 6 siblings and my parents and cousins gathered in San Diego, CA for a phenominal reunion!  What a great family I have!  Love you all!

 We'll be posting more often and thanks for all the support for the Durocher Family!

Wishes do come True

An amazing lady friend of mine is a fabulous photographer. She has the unique ability to catch the 'IT Factor', the skill to capture the special, magical moment on film. I've wanted a family photo for a long time and found out she was moving to Texas! I hurried and asked with strong encouragment, for my kids to gather so we could have our photo's taken in the winter setting of Tibble Fork Resiviour up American Fork Canyon. Much to my delight, we had a terrific time, fresh snow, and lots of laughter. I'm a blessed woman with fabulous children and Kari Hennefer caught all that on film....these days...digitally. After a couple hours, all were chilled, but I was one HAPPY MAMA! Thank you dearly to my kids for coming and making my day, and to Kari for her awesome skills at the photo shoot and her hours of editing.

To see our entire family shots, go to http://karihenneferphotography.blogspot.com/

After you see our family, click on any picture and it will expand. Look in the upper right corner and click on 'Close', and the whole collection can be viewed. You can choose the size of the photo to view, and be sure to look at the 5 pages of pictures.

Soldier Hollow - Company Tubing Party

I work for the greatest people ever! I love my job, and besides that, we do some really fun stuff together. The winter (Christmas) party this year was at Soldier Hollow, a tubing hill near Heber, Utah. We had a fabulous time...well after the first few runs that packed down the foot of new snow and sped up the runs. Our company had around 40 people come, (employees and families,) so we had a cluster run with all of us and it was a blast....well, one 9 year old girl fell out and her dad bailed to save her from getting smeared by a bunch of tubes. In that photo, you'll see two people walking down in the upper left corner...that was the tumblers. Afterwards we had catered, hot pizza and hot chocolate. It was a great activity!
I will add the photo's when I am at work....I edited them there and zoomed in on a few.

Ethan's 16th Birthday

Ethan being Ethan was right on top of his birthday schedule...Get drivers liciense, check. Land his first job, check. Get a car, check. Go out on his first date....check! What more could a 16 year old ask for! Wow, my youngest is 16! Next thing I know he'll be 40!....wait, that means I'd be 72! Lets just slow things down a bit!

Visit from Mike & Bridgett & Gavin

I was sure delighted to see Mike and family over New Years! Gavin is as cute as ever. Mike looks awesome with his extreme weight loss of 85 pounds. He's maintaining well and is working on losing more. Great Job Mike! Bridgett is as cute as ever. Love you guys!

Annalisa has a knack for the 1940's pin-up look

Wow, is she a looker! This was her New Years Eve dress up for a Masquerade Party...no one else dressed up but she shore was purrdee!

Christmas Day - 2010 at Jesse's and Heller's - Look at all the Happy People!

Santa's elves got busy and met us over at Oma's house for Christmas Morning by 7:30am. We opened gifts and shared in the delight of Bryan & Kristi's children as they found what Santa brought them. Santa did some early bird gifting at the Durochers so we didn't have to travel with as much. The photos will tell the story well, but as a starter we met at Jesses for the traditional Christmas breakfast of Scrapple, Muffins & Egg caserole. It was all delightful and we exchanged sibling gifts...those that were there anyway. We next headed out to brother Dean's new ranch that is south and east of Gardnerville. It's a great place and I can sure see why they love it out there. The traditional Christmas dinner was magnificent! Great job D & L and family for providing such a fabulous meal. Nick's truck is equipt with a GPS and we were glad to use it to find our way in and out of Smith Valley, Nevada to get back to Carson City. What a great Christmas day it was with food and family chatter.

Sunday we got ready for Church and met at Mom's ward at 11am. It was a nice service and we left to meet at Jesses for a noonday meal and the Durochers headed out of town. Many thanks to the Carson families for a place to stay and such hospitality at your homes.

It was indeed a Merry Christmas!