Merry Christmas Everyone! Life is more exciting when Christmas is in the air. I've always been a sucker for Christmas but not as much as Halloween. But since it's the Holidays I wanted to share  this year Christmas moment. Last week Mika received a call from friend Mike. He wanted to do something special for the Tupuola family. Mika and I was all for it and wanted to know how we can help. That's when he call called us Santa's Helpers. With that being said, we were to go shopping for gifts for Jenny, Kelo and the kids. Everyday for the past week Mika and I would secretly find toys, clothes and stuff for the kids and sneak it into our room to be wrapped. It was pretty fun shopping for the kids cause it kind of felt like we were shopping for our kids. A cool experience for Mika and I. The day before Christmas, Mika and I talked with the kids about doing a White Elephant gift for each other. Reason being, the kids did not see any gifts under the tree and were sad about no gifts for them. So to make things a bit cheerful, we took them to the Dollar Store to pick a gift for their sibling they picked for the White Elephant. The kids being extremely disappointed, they picked a gift, we went home and they wrapped their gifts to put under the tree. I could here the kids whisper to each other, "this sucks, we only have one gift for Christmas!?!" Watching their little faces look so down and sad, in my head I said "Don't worry my dear nieces and nephew you will have more than you know!"

Soon the kids went to sleep and Jenny needed help wrapping her gifts she bought for the kids. She knew that Mika and I bought stocking with treats for the kids but she didn't knew that we had a surprise for her family. We helped he put her gifts under the tree and see too finally went to sleep. Now that everyone was sleeping, Mika and I went ninja mode and started to quickly bring up all the gifts we had hiding in our room. We set up the stockings, put the gifts under the tree and high five each other after looking at the end result of the Santa's Helper mission. Mika and I was so excited to see their faces when they woke up in the morning. It's Christmas morning and it felt like no one wanted to get up cause to them there wasn't anything great to wake up too. But that changed soon after they woke up. Mika and I woke up before everyone else did so that we can see the surprise on their face. Soon Jenny woke up and she was shocked to see half of her living room full of presents. She than went back into her room woke up Kelo to see what Santa brought them. He came out still trying to wake up and was surprised to see so many gifts for the family. Wow! was the word he said as he sat down on the couch. Jenny went to the kids room and woke them all up to see what santa brought them. With joy in their eyes as they saw the piles of gifts surround their Christmas tree. We gave thanks to the Lord and one by one the kids opened their gift. Everyone was happy and we enjoyed the many gifts that was given to us from Mike. Mika and I received a gift which we weren't expecting. I got a laptop and Mika got a DVD player. I'm thankful for everything that has happened to Mika and I but also to the Tupuola family. It was a joy to bring happiness to a family. But also to be of service to another. Again thanks to Mika B. for this awesome and memorable Christmas!!

Love is an act of endless

forgiveness, a tender look

which becomes a habit.

Peter Ustinov, b. 1921

The cutest thing happened to me today. My niece Olimpia gave me a letter to give to my Dad, who is serving in the Military and is station in Iraq. She told me that her teacher wanted the class to write a letter to someone who is serving in the military and she thought about my dad, since I would always talk about him. Olimpia told me to mail it to my Dad and for me not to read it. Even though I told her that I won't, I did anyways. heheheh. Its so cute that I'm going to post it on my blog because its too funny and cute. Thanks Olimpia for the letter for my Dad he will greatly appreciate it.

Dear Sister Unga,

Here is a picture of Elder Elu at youth conference.  He is sitting on the ground on the left side of the picture.  In the picture are Pres. and Sister Ochoa and my husband and I.  (My husband has white hair and I have blonde hair).

We are taking the Elders and Sisters to see a Mayan ruin tomorrow.  Some people think that the Nephites used to live there.  It should be fun.

I hope that you are feeling well.  Don't worry about ELder Elu too much.  He is doing fine.  Today he bore a really sweet testimony in testimony meeting and tried to bring peace and harmony to the branch.

Aloha,

Sister Haynes

I love it when my family writes to me and telling whats been happening in their lives. Today I got a letter from my sweet little sister Jerica. It made my day and I couldn't stop smiling. So Jeri told me about Hi5 and how she likes it better than MySpace. Well I usually don't care for online stuff but if it tickles your fancy than by all means go for it! She's half way through the 6th Harry Potter Books called Half Blood Prince. I know that she's so into those books. I haven't read it and I don't plan on too. heheheh. As always things has been boring and annoying for her. Nothing new on that. She really wanted to come and visit but my mom would always change her mind. Plus every time one of us comes to visit family in the mainland, my so called aunty Leo would want us to take some stuff for her kids and nothing else. Thats a bunch of bull$#!% to me. I hate it when family does that! Ugh thats annoying! So she went on about how mom is been acting weird and yelling at her when Nita is not around to comfort her or back her up. i can see the strain its putting on Jeri at her age. Mom has bee going through a lot lately and its worrying me a lot. With all this chemo or body and skin treatments at the hospital, its been hurting my mom in a way she's not recognizing it. Also with all the stress from her family. I think I would go insane or act bipolar. My poor Mommy and my baby sister. So much crap going on! Lord please be with them and keep them safe and sane!!  It seems like she's having a horrible summer and can't wait to go back to school to have some realness in her boring life. I know she wants to go to school up here in the mainland to get a way from all the drama and go visit on her breaks. Just hang in there sis, you got a few years till you are done with High school. A new life will come sooner than you think. I miss her very much and wish that I could be there for her and comfort her. I'm glad that she still feels comforted to talk to me or write to me and vent. I guess I'm the good listener in this family. heheh. Love you little sis and I'll write to you soon. I have faith that all will be ok. Luv u!

Time is getting closer that my Dad will be returning home to Hawaii from Iraq. That will be a wonderful day, because we all worry about him every day that he is out there. He noticed that I moved and he was happy for Mika and I that we started a new leaf in our marriage, being grown ups and living on our own. Its a good feeling. Dad also expressed how much hes happy to have me as a daughter, happy that I'm doing my best to live a good life and making better choices for my future. He talked about the gospel and the importance of staying close to the Lord, having faith in him, praying and reading the scriptures daily. Pay tithes, going to church being worthy to go to the Temple, will bless my life more than I know. He really wants our family to enjoy the blessings of the Temple and be sealed together for eternity. I pray for that day to come soon. My earthly parents as my Eternal parents would be amazing. Continuing reading his letter Dad shared with me how it would be nice to visit Utah during General Conference. Oh boy that would be cool. I could show them around my new  hood and find cool adventures together. I know Dad would love to check out the nature adventures.

After all that he shared with me that things are getting interesting and complex in Iraq. Training the Iraq soldiers so that they can help their country. Plus there are so much crazy war shootings. I'm worried for him and the soldiers out there, but I know the Lord will watch over them. I can't wait till he comes back home and be a bit more safe than being out there. We can continue being a family and work ourselves to go through the Temple and enjoy the blessing the Lord has in store for us. Dad wants to get his Patriarchal blessing when he returns from Iraq. Now that would be an interesting blessing to hear. I hope he would share it with me. This has been an awesome and meaningful letter. And I'm glad that I have him in my life. May the Lord forever bless, protect and guide my Dad and my family forever. Thanks Daddy for your words of love and care. Talk to you soon!

Another fatherly fun letter from Dad today. I told him about getting an apartment since we've been living with my sister in law and her family. I'm blessed by their love in letting us live with them, but now is that time for me and Mika to be a couple and grow together. Dad was very happy for that news that he started to ask me if it has the basic essentials in the apartment and if I had any stuff for our new place. I knew we would go total Daddy mode in making sure I have the right essentials for life. He even asked if I'm going to make a 72 hour kit for myself and Mika. i giggled because I know he knows I don't have one so thats why he asked in his letter. How typical of Dad to say that. Well Dad was able to attend a LDS service there. One of the Soldier was an Elder and he said he felt the spirit there. Good news came through his letter that my baby sister will be getting her patriarchal blessing on her birthday. Oh man I can't to hear what line she's from and what blessings are in her future. Happy moment for our family. I guess I'm my Dad's favorite since I'm not as bratty as Nita! heheheh she's going to be mad if she read this letter. Dad called her a brat! lol Dad, reminded me how special I am and that I was known as my Mom's shadow. And from that I've always been by her side and we looked like twins, or so I've heard. Well the letter continues about when I get my place and that he wants to have a family trip and camp out in our living room. Now that I would love to have my family spend time with each other at my home. Laughing, crying, making jokes, talking stories, shopping home cooked meals and snuggling with my parents. Oh I can't wait. He went on talking about cooking some awesome meals, especially moms deep friend ham that I miss eating on Thanksgiving! heheheh He dose that all the time, talk about food and it makes me hungry. Anyways, that was the gist of his awesome letter and I'm going to email him now since I can go to the library. until next time....

Hey Pops,

Well all is good here. I'm getting along slowly but surely. I need to be more patient and loving at all times. We are striving to find more souls but it get hard, but I'm glad that the support I get is great...even close to the guidence of the prophet. I hope everything is going well with you. I glad each time that i get a email from you. But I hope you can help mom achieve the glory and blessing of going to the temple. Even to the point of getting a sealing with the rest of us, meaning with you pops. I scared of the time we live in, cuz the second coming is approaching and i want my family to be prepared for it and sealed. Its a joy to teach about being sealed for eternity, but sadden cuz my family is'nt. I will want to work with that when we get back aight!!!I love you pops and take care....

Con Amor, Tu Hijo, 

Dad got some jokes! Always joking with me and making me laugh overtime I talk to him or even through his letters. Asking me about my job and health. Well my health has always been an issue but I managed. Job wise its been good, nothing too exciting or boring. A job is a job, right? Well sometimes it can be more than a job. At least he does what he likes and is good at. Me on the other hand I'm ok but it depends on the job. Of course as I continue to read his letter, he tells me to make sure to take my vitamins and see the doctor for my checkups and stuff a parent would tell you to do. hehe you gotta love loving and concern parents like mines! There is one part of his letter got me laughing a bit. He said, Mommy shared with me her spiritual plan. She would want to receive her Endowments at the Laie Hawaii Temple even if he stays in Iraq! I know that Dad would be sad but he knows that Mom has to make her spiritual choice on her own and not forced by anyone. I agree with that. Mom also told Dad that she wants to get sealed to her children as a family at the St. George Utah Temple. Thats Moms plan for the future. I would love to witness that in this life. Dad expressed how much he loves mom and how he will do all that he can to make her happy and do whats right by her. He even asked me if he's a good dad. Of course you are Dad! Even though things were rocky for you and Mom, that doesn't mean I don't love you or that you are a horrible father. You are a God send to our family and I'm thankful for that. Please take care Dad out there in Iraq. May the Lord bless and protect you always. Thanks for the letter.

Boy my Dad is very adamant about receiving the family newsletter. Whoops! My bad dad! Sorry I've been busy with working. Don't worry I'll send it to you soon. I love that he always sends me words of encouragement to help me with my daily task. What more can you ask for when it comes to making adult choices in your life, my dad is awesome. I'm glad that he's doing well in Iraq. He wants to have photos of our Christmas family vacation in Cali, so he can have photos of our family. It reminds him why he's there and why he is coming home to. I love you Dad! Thanks for everything! Be safe & God Bless!!

I'm so glad to here from you. I'm in an area called santa elena with my 5 comp. from utah. I slowly adjusting to the english speaking here. I scared of losing spanish, but I know I must do my part in the work of the lord. We just had a baptism saturday. A little gryl. I sang her a song which everyone loved. I'm doing alot of work outs to stay away of stress that comes from differences of people, especailly with companionships. But I will survive every step of the way with the support that I have back home and in Iraq. Pops I very proud to represent you and the lord out here in belize. I know deep in my heart that this gospel is true and I can't thank you enough for the persevirance that you been to me to get my eagle to going on a mission. Remember that your son here will always be there for you, I love you and god bless, til we meet again....

Con Amor, Tu Hijo, 

Sweet one I love you

for your lovely shape,

for the art you make

in paint and bed and rhyme,

but most because we see

into each other's hearts,

there to read secrets

and to trust

and cancel time.

TOM MCGRATH, b 1940

I'm a happy girl right now...my daddy sent me a letter all the way from Iraq. He even drew this picture. Thanks Dad I love it. My heart is always filled with joy whenever I receive a letter from my loved ones. Dad is doing good and just training more before they head over to Bagdad City. Now this gets me a bit worried about him, especially his safety. But I know the Lord will watch over him. I love that he tells me how much he misses me and how blessed he is to have me as a daughter. Now that is the best thing any girl would love to hear from her Dad. Thanks Dad for your service in protecting our freedom and country. I love you very much and I'll keep my promise to hold the family in prayer and love.Take care dad and thanks so much for your letter. I hope to hear from you soon!!

When Love speaks, 

the voice of all the gods 

Make heaven drowsy 

with the harmony.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

Hey Pops!

I got some news for all. I'm in another country right now. I'm not in honduras anymore. I'm in belize, in a city call belmopan. I could'nt write yall earlier cuz i was in the plane flying here. I will keep you posted on the work here in belize. I'm doing fine. I just got to adjust to speaking in enlish again. Yeah!, here in belize they speak english and spanish, but I mostly here very bad english or in other words creyo. I have a little problem, here in belize its close to the state so the money here is 2 belizian dollar to 1 american. So I can't get alot of stuff for the people I want to help. Plus I have a little of my personal money left, cuz I had to use it to buy food here, cuz the funding for mission comes late to the missionary here in belize. So if you could kindly ask mom them to send money in my checking account. And my addy change for the mail. So if anybody wants to send me letters or packages:

Elder Elu

P.O. Box 79

Well pops keep me posted on the work in Iraq. Howzit with the troops and all?. I wanna know all cuz I want to whats happening to my pops ok!!!. Tell mom them I love them and take care. Til next chat pops.

Su Hijo, Con Amor, 

Elder Elu

Well pops I`m doing good in my area. I going to hit 7 and a half months here. I love this area cuz we found  great families, and we tring are best to help them. You know me, I always worry about the family and the budget we`re in. Plus youre going to iraq, Its alot going in my head about yall. But I know I must`nt worry too much about yall. Cuz their is so much I want to do for these families we have down here. We got 2 more baptism this saturday. So on that note I glad  to hear your voice and the rest of the family. I will chat with you soon.

Con Amor, Su hijo, 

I know its not the best thing by writing about you on my blog for your Birthday, but you are serving the Lord. What a blessing to celebrate it while doing the work of the Lord. Dont worry I'll send you something for you birthday in a few days. Please have a fabulous day and be safe. Luv u Bro!!