So I’ve been thinking… If I’m related to Captain Cook that would do a lot of good for me:)

June 17, 2012

Tonight we’ve been in our flat listening to a church talk; obviously after we planned for tomorrow. It was so good.

The weather this week hasn’t been that great. We had to walk a couple days this week too because the pedals fell off my bike so I had to take it in and get it fixed. To entertain us we sang a lot of hymns; probably all the ones I know. Think about how funny that must look to see two missionaries walking down the street singing the whole time. It was fun and we made fun with it. We talked too about all different doctrine.

I get in the habit about talking about random things and I take up too much time. Then my recording don’t email because they are too long so I’m trying to fix that habit. Emails… talk about trials, wow. Am I right? Ha.

So since last week there has been another cyclone or what they call “Tornado Ally”. Imagine this: Its like on The Other Side of Heaven where the cyclone, or Tornado Ally, goes through the village and wrecks everything. Of course there are better structures now but still the trees; there are tipped over trees everywhere.

So some of my experiences this week: Steve – I need someone to write me or remind me to write Steve a letter in two years. I’ve got his address but I need to be reminded to write him. So basically I’ll commit you to reminding me. Those true friends that love me will remind me, ha. So he’s an ex-marine who at first didn’t like us. He basically swore at us and told us the neighbors didn’t want to talk to us. So we went over and chatted with him for a bit. He’s a great guy. We’ll talk to him when we’re in the neighborhood.

Talking to people has become a lot easier. I am able to connect to others because of my interests from back home but when you’re guided by the spirit it makes it so much easier to connect and open up. The spirit can really help you ask the right questions.

There is this guy out here that raises pigeons. I think it’s the coolest thing ever and when I get back home I really want to raise white ones and then open them at weddings. The cool thing is they fly home because they are homing pigeons.

There is another lady we’ve taught who really isn’t that interested in our message but she is the sweetest kindest lady that wanted to give us $120… a lot of money. We couldn’t accept it and then she started to cry and it made us feel even worse. We felt so bad but we put it in the fast offerings in the end.

Mom – Thanks for the Ensign you sent and the faith talk. I almost forgot to send that to you and I’m sorry.  Anyway, I’ve been reading and the talks are so great. The faith talk is amazing and I’ve been studying it in personal study because that’s what I first built my testimony on. I love to talk to others about it. It really is what you have to apply… you have to apply faith to get more. You have to act of faith and continue that until it becomes knowledge.

Alma 56:48 talks about the stripling warriors. It says “We didn’t doubt because our mothers knew it.” Growing up at first I relied on it. My mother knew it so I knew it.  I really never doubted the truthfulness of this religion. Then you get into your teenage years and really have to find out for yourself. I’m glad I had a lot of good example in my life to show me how to find out for myself and do that.

I don’t have a lot of time but I also wanted to talk about D&C 101:7-8. It’s an awesome thought that I love to share with others and it even rebukes me but I love it.

We’ve been passing out Book of Mormons this week. I love explaining the book and the history behind it and the prophets and the other side of the world. One book I passed out was to these two people. One of which was very open. This woman I think just felt really comfortable around me and told me about her friend who just got diagnosed with cancer and some trials she is going through. I was excited to tell her about the Book of Mormon. We talked about prayer and assigned her reading. The other person is part of a part member family and he is awesome.

Understanding Grace – This is one of the most awesome things. We are saved by grace. When people say this of course its true but their understanding is a little confused but it is the gospel nonetheless. Its amazing when you truly understand that grace. I have so many experiences about grace that I don’t even realize until I stop and think about them. I love talking about it. During our class today I was able to share about an experience I’ve had and talk about the sacrament. We should all be learning about the sacrament and grace.

I love teaching people about this gospel. No matter what the question is. There are no dumb questions that any person can ask. I love answering them. 

I really miss Patches, Sage and the family. 

As always, keep the faith – 

Elder Cook

Its so rare to have a family like mine... I'm grateful for it

June 10^th, 2012

Hey so sorry you haven’t gotten the last two voice recording because they were too long. I started teaching and preaching to you so they were about 20 minutes each and my email couldn’t send. 

So I’m just going to buzz through today and tell you what’s going on. There was a cyclone today. The power is out right now and there are a bunch of trees everywhere. We came out of the church and there were trees lying in the streets and power lines down. Probably not as crazy as you’re imagining in your minds right now but yeah there were trees in the streets. The power is out right now in our apartment and its really dark and making me tired… I’m excited to go to bed.

So on the voice recording I know you can hear my bed squeaking; Yeah so it squeaks.

We are teaching three people right now. One just got out of prison and is looking for a change in life. We had a good discussion with her. Another is a favorite because she is just so excited about living the gospel. She is like a sponge and really listens and grasps the things we are teaching. The last one is awesome. He’s the one that keeps me up on American basketball because he loves it. 

I’ve been able to develop a lot of gratitude for my family. Here there are a lot of broken homes. President Flambert came to our flat this last week and I was able to have an awesome talk with him. He is such a loving mission president. He told me to carry a picture of my family with me. It is so rare to have a family so well put together and so involved in the gospel. Its good and I’m so grateful for it. I really love my family. What I really want is more family pictures.  It’s crazy also that I’m getting a new president when I just fell in love with this one. 

I want to tell you all how Priesthood power is so real. I didn’t know the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood until I was able to give a priesthood blessing and see results the next day. 

We go beach contacting sometimes. We’ll go in the mornings or at sunset and talk to people. We aren’t really on the beach but the sidewalk or boardwalk next to the beach. It was hard at first and because I got sick this week but it was easier after a while. I am feeling better though. Thanks Mom for the cold medicine.

We work like crazy here on Sundays. It is the longest day of the week because it’s so hectic.

Appointments here fall through a lot. It’s frustrating that appointment after appointment falls through. Sometimes I just want to cry but I have faith still. 

This week it’s been raining like crazy. When it rains here it pours. We get soaking wet and when its 16 degrees Celsius it stinks.

Nights end early here in Australia. After 7 o’clock they don’t even want you in your home and they are going to bed. It’s kind of weird.

There is a brother here in our ward that is 91 years old. During the summers he still goes swimming in the ocean every morning.

Islander food tastes really good and I’ve been learning how to cook it. My secrets are my own J

So I don’t really want to rush this letter. Tell me how Sage is doing. I had a horrible dream about her and I worry about that dog. I miss her so much.

Wow Caitlin is going on Heritage Tours next month. I am just so envious of her right now. I want to go on Heritage Tours again. If I had gone with the spirit that I have now it would have been way better.

Rugby is huge here, I love it. We play it almost every preparation day…. basically every p-day.

I need you guys to write questions for me. When I say “you guys” I mean anyone who cares and loves me and wants to prove that you love me.  You will send at least two questions. That’s how I feel loved.

-Elder Cook

RANDOM FACTS

There are tons of smokers here…. A crazy amount

I think that Aussie’s work just so they can relax. They will go out and work in the yard so afterward they can have a good cold one.

Driving on the left side of the road here is weird.

Everyone drinks here… even 10 year old kids. It’s sad as.

Elder Rigby – “Hello cook family – You’ve raised a great son. He’s a good missionary and will bring many unto Christ.”  (He was in my MTC district from Boise ID)

Elder Sambro – “Elder Cook is the man, he’s a great son.”  (He’s Tongan but is from NZ and Queensland)