JayLynn E. Loves: Missionary

Malo e lelei. Family and friends, I hope you all are doing well. Here's an update on this past week or so here in Tonga.

Our transfers just happened this past week, and thankfully, I am still here in Vava'u and in the same area, "Makave" (the best island). I've been on this island for 8 months, and I'm pretty sure I'll be finishing here. Just this past week, I found out I'd be getting a new companion, "Elder Fu'e" from Utah, and I will be training him, so I'm pretty sure he will be my last companion and this will be my last area. Sounds pretty crazy to hear that, but I'm excited for this last chapter that I have. Elder Fu'e arrived on the boat Thursday morning, and that same day, our mission president flew in with the area 70 Elder Jaggi, who covers the entire Pacific. Elder Jaggi is in Tonga because during the past week, he had zond conferences with all the missionaries here in Tonga for our yearly mission tour. We had a meeting with them on Thursday held for us trainers and with our new companions who were being trained. Right after, we had a leadership meeting. Both meetings were being zoomed so the whole mission could join. Both of the meetings were very good and spiritual. During the training meeting, my mission president mentioned how there is an elder in the room who requested to finish his mission in a smaller island before he finished. He then said how he was planning to put him on a smaller island, but the spirit prompted him strongly that he needed to keep him in his area and train. He then said this Elder will know seeking the will of the Lords over his. The elder he was talking about was me. I really would've liked to finish on a smaller island, but I am grateful for my mission president helping me recognize Heavenly Fathers will over mine. Leading up to the transfer, I had also prayed to finish on a smaller island. Sometimes, the Lord will answer our prayers not in the way we may have wanted in the first place, but afterward, we look back and realize that is why.

My mission president also shared about how training is the most important role in the mission. Elder Fu'e will be the 5th companion that I've trained and because unfortunately my trainner didn't teach or help me much, I've tried my best to help every comp that I've trained. So I look forward to helping Elder Fu'e with as much as I can. It's crazy how fast time goes. It feels like yesterday I was just as my comp new to everything and struggling to learn the language. It's a bit of a full circle moment. It's only been a short amount of time together, and so far, it's been fun. I'm so grateful to have a comp that is willing to work hard before I finish.

Friday morning is when we had our actual zonecon with all the missionaries together with Pres and Sister Langi, and Elder and Sister jaggi here in Vava'u. It ended up being such a great meeting. If you've met Elder Jaggi, you can tell just off the first impression that he is called of God to be a full-time servant. He and his wife's smile and energy light up any room, and their words are strongly guided from the spirit.

I was able to open the meeting with a message. Not gonna lie I was a bit nervous because I was asked 5 minutes before the meeting started, haha, but this isn't the first time that has happened, so luckily, I was a little prepared. As I had little time to think of what to share, I grabbed my PMG book to see if there was a quote or scripture I should share. Well, the first thing I saw was from chapter 4, "Seek and Rely on the Spirit." So I felt that is what I'll share about. I shared about how most of my mission the biggest help has been the guidance of the Holy Ghost. As we are obedient in keeping the commandments, praying, and studying the scriptures daily. We can feel the guidance of the spirit in our daily lives. When we seek and rely on the spirit, we can see miracles in our lives just as I have. I invite you all to seek and rely on spirit in your lives. I testify that the Holy Ghost is our best teacher and will comfort us in times of hardship.

We had our stake conference for the Neiafu stake just yesterday as well as Saturday, so I and other missionaries in my district were lucky to hear again from Elder and Sister Jaggi. That also ended up being a very neat experience because they would translate every sentence right on the spot, something I've never seen before. Again, it was another great meeting from this past week. The stake center was full and even outside sitting under tents. Us elders, along with other members, had to sit outside under tents because the chapel was too full. The way Elder Jaggi shares and teaches is very unique and special. The entire stake was touched by the things he and his wife shared. They also had a children stake choir, and you could feel the spirit so strongly as they sang songs of the Savior.

Elder Jaggi finished his talk, saying that it is our responsibility as members to prepare for the Saviors' second coming and how he is coming quickly!!! I too testify that he is near!!

I am praying for all. I love you all and so does he..

- Elder Wolfgramm

Yoo, family and friends. I hope you are all doing well from wherever it is that you are. I thought I'd write a short update to my life and how work is here in Tonga.

It's crazy how fast time has gone, and I only have a little more than 2 months out here. With that said, I am trying to make the most of every day and hour that I have left here.

I am still in the same area, Makave Vava'u, and we cover the two villages Okoa and Utui. Also, still with the same companion, Elder Hansen. I've been here for two months now, and my comp has been here for 4. We have our transfers coming up this week, and I believe that at least my comp will get transferred. But we will see what happens. I really do love this area, so I would not mind if I stayed here. Although it is a lot of walking because it is a huge area. The walk is very pretty and it's good exercise. We are blessed to have great members who feed and take care of us every day.

Lately, I have been trying and praying harder to draw closer to the Savior in my thoughts and actions as he invites us to do so. D&C 88:63. As I have done so, I have felt much happier and felt his love much greater. I know that is all something we can have and feel if we choose to draw closer to him in our lives.

This past week, we had a good council meeting together as a district, and it was held in the village Toula here on the island, Vava'u. Near the chapel is an infamous look-out spot called "Ana veimumuni." The lookout is very pretty, but what it is known for is the cave and fresh water pool. Out of all the pretty spots and islands I've been to, I don't think I have seen anything that cool. The cave reminded me of pirates of the Caribbean or the movie Goonies haha. Let's just say that I may or may not have gone inside the water in that cave. That'll have to be a story for another time, haha. Another thing cool about that cave is that there are a lot of stories about it. Because it is fresh water, it is a place where they used to get drinking water back in the day!! I guess some people today still drink from that water!!

This past week, I did a companion exchange for a day in the Village Talihau with Elder Lui. Elder Lui is from Tonga, so I was glad to be able to learn some new stuff with my Tongan language. In the Tongan language, there are like 3 different classes.

1. Regular people

2. Chief

3 King

I am grateful cause Elder Lui is very smart and was able to help me a lot with words and phrases I am not used to hearing or using. If you are able to speak the chief or kings language here in Tonga, you will gain much more respect when you speak to others. Especially the elderly.

I love the village Talihau because it has one of the prettiest beaches here on the island, Vava'u. Bright blue water and a pretty view of other islands in the back. Also the people in that village are very cool. Another thing that I took and learned from E. Lui is that he was originally assigned to a different mission in PNG but has been serving here in Tonga for over a year now. If that was me, I would probably be complaining or upset that I had not gone to the place I was called to serve. Well, I originally met E. Lui a year ago back in his first area in the island, Ha'apai. We were in the same district together, and from then till now, I have not seen him complain or work differently. He showed and reminded me that it does not matter where the place or location that you serve. The work that we do here is the same everywhere in the world because it is the Lords work, and the place you are is where he needs you to be.

Yesterday was a great spiritual sabbath day. I felt the spirit strongly as I took the sacrament in remembrance of the Savior and his atonement. Every other Sunday, we get to teach the young men in their Priesthood quorum, and that has been something that I cherish because I remember growing up and being just like them. We have been trying to strengthen their young priesthood holders, and I have seen a big difference from when we first got there. I have seen so many blessings and miracles in this great work and I can't wait to share with you all. Despite all the hardships, I love this work. My life has changed because of who I get to represent every day. The Savior and Redeemer of the world. I know he loves each and every one of us, no matter what we are going through. I hope you have a great week. Prayers to you all.

Ofa lahi atu

-Elder Wolfgramm

If there's anyone that knows me, you know that I dont really like staying inside the house too long... This past week, we didn't leave our house till Friday, and even that was just a little bit of going out. So it felt like I was losing my mind this past week. I just want to go out, work, and also get closer with our members here. But the reason for that is because my companion had a huge boil (hangatamaki), and his foot was swollen, so he could barely walk. We went to the hospital here, and they told us to rest on it, and they just gave us the same normal free pills they give to everyone here, lol. I just wanted to go out and work, but I had to be understanding of my companion and had to do my best to help him. We are also still in a trio because Elder Naulangi is still waiting to catch his boat to Niua.

We were able to give my comp a blessing last week, and by Thursday, we were able to drain his foot. Since then, the swelling has gone down, and his foot is almost back to normal.

I'm just looking forward to hopefully getting some good work done this week with my comp. With all that time home, I was able to do a lot of studying. From reading scripture, lessons, and listening to conference talks.

There was this quote by Bishop L. Todd Budge that I liked

"If Jesus Christ sought quiet time to commune with God and to be strengthened by Him, it would be wise for us to do the same."

I liked this quote because although I was tired of being inside our home all day, I had a lot of time to really commune with God through scripture and prayer.

Yesterday was the first Sunday, and I had the opportunity to share my testimony in both of the wards that we covered, so that was neat being able to introduce myself and share. It's funny because I think people are still shocked when they hear me speak Tongan for the first time. From seeing a lot of eyes closed to the minute I speak, and they all start staring, haha.

Last night , we went to visit this Fijian couple who stay with a family here in Vavau which we are trying to get to know more, and hopefully teach. There is currently 7 Elders staying at our tiny home as of yesterday evening because the outer island Elders will do their shopping today. Anyways, when me and my companion and I were visiting their home yesterday evening, they told us to tell the rest of the Elders to come over because they wanted to feed us.

They fed us Noodles and keke. Although they weren't members, and didn't have much they showed so much love to us and I'm always grateful for the people like that who have showed so much love on my mission. It was also really cool getting to know someone from Fiji and learning more about their country.

That's just a little update on this past week here in Talau Vava'u. I love it here and am always grateful for this opportunity

Ofa atu- Elder Wolfgramm

Gana time with our brother Saake

My bruddahz and sisterz in Christ, WHAT IT DO Y'ALL 🤣,

I made it to South Africa, home country of Tyla IYKYK because I've been trying so hard not to randomly sing her songs ahaha. Also, I'm not going to lie, all my emails are going to be as short as I can make them because when I get emails that are long... I don't read them. LOL, watch this email be long SMH.

Just know this, I'm like one of the oldest missionaries here. I like being the OG. The African missionaries made fun of me because we got chicken wings for lunch today, but I gave them to Sister Nuamah because IYKYK. There's only four of us sister missionaries here and I'm still the oldest lol. Sister Nuamah is from Ghana 🇬🇭 and will be serving in Cape Verde, Portuguese speaking. And then there's me, Sister Satterfield (my companion) from Pocatello, Idaho, and Sister Ogden from Northern Utah. Us three will be serving in Zambia Lusaka 🇿🇲. They are all younger than me but have all the qualities and abilities I lack, especially my companion Sister Satterfield, so I know the Lord knew what he was doing when He put us all together. They're such good examples to me and I love them so much!! 💗 I am way out of my comfort zone, but I feel the Lord's love for me daily and it helps me through the hard times. I don't care what anyone says, a mission is HARD and ya girl has only been here 5 days LOL. However, I now I'm where I'm supposed to be and I'm here to do work. I've never felt the spirit so strongly even though I feel like I'm so unprepared and have no idea what I'm doing. But I'm willing to do what's right and this is right. I also have learned, on a much deeper level, that I need to forget myself. It ain't about me. Even though I've had that "Forget yourself and get to work" mindset, I NEVER forget the people or places I come from. My ancestors have helped me a lot while being here and I'm glad I ain't alone. I love the Lord, this Gospel, and know I will be stretched and grown into the best version of myself by being here. I can see differences in myself already.

Some fun interactions I've had so far:

- Sister Nuamah said I look like Moana because of my hair and my tattoos. 😄 PERIODT LOL.

- Some of the South African Elders asked where I was from and I said Utah and then they repeated the question. Then I realized they were asking about my island heritage yahurr. So I said Samoa and Tonga and they were like, "
oh SAMOA! Like The Rock, Roman Reigns, Uso Brothers" 😂 so don't trip yall, the South Africans know a Lil bit bout us Polys.

- One of the South African Elders, Elder Nylibilima, made us herbal tea they drink here and it was bomb. I don't even know if this is how it's spelled lol but it's called like Rhoiboss Tea or sumn like that. Lol

- Any South Africa mission is only for Elders because it's not safe for Sisters to serve here, but the country and people are beautiful and the food is good. The kitchen staff be putting their foot in. The food is bomb and I'm always full. But the African and Filipino Elders here say that the portions are too small and are snack size portions 🤣 BRUDDA SIT DOWN AND EAT THE FOOD. Humble yo self lol.

-I'm the only Polynesian missionary here but the front desk receptionist said I looked islander and knows our people because from time to time a lot of them come through this MTC. And the last elder she remembered was, Elder Taulapapa. It's a small world yall lol. So Bristy, if you read this, you can let Wayne and them know that they still know their little brother from when he was here at the South Africa MTC. 🤟🏼

-We watched the Joseph Smith Restoration movie that the church always shows and there's a part where Joseph kisses Emma and all the Elders, especially the African ones, started cheering and yelling loud and were shouting "The Chuch is true", "Exaltation", etc. And us sister missionaries were dying. 😂😂😂

- Our MTC President let us know we'll be going to the South Africa temple this week and next week so I'm excited for that because we got our temple clothes today! 😊

-It's winter here in South Africa but us Utahns ain't phased lol. It feels nice. But one Filipino Elder was freezing outside because we have to wash our dishes outside after we eat, and he said "Now I know how the pioneers felt" 😂 My brother, uhhh no lol. Not even close.

-I got my rabies shot today so yay. LOL and we had a power outage during dinner. Apparently, those are common here.

-Africans have the best way of speaking and praying. I love it! They're so eloquent and low-key poetic with what they say but especially how they say it. Sister Nuamah told an Elder who was too loud around her to, "can you please minimize your voice around me?"😂 I died lol.

Anyways, love you all. Especially my mom and dad... my siblings too i guess LOL. Here's some pictures of my time here in South Africa. 🇿🇦 Yeah fa.

HAPPY LATE EASTER 😇

Just wanted to make a quick update famili!

About a week and a half ago I got transferred to an outer Island "EUA" I woke up a Friday morning at about 7:30 am. I looked at my phone and see 5 missed calls from Prez... He says he's outside "Your getting on a boat in the next hour, hurry, pack your bag! This mission is absolutely crazy but it just goes to show the Lord works in mysterious ways. So far I love it, very beautiful and amazing, loving and humble people here. Definitely a lot more slow with the work being that the village we cover is very small and little population but I know there is a reason I'm supposed to be here. So I will continue to do my part faithfully and find that reason. Language is still a working progress but I can tell it's getting better every day. Articles of faith :7. I didn't believe this until I've seen and experienced it myself. I am so grateful for my savior Jesus christ and the Resurrection. Because of him I know we will all live again.

'Oku ou Fakamo'oni 'iate kimoutolu koeʻuhi ko Ia, ʻe toe moʻui ʻa e tokotaha kotoa pē. Kapau te tau muimui ʻia Kalaisi, te tau lava ʻo maʻu ʻa e fiefia moʻoni ʻi he māmani pea hanganaki atu ki he fiefia taʻengata ʻi he moʻui ka hoko mai. ʻI he huafa ʻo Sīsū Kalaisi. Emeni.

Mika's replay to Mickey's email:

Wow Mikki, this is beautiful!! I'm so excited for you to experience your mission. Wherever the Lord sends you is where he needs you to be. I enjoy reading your experiences and look forward to more stories and experiences. Just know we are here doing our work as well. I pray for you everyday that you will find those who are seeking his truth. May the Lord bless you in the nether most part of the vineyard like it says in Jacob 5. You literally are in that part of the vineyard trying to gather the olive branches that originated from the mother tree in the vineyard. May your work be blessed and may the Lord guide you every step of the way! Love you Nephew! Keep up the great work! Si'oto Ofa!

This week was great, People still think I barely just arrived here in the Philippines haha And then I start speaking in Tagalog and they are blown out of their minds. But I still need a lot of practice although Ive been here for months now! any who, I have been experiencing great things out here in the Mission, from going to members, to eating half cooked duck eggs, to swerving through traffic trying not to die! :) The Lord has been with me 100 percent of the way! Its been full of laughs, trials, but He is always on the side!

Always trust in the Lord Jesus Christ! He'll Never turn his back on you

(Here is what happened in my week though)

Weekly Letter - 29 Jul 2019

29 Jul 2019

Wolfgramm, Iohani Christian

Dear President Welch,

Hello President, well to start I'm glad to say my family is safe and they're all doing great. I do miss them, but nothing beats serving the lord full time and doing his work, it's such a short time in which we serve I've realized now in my 10th month of service, it flies by extremely fast. Anyways, my area is cool, I still haven't been across it all on foot yet, but I have gotten a good idea where things are at, I just need to know where more members are so we can find and help strengthen them.

One thing that actually happened that was interesting was I started a drawing project of a portrait of Jesus Christ, but as I continued to draw it and finished it I could feel the saviors love for me so strong, and I know that when we use our talents to glorify Him we are happy for doing so. So, in addition to that thought, I, myself am Happy because I can truly feel the spirit even when times get dark. I've seen a growth in my own reliance on the saviors Gospel as I have been serving and know it will grow if I humble myself continually daily.

That calls for this week President Welch, again, your doing awesome president ! we all love you, keep serving the Lord, I know He is pleased when we do His will Together!

Your Missionary,

Elder Wolfgramm