Bula Vinaka!

Bula Bula,

So for the week, haha finally.

We had a pretty good time that’s for sure haha, let me tell you about Tuesday.

I went on exchanges with another Elder from my district in downtown Frisco on a bike. Haha i have sooo much respect for those guys it’s some pretty tough cookin up and down those hills, especially when i was on a bike made for someone 10 inches shorter than me and about 80 pounds lighter, haha! We had to tighten the brakes a couple times because that sucker just wasn't gunna stop me goin down those hills, haha. But anywho, that’s the least of the worries they have there. The people are so full of Prop. 8 that really nobody wants to talk to us. There are very few occasions when someone will talk to us and it’s usually to yell at us and tell us all the things they think is wrong with what we are doing and why they don't believe mixed in with some cuss words and some waving of hands. It'll be a good story for the grandkids though for sure, haha. And at least I’m not getting punched in the face like Isaac, haha.

That was definitely the highlight of the week for sure and other than that it went pretty slow besides the weekend. We didn’t get to see Bill or Michelle this week so that was a bummer, hopefully we can set something up this week though, that would be good. We did a bunch of finding as they call it, or just spending time each day to find new people to teach which wasn’t very successful at all haha. Another day in the life.

And as for the weekend it was boss! So we went to the eating at around 5 knowing that if it was supposed to start by 4 then the food wouldn't show up until 5 but we were wrong it came at 5:30 and (Elder) Chapman and I got sucked into spending a couple hours preparing it to be served. And you know how it is in the Polynesian Community, everyone doesn't just get a slice of pineapple, they each get a whole one to themselves, so prepping food for that many people can take a little bit of time. But oh boy was it worth it! We ate sooo good, I think I gained five pounds right there. So much good stuff, haha, can’t wait until the next one.

Other than that everything here is the same. Thanks a bunch for the package, the cups are sweet. All I gotta say is they (USU) better beat BYU or else I’m doomed.

Peace and blessings,

Elder Hanke

Here are a few explanations…

“At least I’m not getting punched in the face like Isaac” = Garrett has a friend serving a mission in Russia, who happened to get in the middle of an escalated conversation and – you got it – he got punched in the face.

The “eating” (Poly talk) was a huge meal held after a missionary farewell in the Fijian Branch last Sunday. The girl leaving on the mission is the daughter of the very sweet lady that will email me once in a while with updates on and pictures of Garrett. She sent a couple of emails yesterday – very sweet, as always – and included pictures, which I’ve added below.

We sent Gar some USU cups that we got at a football game… so I’m sure the pressure is on, because I think that all of the Poly’s in the Bay Area are serious BYU fan. USU and BYU play this weekend… go Aggies!

Hope everyone is doing well, we love you all! Continued thoughts and prayers are with Di, Jeff, and the kids.