bring you greater happiness

This week was really good! So we ate dinner at the house of our area's old branch president, His name is T. And the food wasn't ready yet, so we kind of just talked for probably 30 minutes about the Kiribati language, because he's pretty good at english and is still learning. He's super awesome, cause a lot of the people here don't have a ton of ambition. Here in Tarawa, it's a little better, because kids from all over including outer islands come to tarawa to attend Moroni High school, which is an lds school. And at Moroni they are immersed in the English language. All of the teachers have to speak it during every lesson, except for kiribati lessons. Yeah it's kind of funny. The national language here is english... and yet everyone speaks Kiribati and very few know very limited english. I think it's because the government wants the people here to be able to have more options. Like I said, sometimes ambition is scarce, especially on the outer islands, because for most people, the purpose of their life is to collect coconuts every day, sell them for rice, catch fish, and pick breadfruit... You can totally live off the land here. But yeah, me and T talked about Kiribati, it was soooo amazing because I had so many questions about Kiribati pronounciation, and he totally helped me!! And now I feel like I have a better grip on the pronounciation. He also had a lot of questions about english, it's pretty amazing how well he knows english, because for me having learned a different language, I realize how hard english is. Any way, I totally told him thanks and that I'd ask him if I had any more questions. And I also told him to ask me if he had any more questions. I'll try to get some pictures sent soon, but we had a baptism on saturday. It was really great. I'm really working hard to study, I feel like I've developed a greater interest for the pioneer stories. Hahaha, ughhh it's crazy how as I grow up, all the seeds that you, mom and dad, have sown into my childhood begin to sprout and to grow haha. No really though, the pioneers and the people who lived during the time of Joseph Smith are such an example to me! I know that we have to be like the pioneers, we have to stand in holy places and be not moved. I heard a talk recently, something like: "What you do, where you are, and what you see will shape who you become" I love the faith the pioneers had in gathering together as Saints. They truly treasured things of God and not of the world. They understood the importance of service! Siblings: I feel like I didn't understand this most of my childhood, but it's a commandment to serve others. And like all commandments it's going to bring you greater happiness. I feel like the key to living a life worth looking back on others, or worth sharing with others, is to live for others, through service. The principles of the gospel help us to stop worshiping ourselves and to turn to God(Bednar said that I think in an MTC address). Any way, I feel like the pioneers really knew that. They were so industrious and serviceful. They sacrificed so much. I love their example and want to become a modern day pioneer!! Thanks for all your support and examples!! Truly!! Also, it's kind of funny. There was a missionary that served here named Elder S that the missionaries talk about. They say "he knew more words than native Kiribati people", I asked how, they said "he was never content". Haha, they actually wondered if I was related to him when I first got here, because apparently we look alike. But I found out that he is the actor on the mormon message: "Thanks for drinking all the juice!" Hahaha, he's that guy!! Haha, so apparently that was his joke, cause the missionaries drink a lot of juice here ;) Any way, have a good week all! Ti a bo!! I love you all!

- Elder Seffker

peace just to look at the ocean

Sooooo, Kiribati is great. Hahaha, there was once a time on our way to california where we were all packed in the van, and it was "so hot" that I my arm had beads of sweat building up, but yeah, that's basically how it always is here. I've tried some pretty good foods here. Hmmm, te kika(octopus) the skin is very strong and kind of gross but the inside is alright and kind of chewy. Eel tastes like fish, except for the skin which is slimy fat and full of bones, some people like it though.. If you've ever heard of bread fruit they eat it a ton here!! It's almost similar to a potato, in fact they cook it in chips often and it's delicious. There's also a super delicious drink here called kereve, once at Hilary's house we tried some some coconut water I think it was called and it was delicious, well that's basically what kereve is. They drain the sap from coconut trees all day and then mix it with water and sometime sugar. Very Refreshing! Also, they're in a drought right now so most of the rain water is used up. Instead they get water from wells which is very germ filled until you boil it. But it's still kind of gross apparently so they mix sugar and sometime concentrated fruit juice with it. It's pretty good! Pure water is pretty scarce here. The living conditions here are pretty wild. Every one just lives in a bouia mostly, which is pretty much a tent. In fact the living conditions here are pretty similar to camping. For us it's like trailor camping, because we have a shower and bed to come home to each night.  most music is becoming modernized, same as Kiribati. Lots of techno just to Kiribati lyrics, I think they even translate some song into the language! But, we actually got to participate in a culture dance thing, no instruments, just pretty much everyone screaming doing a dance in unison, with a very energetic leader. It's somewhat like a fight/war sort of dance I suppose. Very Powerful!! Literally, it's so crazy to be right in the middle with so much people just kinda screaming words in unison. Very cultural. As far as bugs, it's with much blessing that there are apparently no poisonous animals  or bugs on the island, that I've heard of... There are poisonous fish, but the people know not to eat them, or to feed them to us. I found a cockaroach in my closet the other day. Also we found a lizard in our house, but those are everywhere any way. Just tiny little lizards that eat flies. Hmm, I've seen a crab a few times. Dogs roam free. Pigs are just as prevalent as dogs, but they often tied up, one leg to a tree. It's kinda sad, but yeah they're tied up one legged pretty much 95% of all pigs, and then people kinda just put their garbage around the pig and it eats it. And then when it gets old, they eat it. So yeah, the circle of life for pigs in Kiribati, not to bright but oh well. There's also chickens all over, not tied up, but we have chicken for dinner at people's houses all the time so... Any way, yeah it's nice, we get feed by members almost every night, so it's nice to be able to experience the culture that way. Our house is right by the ocean, it actually brings me a lot of peace just to look at the ocean cause it seems so vast when there's so much water between here and home, but it's such an awesome creation of Heavenly Father's. I know that we need to work hard in this life. That we need to sit down and really determine what our choice is going to be. Whether we're willing to defend the truth even with our life, whether we're going to deny ourselves of ALL ungodliness, or at least be working toward doing so. I know that the reward is sooo much greater than we can even imagine!! His plan is truly a plan of mercy, and as good as even the telestial kingdom is, God truly has prepared a way that we can inherit celestial glory! I know that we truly have to remember what matters... There's going to be a lot of good enticing things in this world, but that we have to be converted to Christ, and nothing else. I'm so grateful for all of your support!! Thanks for the family update! I love you all! - ELder Seffker

so grateful for the Atonement and the Plan

 I'm doing good, thanks! Yeah the time has indeed flown by ;) Yeah, it's been a huge blessing having those 3 extra weeks! Yeah I'm trying! Honestly, we don't actually study the language all that much, it can be hard to get some solid blocks of language study in.. I guess it just depends on your priorities, but I have definitely kept well up! I'm so grateful that I studied language a lot before the mission, it has paid off and I'm sure will continue to !!

Sooo by way of info, you should know.... I'll fly out to Kiribati next Tuesday the 15th. Skip the 16th, and fly right into the 17th of Nov. Also, I'm not sure how frequently I'll be able to email once I get there... So if I don't email every week, that's why!

I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that this church is true. And I know that Heavenly Father loves us! I'm so grateful for the Atonement and the Plan! N aran Iesu Kristo amen.

 - Elder Seffker

line upon line, precept upon precept

This week I've been working hard to study effectively.. I feel like all scripture study is good, but I'm working hard to make goals also and memorize passages so that my studying can be more intense. I know that the gospel is truly mean't to be studied continually and that our understanding develops line upon line, precept upon precept. Hope you all have a good week! I know that God loves us, I know that His mercy is always extended toward us, and that He is continually giving us the knowledge and experiences we need to be able to grow through our faith and desires, no matter our circumstance. Love you all!

- Elder Seffker

the nature of God is the nature of happiness

Thanks for everything! Yeah, it's a great thing to gain a testimony of study and the power of the Book of Mormon in conversion! Totally do it, there's lots of pointers in PMG chapter 5 "The role of the Book of Mormon in conversion"! It's good to hear that things are going good at home! Halloween is such a fun time ;) Haha, that's awesome that J is learning his letters, he seems like a very intelligent person ;) I was thinking recently, a verse in the Scriptures implies that the nature of God is the nature of happiness. We can't dwell with God without repenting to develop that nature. And the glory of God is intelligence. When we act like animals, and when we yield to carnal things, we can't live with God. We need to live up to our intelligence.

When I first got here, I kinda just focused on my own studies, but I'm learning that the MTC is not an honors class, some missionaries are not accustomed to studying. So I'm really working on serving others. I was called as district leader recently, I know the Lord really wants me to learn how to serve others. Feel free to give me any pointers or advice concerning service and the likes. I'd really appreciate it!

Thanks again for all you do! Thanks for the packages, they're awesome!! Love you!

Aia, tekeraoi ma te bong aio!

angels on my right and left

haha yeah, heard of "The doctrine of Christ" by President Nelson, Or "Developing the Character of Christ" by President Bednar? ;) They're the movies we watch on Sunday nights.Yeah I've really felt the hand of the Lord in my life these past few weeks, I know He loves me, I know he loves us all equally. I'm so grateful for the repentance process, and that we're able to change.

I've been working really hard on humility these past few days, I know that we need to see each other equally, as we all have the same degree of importance and potential, and that we need to be humbled before God, because He is created us, the plan, and sent His Son, which is our only reason for hope.

I'm also trying to gain a testimony of hard work... The first couple of weeks, I have to admit, I was pretty lazy. Like, I payed attention in class and stuff, I followed the rules, I used my study time completely.. basically I did everything that was written down.. But I've realized that even then, there's so much time that we have, like when people are talking just to talk, and you find yourself listening just to listen, or between and during meals, arise, bedtime, class time.. I know that I'll "return in vain" if I don't do everything in my power to serve Him with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.

I have seriously felt angels on my right and left and have felt that my steps have been guided! Truly, I know the Lord is watching out for each of us, we just need to exercise faith, be faithful to our covenants, repent, and strive to become better. He will literally guide our steps, and you won't be able to help but feel His infinite love surrounding you. I know that we have no reason to fear, we just need to trust in Him. I know that the Lord works by faith. I know that it's never too late for anyone to come unto Him, and that He wants for us to come unto Him and have peace and joy and is continually looking out to pour blessings on us when we are obedient, or when we ask for His help.

, I've got a lot of learning to do, but I know the Lord is helping me do it. I know that as we exercise faith and as we are tried, we can gain a witness, and that faith can progress to knowledge. I'm so grateful for the Atonement, that we can repent and become more Christ-like. Thanks for all of your guys' examples :) I know that Heavenly Father loves each of us more than we can understand. Have a good week!

Thanks for your support. Sounds like the fam is doing good. I love you all! - Elder S

oh and yeah, President Bednar was here a week or so ago ;)

Throwing all worldly things away...literally!

So after a long summer of trips, camps, and working in Oakland Jared put all worldly things away for the Lord...literally "threw all worldly things away!" Enjoy his first letter!

Hey... how's it goin?... ;) jk, it's weird that I'm actually on my mission, cause it doesn't feel way different.. I feel like I've been getting shipped around all summer, so it's not that weird to be away from home ;) any way, there's a very strong spirit here at the MTC, it's pretty cool! It kind of feels like the temple. My companions (I have two, I'm in a trio) are very ambitious, and competitive in a good way. I believe that the companionships here are indeed inspired of the Lord ;) I never knew how much it would help, but I know now, that familiarizing yourself with language study before your mission gives you a huge head start, in stress management, and in language learning methods! Alright, I just want to end with my testimony... I believe that the spirit does speak to us. When I feel the spirit, it's a feeling of peace, and of God's love. I believe that God loves us, it's a message that really speaks to me! I believe that we need to be continually improving in the commandments, and that as we do so, God will bless us with His spirit. N aran Iesu Kristo, Amen.

P.S. Haha, oh yeah, I bet you're wondering about my phone ;) so yeah, I forgot it was in my pocket and brought it here. I was going to mail it back, but I kind of figured it was just a cheap phone any way. So feel free to take $40 dollars out of my account to pay for it, but I throwed it away c: (I can totally see Dad's reaction right now)

Love you all!

 Last dinner with Jared...Elder Seffker for a while!  Party makes a "goodbye" a little easier!

 At the MTC drop-off in Provo. He'll be here just for a short time then off he goes!