So, Here I Am

I'm here in Tubuai. I arrived safely Monday afternoon around 4. My flight had me, a sister missionary and the first conselor to the misison president who is also the district president out here (because we are too small for the moment to become a stake). I sat next to him and we talked most of the way here. Upon arrival we saw the elder, whom I was replacing, and the sister who was also leaving. They had flower necklaces to the tips of their heads.

I met my companion, Elder Millerberg. He is from Kaysville, Utah. And the sister missionary who came with me on the plane is also from Utah. That makes three Utahan missionaries on an island with only four missionaries. Even if I come from Idaho, I still say Utah, it's my home.

So, things here in Tubuai. Fun facts. Tubuai is a small island of about 2,000 people. A fourth the amount as Bora Bora. To go all the way around the island it is 26ish km or 16ish miles. It is the island where Addison Pratt landed when Joseph Smith sent him off to serve a mission. He arrived here in 1844. They are very proud of that and have little memorials to show it. I have some photos.

The way of life out here is very interesting. If you asked me what they did all day I wouldn't be able to tell you. I honestly don't know. They just disappear and at the end of the day they come home. They probably work in their farms or take care of their families. This is one of the most southern islands in the mission that actually has missionaries on it. It is 400 miles from Tahiti and it does get cold. I had to change my blanket because it's been so cold in the mornings.

As for this week things went slow. Getting to know people and where they live. Trying to figure out the investigators and helping my companion out. He just barely finished his training and so his French needs help, luckily I was in French for so many years before the mission. So grateful. We have two branches in our area and four on the island. Our's are called Mahu and Ziona. It's the first time I've been in a branch, so it'll be new.

These last six months of my mission are my time to shine. To do my best. And unfortunately it's also the time to get ready to come home. I'm not getting trunky but the end is coming up and I'm bracing myself for the impact.

So family and friends, keep going. Patient through the rough times and serve those around you. Let's all do our best to be our best. It's a daily thing and it's a life long thing. The Lord loves us and wants the best for us. And it's through our difficulties that He makes us who we are. I love you all! Thanks for everything.

Love, Elder Squires

My Arrival

The others who were leaving.

One of 3 Chapels Currently Used on the Island

One of the farms on Tubuai

This is a memorial for Addison Pratt and his wife and the other missionaries that came with him.

The second church built on the island of Tubuai. It was built out of melted coral that made cement. 

And finally a memorial of where Addison and the group first landed. That stone thing is the memorial and behind it is our house. I really like the colors of those curtains, ha. I only say that because my companions made fun of me for only having blue ties, which is true except for one. So yeah. That's the island. It's been interesting thus far. We'll see what this week brings.