Elder Caden Rogers

Sleepless Nights, Dreamless Flights (´･_･`)

Last week ended up being a blur of illness, nausea, plugged ears (which are the worst by the way) and all the extended pleasures of being sick.

And then, there was Shenanigans. In case you were wondering, there's a US Navy base on Kauai, (which is actually where Bro. Morry worked by the way) and on that US Navy base is a restaurant called Shenanigans. I had never even heard of it until Walt brought it up during a lesson, and he said that it had the cheapest steak on the island and that he wanted to treat us to some. There was a bit more conversation that occurred, and then it was decided that we were going to go to Shenanigans for dinner one of these days and that Walt was going to take us. That was how I experienced the most unforgettable dining experience I think I've ever had. It began with Walt explaining to us that as of late his doctor has been talking about heart trouble, and so he decided he was going to call this meal 'The Last Supper'. Before I get into the specifics of things, let me just talk about the restaurant itself. Shenanigans happens to be right next to the beach that is in just the perfect location to see the island of Niihau in the distance, and we were there to see the sun set behind it. Among the other things I saw out on the water, half naked tourists were nowhere to be seen, mostly because of the military base preventing anybody without clearance from getting there. That made the whole experience that much better by the way. No one needs to see half naked beach tourists. No one. Anyway- What we could see (and I have some pictures to prove this, not very good ones but I did what I could) was a pod of sperm whales out in the ocean a ways. In addition, we got the pleasure of watching a group of dolphins bounce around before it got too dark to see anything in the water. The meal was great. It's definitely the cheapest meal on the island. The steak was cheaper than a quarter pounder at McDonald's out here. Yeah. This food, that you will get pictures of, was cheaper than McDonald's. And it was also the single best steak I think I've ever had. Back to Walt though, most of the meal was spent just talking. We decided that we would teach when the time came, and it did, and we taught some things, but mostly our purpose that night was to just give Walt a chance to talk with some friends. He may not have long left on this earth, and so we decided that tending to the flock also includes simply showing love to Christ's children, and being there for them when they need us. We did, like I said, also teach somewhat, but as that wonderful evening came to a close, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace come over me, and I knew that the Savior was pleased with us that day. Of course, we also got some great pictures out of the trip to Shenanigans, but I think honestly speaking the service we did for Walt that day was much more filling than anything we had to eat.

On Saturday morning I began what should have been the longest day of my life. At 5:00am we arose and headed to Kalaheo, which is 30 minutes away, to pick up the Elders there, and after that we drove another 30 minutes down to Lihue to the airport. Why? Because Elder Jörg Klevingot of the 70 was on Oahu for a mission tour, and we were given special permission to fly in for a day to hear the words of one of the General Authorities of the Church. At about 10:00 am we arrived in the Honolulu Airport, and from there it was a long drive from the airport to Laie where the temple is, and also where the conference with Elder Klevingot was to take place. This wonderful learning experience took up the entire day, with no lunch breaks. It also took up 12 pages of notes for the future. One of the first things that happened was that he asked us as a group (and there were about 150 of us by the way) what we were prepared for that day, and where our heads were at before we even began the conference. It was open to anyone, and I had my hand up for some reason, and when I was called on I said "I know that whatever you say over the course of this meeting will be advice that will help me through the remainder of my mission and for the rest of my life as well." Elder Klevingot then motioned to all of the sister missionaries sitting in the middle row, pointed at me, and said. "Marry him". I got a good laugh about that, and now I can say that a general authority has recommended me as prime marriage material, so take that for what you will, but I just laughed because it came out of nowhere and had nothing to do with what I said, but it did make me want to get out of there rather quickly afterword and not talk to any sisters. After 5½ hours of that, everybody from Kauai was exhausted. It was a long journey back to Honolulu from Laie and by the time we got there we were all starving and in desperate need of nourishment. So the assistants of the president (AP's) took us to the most nourishing place on the planet: McDonald's.

While we were there we learned our official transfer news. Everybody get ready, because this is exciting. I'm going to be transferring off of Kauai to the island of.... Hawaii! That's right, I'm going to the big island! I'm going to Hilo zone, which will be incredibly rainy, and is also near the volcano that erupted a while back. The volcano is still active but I have a gas mask and the active areas of the volcano are far from where I am as far as I can tell, so don't worry about any of that-I won't die in the lava I promise. My new companion is Elder Brooksby, and in case you weren't aware, I've been wanting to be his companion since our days at the MTC. I'm really looking forward to it! This also marks what many refer to as "The beginning of the End". In the Hawaii Honolulu Mission, when a missionary has only 3 transfers remaining (a transfer being 6 weeks of time) they mark his picture in the mission office with a green sticker- a "green dot". The next transfer it gets replaced by a yellow dot, and then comes the red dot. And then-well, then comes home. I have much to learn yet before I return home, and it's the most bitter sweet experience. As I said when I left Oahu, I will miss Kauai with all of my heart. I learned much more than I could have ever imagined from the garden island, and I cannot thank it enough for what it has given me. I have seen miracles and I have suffered trials beyond what I ever expected, but those trials quickly became blessings when I saw how close I was getting to my Father in Heaven, as well as to my Savior, Jesus Christ. Every hour I spent here was a true blessing, whether I knew it at the time or not. Uncle Kunane, Brother Frost and his family, the Cardejons, Walt, the Malamas, Auntie Max and Uncle Derek Akita, and everyone else in the Kekaha ward. These are people who have truly seen the hand of God in their lives, and I am blessed and honored to have served among them. They sang Aloha Oe in church on Sunday to bid me farewell, and everyone gave me hugs. Everyone. The love I felt was indescribable. This is a ward that has heart. This is a ward that has become more than a ward. These people are Ohana to me, and I will never forget them or the kindness they shared.

Until we meet again, A Hui Ho and Mahalo to Kauai and Kekaha. You mean the world to me.

And, as for me, well I'm sure you will hear of many more adventures to come before my mission comes to a close. I love all of you, and I'll see you in a few short months, but until then, know that I am doing my very best to teach the gospel to the people of Hawaii. Somehow though, it seems that the people of Hawaii have taught me more than I could ever hope to teach them.

Until next week, Aloha.

-Elder Rogers

(and also Sunday was March 10, and that's MAR10 day so happy Mario day to you all as well)

Pictures:

The Davis family from Kaneohe came by to Kauai for a visit! (This picture is from a while back I just forgot to send it.) I was so happy they took the time to come say hello while they were on the island! One of the things they told me was that Solomon would be going to the temple this November to be sealed. With the airfare wars of Southwest Airlines, tickets to Hawaii are pretty cheap to book right now, so fingers crossed they stay that way and I can return to see Solomon's family sealed in the temple. They have taken the steps necessary to become an eternal family! I'm so grateful to have been able to be a part of their conversion. Thanks again Brother and Sister Davis!!!

The whole zone gathered together to fly to Oahu! From the left: Elder BBQ, Elder Saau, (I served around him in Makakilo like a billion years ago if you remember back that far) Elder Allen(he's awesome by the way) Elder Potter, Elder Collins, and Elder Atwood. I'm the arm sticking out from behind elder Atwood.

Fuggles hurt his foot the other day, but you'll be happy to know he's better now. I'll miss you, you ugly old fiend of a duck! (Fuggles became an unofficial pet of sorts. We love him)

One last biking picture. Bye bye, bicycles!

The whole crew at Shenanigans. This was a memory I'll never forget.

Whale watching with Walt at Shenanigans. He had us wear the shirts he got us. Look for the blowhole of a sperm whale in the distance. There's a bunch of black dots in the water in the distance. You can't see them super well, but fun fact: they are dolphins.The view from Shenanigans is unreal!! If you look, you can see Ni'ihau in the distance. The sunset and the colors of the sky were absolutely incredible. I believe that sunsets are paintings from heaven. No two are exactly alike. Take a moment and appreciate the sunset every now and again.

The food at Shenanigans is the best!!