WE had boxes that I filled during the weekend. I started at 8am at the PCC Mailing Center with Sister Burnside! She and I make a great partnership in getting the boxes and packages off. DONE
Final CAREs Team – Mondays are going to be different!
Then, a VERY tender Aloha Oe’ from these wonderful team members that I have been working with the last 18 months. It was very touching and I felt so loved and honored by these fellow team members. I know some of you might have to sit down to read this. I didn’t take pictures and no one else did either! This was a private gathering and it will be forever imprinted in my heart.
Starting to see and experience the “last” or “final” one of things that have become second nature in Hawaii. Outside haircuts all year round are not done in Utah!
We have MANY more students on the CARES Team list. I started the morning with student visits, hurried into CARES Team Mtg. (Yummy Fresh Banana Chocolate Chip Cake) and review of the students needing help.
Then, right into student visits and student doctor visits that I have been attending with them, this for the final time.
I am trying to work myself out of a job with the students as they move on and function better in their student environment.
Lunch – we go home and grab lunch and return to campus.
On our Office Wall
This painting hangs above my head in our office. I greet him as I come in and remind myself of “the one” that I am charged with helping. ONE at a time.
More student visits, Elder Hudnall has meetings with faculty departments and staff meetings.
I have been tasked to meet with some of the junior sister missionaries and help with the transitions that they go through here on the mission. So, we grabbed our ukuleles and headed to class before I had some more appointments this evening.
On our drive to class
The day is over. . .
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Quick Morning walk, before trip to airport:
Pick up Nicole Nishimiya
Liliha’s for breakfast afterwards with Yuki and Nicole.
Tuesday Devotional:
I was still on the highway waiting for the “tree trimmers” when this began, so we listened off campus. Enjoy the devotional.
Lunch was with the Sisters in our office learning how to make straw eyelash lei’s:
Sisters in Lei’s
Sister Spilker, Sister Nielsen, Sister Seamans and me!
A couple of student visits on campus, take a student to Long’s Drugs to pick up her prescription, then on to ward activities.
La’ie 6th WardChili bake-off Trunk or Treat
The day finished up; a practice with “the Elders”. They are a lot of fun and outside where the practices are held, there are a lot of bugs!
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
The morning started before the sunrise on the Point.
So, here are the morning pictures of Koko Head
It is a 1 – 1/2 hour drive from La’ie to Koko Head, then an hour up. A sit down rest at the top, 45 minutes down. Another 1 -1/2 hour drive back. Whew, we made it back to La’ie in time for lunch with Auntie at Beach House by Roy Yamauchi at Turtle Bay:
We had great story and fantastic food. Auntie Charlie had been a concierge at Turtle Bay and they all treat her so well. We love being there with her!
Hope Squad Class
We are the World
Elder Hudnall’s last Hope Squad Class that he taught. It was entitled YBU and a great class. Sister Hudnall had to slip out for a session with a student. Then back to HGB to celebrate with the Spilkers. They have been running a Self-Care Challenge and this was the closing and give away of prizes. They had an electric bike, an IPad, a set of AirPods and lots of Water Bottles and gift cards. It was a fun evening.
One last set of junior missionary Companionship to meet with after their DA and our scheduled events.
They have a curfew and bedtime, so we kept it in their guidelines.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Our PadNeighborsMorning Walk
Thursday Counceling Center Staff Meeting! Aloha Oe’
DevotionalRachel KekaulaSpilkers
Delicious Food, and Kind Words and Hopes expressed. This is a fantastic group of people and dedicated professionals who these students can rely on. I have been privileged to be able to meet with and work with them these last 18 months.
Elder Hudnall then had a presentation, Sister Hudnall had five student visits and a student dr. appointment.
A photo Shoot with our Campus Photographer, Douglas Ferreira.
Then we made it to the temple for our last appointment.
Ended the day with our La’ie District 2 friends at the Seamans house for testimony meeting and treats:
Sister Harker, Sister Suave, Sister Behan, Sister Midell – The Bonners, The Hudnalls, The Seamans
There are A-LOT of endings. Sister Suave started the mission with us in the MTC and we will fly home on the same flight together next Thursday.
Friday, October 31, 2025 – Halloween
First the Morning Walk:
The Counceling Center did a themed Student Activity, “Inside Out” – I came dressed as “Sister Joy”
Because I had put the wig on over wet hair, it became the permanent look for the day, I didn’t have time to go back to the Pad and change.
It is a Friday and we have the Campus Sisters Brown Bag Lunch group:
Great Group of Sisters, missing a few, busy day!
Then in the “blue hair”. I met up with a new set of Junior Sister Missionaries. Finished up with that appointment. The next few hours were changed with an emergent text. We helped locate a student and arrange for transport and admit to Castle Hospital.
Mahalo to Elder Hudnall for starting our PCC volunteer shift for us. I joined him as soon as I could:
Hallow’s Eve continues:
Moana Street has the Trick or Treat scene and it was
And it goes on. . .
The PCC has a Halloween Dance Contest:
Now the day has finally finished. What a day!
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Slept in until after sunrise. That hasn’t happened very often. So my morning pictures are packing/cleaning:
Last weekend on the island –
Elder Hudnall’s last all day yard clean – up:
55-071 Naupaka Rd
We ended the day at Pounder’s Resturant on the PCC with our friends Gary and Jeri Crosby:
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Fast Sunday – Last Sunday
Sacrament meeting again at 8am. Our friends Tracy Mayer came around the island and attended church with us.
We have loved being in the La’ie 6th Ward. It is in the church that adjoins the temple grounds. The La’ie temple is actually in our ward boundaries. It has been a wonderful experience.
Then we had our exit interview with President and Sister Hicken. We felt a lot of love and support from these two great people. What a privilege to be able to serve with them.
Munch and Mingle is the next event on our schedule today. Our Aloha Oe’
“Elders”
As we begin this final week in our mission, it is busy and we are finishing up with a tight schedule. Thus, this newsletter is a little late. But lots of pictures
We leave the island Thursday night on the RedEye and arrive home in the Salt Lake City airport on Friday morning at 6:45am
Our Opportunity to talk, Homecoming Sacrament Meeting will be Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 9am
If we haven’t gotten a personal invitation out to you, it’s because we are busy in Hawaii, but if you are reading this, you are invited. The link to the meeting is:
Regular Monday morning CARE meeting, and scheduled student visits. But, with the end of the mission looming, MANY visits are getting scheduled. BUZY day!
Went straight to Ukulele class from the office:
Sister Jeri Crosby!!
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
A decade ago.Morning Walk
Peaceful beginning to a packed and scheduled day:
Tuesday Devotional Day! President and Sister Hicken gave an inspiring and love filled devotional. We love these leaders. Please listen and enjoy their messages:
(In case you don’t have time, I wanted to leave with you these facts Sister Hicken shared with us, as I have been reviewing them in my mind all week)
From her message:
“The camel is an interesting and fascinating animal.
Here are some fun camel facts.
A camel’s hump is not full of water. Instead, mounds of fat, up to 80 pounds, fill the hump. It diminishes in size as they use the fat storage to give them energy and water in times of need for sustenance. [1]
Camels can drink 30 gallons of water in 10 minutes. [2]
Camels have evolved to survive in an incredible range of temperatures. They have double rows of extra-long eyelashes to help keep the sand out of their eyes. They can completely close their nostrils between breaths to keep the sand out. [3]
Thanks to their thick pads of skin on their knees and stomach, camels can comfortably sit in very hot sand. [4]
Camels are amazing pack animals. They can carry up to 400-500 pounds and walk an average of 25 miles a day. They can travel in hot conditions and go for long periods of time without water.
They have special two-toed feet that spread out when they touch the ground, so they don’t sink into the sand.
Camels are fast. “They can travel at up to 40 miles per hour—the same as a racehorse!” [5]
A camel can be cute in its own way.
But it isn’t one of the most beautiful animals.
It has thick, matted hair that falls off in clumps.
It has very knobby knees.
And it has a big hump on its back.
Regardless of its looks or mannerisms, a camel is loved by its Master.
The camel has a secret.
Each night, at the end of a long day, the camel kneels before his master. His master carefully lifts the heavy burden from the camel’s back so it can rest comfortably through the night.
The next morning, the camel kneels again before his master, and the master gently places the burden on the camel’s back for another day.
Throughout Jesus Christ’s life, the Savior was referred to as “Master.” Jesus Christ, our Master, loves us dearly.
I testify that He loves us, you and me, unconditionally, regardless of our looks or mannerisms.
I also testify that He can ease the burdens that are placed upon our backs.
Like the camel, we can kneel at the feet of our Master each night and ask Him to lift our burdens, that we may rest comfortably.
In the morning, we can again kneel before our Master and realize that He knows our pain, our suffering and our sorrows, for He felt and carried them all for us.”.
Gary Kapp
“We have a painting that hangs in our home of Christ and his disciples on the boat when a great storm arose on the sea of Galilee. We love the caption below the painting that reads,
“Sometimes God calms the storm, but usually He lets the storm rage and calms the child.”
I join her in testifying of the truthfulness of this fact. I count on my Savior Jesus Christ being able to help me carry the load during my time here in mortality and snatches me from the torrent of the sea.
President Hicken starts with:
“Before I tell you the stories, I want to define a word for you—epiphany. Webster’s defines it as “a sudden manifestation or perception of an essential or meaningful something, a striking, intuitive grasp of reality through an event.” [1] Today, I would like to talk about this very thing as it relates to our membership in His Church and our discipleship with the Savior, Jesus Christ.”
I’ll let you listen to these three stories. He gives us one fictional story and two true stories. Talk Story is vital here in Hawaii.
Grabbed a sandwich before the next two scheduled student visits. Presentation for Elder Hudnall and then we escaped to the temple for a session
Our Hawaii Car
Thank goodness the temple and the visitors center and the mission office and stake center are all connected by parking lots. We had a District Leaders Meeting at the mission office and then our monthly Senior Missionary Devotional at the stake center. Junior and Moana Feinga (The Jets) were our speakers (they are also in our La’ie 6th Ward) and the jr Missionaries were invited to this devotional with us.
I Hope they call me on a Mission
This is my first cousin, once removed, daughters- first cousin. In other words. We both share cousin Heidi Wolfgramm Liddard!
Finished this night with the Trio of jr Missionaries that I’ve been working with! Whew the day is over
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Good Morning – Aloha
Another beautiful Sunrise/cloud changes to start the day
jr missionaries this morning and student meetings. Scheduled meetings with our boss James Faustino and then a presentation to the SW faculty. More students visits and Hope Squad Class:
on to another presentation at the Courtyard at Marriott in La’ie:
Great opportunity to Talk Story
They serve homemade bread and butter and Cocoa Rice! This is my favorite Cocoa Rice
I had to duck out early and finish up with a jr missionary companionship tonight.
Thursday, October 23, 2025
The Winter Waves are starting up- Aloha
I had to get to the office early. It was my turn for devotional thought for the Counseling Center Staff Weekly Staff Meeting:
Elder Matthew Holland began his conference talk with this joke:
A schoolteacher once taught that a whale —even though large —could not swallow a human because whales have small throats. A girl objected, “But Jonah was swallowed by a whale.” The teacher responded, “That’s impossible.” Still not convinced, the girl said, “Well, when I get to heaven, I will ask him.” The teacher sneered, “What if Jonah was a sinner and didn’t go to heaven?” The girl replied, “Then you can ask him.”
He went on with details of Jonah:
God commanded Jonah to “go to Nineveh” to declare repentance. But Nineveh was ancient Israel’s brutal enemy —so Jonah promptly heads the exact opposite direction, by boat, to Tarshish. As he sails away from his calling, a ship-wrecking storm develops. Certain his disobedience is the cause, Jonah volunteers to be thrown overboard. This calms the raging sea, which saves his shipmates.
Jonah’s cry is that of a good man in crisis, one largely of his own making.For a saint, when catastrophe is brought on by a regrettable habit, comment, or decision, despite so many other good intentions and earnest efforts of righteousness, it can be especially crushing and leave one feeling forsaken. But whatever the cause or degree of disaster we face, there is always dry ground for hope, healing, and happiness.
But this is my favorite part of the story of Jonah as told in The Peacegiver by James L. Ferrell.
In the book, Jonah’s story is used to illustrate resentment, self-righteousness, and the refusal to forgive, and how these feelings separate us from Christ’s peace. Here’s a breakdown of how Ferrell weaves Jonah’s experience into the message of The Peacegiver:
⸻
Rick is struggling in his relationship with his wife, Rick’s Grandfather comes to Rick in a dream:
Rick’s grandfather points out that Jonah’s real problem wasn’t Nineveh’s wickedness—it was Jonah’s resentment. Likewise, Rick’s suffering was coming not from his wife’s actions but from his own unwillingness to forgive and love as Christ does.
Rick has been arguing inwardly about how unfair his wife has been. He feels justified in his anger. His grandfather sees that Rick is trapped in resentment and decides to teach him through the story of Jonah.
⸻
Grandfather:
He reminds Rick that Jonah was a prophet who ran away from God’s command to go to Nineveh. Why? Because Jonah didn’t want God to forgive Nineveh. He thought they didn’t deserve mercy. Jonah wanted justice.
Rick: “Well, Jonah had a point. They were wicked.”
Grandfather:
Exactly,—but that’s the trap. Jonah’s real rebellion wasn’t disobedience to the mission; it was refusing to share God’s mercy. Jonah was fine with God’s mercy for himself but didn’t want it extended to others.
Rick begins to see the parallel: he’s been doing the same thing—holding his wife to a standard he himself could never meet, wanting her to “repent first” before he’ll forgive.
⸻
The Gourd Lesson
Grandfather retells the moment when Jonah sits outside the city, hoping God will still destroy Nineveh. God grows a gourd to shade him from the sun, then sends a worm to kill it. Jonah complains bitterly.
God asks, “Do you have reason to be angry about the gourd?” Jonah says yes.
Then God replies (paraphrased): “You pity the gourd, which you did not make, but should I not pity Nineveh, with all its people?”
Grandfather explains:
God is showing Jonah that his heart is small and self-centered. Jonah cared more about his comfort than the lives of others.
Rick realizes he’s been doing exactly this—sitting in the heat of his own resentment, feeling sorry for himself, rather than feeling compassion for the person he claims to love.
⸻
The Turning Point
The grandfather asks Rick a piercing question—
“Are you sitting outside your own Nineveh, angry that God hasn’t punished your wife?”
That moment breaks Rick open. He sees that his bitterness is what’s separating him from peace, not his wife’s behavior.
Just as Jonah’s real “journey” wasn’t the trip to Nineveh but the journey of his heart toward mercy, Rick begins to see that forgiveness is his own spiritual calling.
⸻
• Jonah symbolizes our own resentment and self-justification.
• Nineveh represents the people we refuse to forgive.
• The gourd shows our attachment to comfort and pride.
• God’s question—“Do you do well to be angry?”—is the question God asks each of us when we hold on to grudges.
Ferrell uses Jonah’s story to show that forgiveness is not about others deserving it; it’s about us choosing peace through Christ.
Ending: Zion Is The Pure In Heart
“So, while we hold ourselves to the Lord’s high standards, let’s also be patient with one another. We are each a work in progress, and we all rely on the Savior for any progress we make. That’s true for us as individuals, and it’s true for the kingdom of God on earth. The Lord invites us not just to join His kingdom but also to be anxiously engaged in building it. God envisions a people who are ‘of one heart and one mind.’ And to be of one heart, we must seek pure hearts, and that requires a mighty change of heart. But that doesn’t mean changing my heart to align with yours. Nor does it mean changing your heart to align with mine. It means that we all change our hearts to align with the Savior. If we are not there yet, remember: with the Lord’s help, nothing is impossible.”
The message: If you’re waiting for someone else to deserve your forgiveness, you’ll never find peace.
Just the beginning to the day –
Student visits, and the our Exit Interview with the VP Kala Kau. Finishing up the details and continuing with the work.
We quickly changed and made it over to the PCC for our shift at Ohana Luau:
Finished dinner at the Luau and hurried over to practice at the Wayts:
The day is completed!
Friday, October 24, 2025
Good Morning Friday!
After the walk, I had a training via Zoom, so I stayed at the Pad for the quietness to attend this training:
Great Training
Many Student Visits and separate Jr. Missionary appointments completed the afternoon. Met with a beautiful artist here on campus Guen Ramirez and attended a delicious birthday dinner for one of our Philippine students.
GuenHexyl and Chris
Another Complete Day
Saturday, October 25, 2025
A beautiful walk to the point and then down to Secret Beach and across to Kamehameha Hwy and back to the Pad.
Breakfast with the Harris’s and Papa Ole’ pancakes and Eggs/Spam. Before we drove around to Kapolei for the test drive for our car. Our dear friends from our time at BYU Provo, Steve and Heather Stewart met up with us here in Hawaii a few weeks ago when they helped their daughter Whitney move over to the island. She is teaching Honors Classes for a high school in Kapolei. She needs a car and we need to sell ours as we leave island. Win/Win situation.
Didn’t need to do many errands, remember we are leaving in 12 days, but we gassed up the car at Costco and came back over the top of the island to pick up our friends the Bonners. They are taking over as District Leaders of the La’ie District 2 as we leave.
A trip down to Kaneohe and our favorite Mexican place Don Goyo’s!
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Our second to the last Sunday at our La’ie 6th Ward. The Hopkins have just arrived on island to start their mission and they are taking our spot in the ward. It was been a wonderful blessing to meet and serve with the people of this ward. Bishop Moffett and others We will miss being with them.
Lunch in Hau’ula with the Johnsons. They have many many banana trees on the property:
Wonderful Dinner and Company
A Request for a blessing and then finished the day with our Kiwi Armstrongs for cards and dessert
Then on to student visits and regular Monday CARE meetings. We were able to break it up a bit when we walked over to the PCC to great Friends from UTAH!
The Robison’s Auntie MiLindaKevin and Shelly and crew
Lunch at Tita’s Grill (love the BLT sandwich) and back to the office!
Intern’s class and EIL Tutoring Program presentation. The construction on campus still continues:
Then we finished the day at Ukulele Class!
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Regular Morning Walk
Then, the Church News App flashed that there was going to be a special announcement and we were able to watch this at the Pad:
“The mission of BYU–Hawaii as you all know,“…is to prepare students of Oceania and the Asian Rim to be lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders in their families, communities, chosen fields, and in building the kingdom of God.” [1] Weekly devotionals are a living expression of that mission. We don’t just talk about putting Christ at the center, we integrate Christ into all that we do.
As President Nelson once said, “Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will ‘grow into the principle of revelation.’”[7]
Student Meetings right after devotional cut short Lunchtime, but we grabbed a burger at McDonalds in the 20 minutes we had and back on campus for presentations and meetings.
Ended the day at the PCC:
What? No Photos?
This is a shock - No photos at the PCC tonight!! We even wore our yellow outfits!!
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Morning Walk
Office hours and student visits were scheduled all morning
New Road Blocks pop up daily, find a different way around campus.
Wednesday is Hope Squad Day, shirts and class:
Then we finished the day at song/dance practice for the “Elders”. Just a sneak peak
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Morning Walk
Early meetings on campus, student meetings, presentation for the Business and Government Classes
A quick run to the airport to drop off a student for a trip home to Japan for “paperwork”
Stopped short for tree trimmingQuick trip Nicole Nishimiya
Back to campus for more student visits
(gotta find them first)
Love to end the day at the temple:
A beautiful ending to a very long day!
Friday, October 17, 2025
Another early start with student visits in the office and Elder Hudnall teaching (subbing) a class in Student Service and Leadership.
Brown Bag Lunch with the Elders:
outside the Aloha BallroomSisters Lunch (old Picture)
Fun Friday Lunchtime. Hurried back across campus for two student meetings also good news we sold our bikes (after we leave the island). They get used until then:
A missionary couple (The Seaman’s) purchased them!
The day is done, still fielding reports and needs but time out for dinner at LeiLei’s with the Johnsons:
Wonderful Way to end the week!
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Quick walk and back!
Our grandson Owen had a race we could watch on TV:
Then we had to be on campus for the Psychology Dept hosting their “Mental Health Awareness Walk”
Opps
How did that last picture get in there?
Today was BYU Provo Homecoming and the BIG rivalry BYU vs UofU game. Go Cougars
We didn’t know the outcome for awhile because we had a “fill-in” request to work a shift at the PCC – Aloha Luau
Elder Hudnall was able to come home and finish the game, Sister Hudnall had visits with young missionaries scheduled.
BYU win!!
Sunday, October 19, 2025
A very early trip to Honolulu to pick up Denny our landlord from the airport.
Church at the La’ie 6th Ward and an afternoon at the Pad. Dinner for the neighbors to prepare for:
Pat Hunt
It has been a pleasure to get to know her during these 18 months living on La’ie Point. She is a gracious woman who is a retired teacher. She is always willing and ready to help. She provides a majority of the garbage cleanup on the point. Each morning we see her picking up refuse that others have discarded.
Wonderful way to finish up the week. I’ll close with a scripture I’ve been repeating to myself:
D&C 6:36
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
I am grateful for the constant companion that I have in our Lord and Jesus Christ, through the Holy Ghost I am able to hold on through the doubts and fears that life throws at us. As we finish up our last two weeks+ here and get ready to transition to our life back home.
November 6th is our last day. We are booked on the red-eye and land November 7th at 6:45am! SLC!!
The October full Moon is known as the Hunter’s Moon because traditionally October was the month during which hunters would be active, gathering meat and other food in preparation for the long winter months ahead. And the closest full Moon to the September equinox is known as the Harvest Moon for the year.
Monday, October 6, 2025
Morning Walk
It is almost a “wash, rinse and repeat” (Groundhog Day) Monday. Began with early student meetings. Regular CARE Monday meetings.
Needing to find some urgent need students changed up the rest of the morning.
Friends from our time as students in the BYU 75th married student ward brought their daughter to the island and we were able to connect for a fun lunch together at the PCC, Tita’s Grill:
Heather StewartSteve StewartClan
What a delightful break in the day. Finished up with students on my agenda and Elder Hudnall had presentations for the Education Department.
Ended the evening with Ukulele Class:
Afterwards we had ice cream and cookies with our friends Bob and Gloria Johnson!
Tuesday, September 7, 2025
Glorious morning with the residual Harvest Moon setting as the sunrise began.
Our Tuesday Devotional was changed. We were able to all meet in the Cannon Activities Center (CAC) at 8am to watch the funeral for President Russel M. Nelson.
It was so uplifting to be in a large crowd and watch on a large screen, almost like being there:
Then back to the regularly scheduled program. Student visits, office visits.
Flag Circle goneFencing continues to growConstruction continues on campus
The day ended with volunteer hours at the PCC:
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Morning Walk
Then
Off to the office. In today’s Campus News Bulletin.
Tab (she is in the black suit) is a Hope Squad member and doing so much to improve her country:
BYU–Hawaii Students Represent Kiribati with Dignity and Hope at the United Nations General Assembly
“In front of more than 100 delegates from over 60 countries, the students spoke about resiliency, challenging the common narrative of Kiribati as a nation defined by tragedy and loss. Instead, they emphasized stories of strength, hope, and opportunity.
“There is more to us than a sinking nation,” said Manibwebwe. “Too often, Kiribati is portrayed only through the lens of crisis. I wanted the world to see that our people are resilient, creative, and full of dignity.”
Manibwebwe said the audience’s reaction was unforgettable. “The moment that stood out most was when I looked into the crowd and saw leaders and delegates leaning in and truly listening,” she said. “It reminded me that the voices of students and children of small islands matter, and that our message of resilience can resonate on the world stage.”
Family FoundationTauTua’s MissionSuicide Prevention
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Counseling Staff Meeting Thursday:
Just a little funny
More meetings and Student visits. Presentation for the English department and for Prof. Whippy
Then we met the Crosby’s and the Spilker’s for our trip to Waikiki and the Blue Note:
Jake Shimabukuro
It was a wonderful night.
Late Night! But such a great concert
Friday, October 10, 2025
Morning Walk
Morning Temple Appointment
On to the office and meetings and presentations.
Senior Missionary Elders Lunch group:
Close by at the Aloha Ballroom
The Sisters Lunch Group meets across campus in the Science Building. (No pictures of them this week)
A little of Utah in The afternoon:
Best Looking Mt.Wonderful EncouragementMark Gunn on stage for his first band concert in 7th grade
We are grateful for FaceTime and the opportunity it provides us to be connected with family each week and these events with the grandkids.
We ended the day/week with a practice for our last Munch and Mingle. The “Elders” have a surprise:
Here with their accompanist and choreographer
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Morning Walk
Devotional Morning – Islands of Fiji Village
Bear Ni Ko Gole Tani
The talks and testimonies and music were inspiring.
Wilika Na Nomu Kaloungata
Such amazing students and staff. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with them all.
They served us a wonderful plate dish and had this programs for us while we partook. It was Delicious!
What an amazing way to start our day.
Back to the Pad for our PDay chores. Then,
Tracy Mayer picked me up for a trip to Kaneohe for pedicures
Elder Hudnall stayed and watched the BYU Football game, I had to add the third picture for appreciation of Utah (County).
Finished up the night at the food trucks at the Sugar Mill in Kahuku. Great Day!
Sunday, October 12, 2025
What a day! We started last night with a Mission Fast for President Kauwe and his family with his recent cancer Dx and also a fast for the PCC and the discouraging tourist numbers the island has been experiencing.
Our La’ie Ward has Stake Conference today, so we attended our home ward La’ie 3rd (they are in a different stake) so we could partake of the sacrament. Then we went on campus to the CAC and attended our La’ie North Stake Conference. It was a wonderful meeting:
The afternoon was for FaceTime with family. We finished our Fast and had dinner, then card games with a missionary couple we met in the MTC and have served our 18 months together, Elder and Sister Goodfellow.
Drive out to KahukuThe Goodfellows
The week is complete. We are down to 25 more days in Hawaii. Finishing Strong with a tight schedule and many connections and interactions to enjoy.
Began the morning driving down the island to Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail:
What a beautiful way to start the morning at 6am so we could be back up to La’ie for our 10am weekly CARE Meeting. We were on our bikes today so that Mindy and Spencer could have the car. Then student meetings, intern class, more meetings.
Dinner was UTAH peaches with Grandma Sycamore Bread/Toast. Mindy brought us some favorites.
We finished our day at Ukulele class. (No pictures). Mindy and Spencer had a sunset beach evening.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Morning Walk
Devotional Day!
Excerpt from this devotional:
“In my final year, to my surprise, the whole first term of that religious instruction class was spent on the topic of “Mormonism” (as the minister termed it). More particularly, it was focused on the perils of Mormonism and why he said it was wrong.
During the first class, the minister warned everyone about what they should do if they came across “Mormons.” Everyone in the class pointed at me and said, “But Jared’s a Mormon.” After the class, I spoke with the minister, and looking up at me with all sincerity, he told me, “I can get you help.”
In that moment, brothers and sisters, I needed to know whether or not the restored gospel of Jesus Christ was true. Was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the Lord’s restored Church on the earth? A moment of reckoning had come in my life. It was a moment that required more than just “[trifling] with the words” of God. [9]
For the next few weeks, I devoured all the books I could in relation to the restored gospel. I read those in the school library. They weren’t very positive. I read those from my father’s mission. Most importantly, I read the Book of Mormon; and as I read the Book of Mormon, I came to know that it was the word of God and Another Testament of Jesus Christ. As I prayed, I came to know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that this was the Lord’s Church on earth. From that moment, I invited His immeasurable grace, His power, into my life, and the blessings have been incalculable.
Act in Faith, Receive the Miracle
Reflecting on that moment, I realize that I was required to act in faith before the miracle was received.
As Elder Hartman J. Rector once put it, “…the blessings come in the second mile”. [10] In other words, they come after we act. When we act in faith, mighty miracles happen in our lives through His power. This pattern of acting in faith to receive His power and greater light and direction from God, is exemplified throughout the scriptures.
President Nelson has taught:
“Once we make a covenant with God, we leave neutral ground forever. God will not abandon His relationship with those who have forged such a bond with Him. In fact, all those who have made a covenant with God have access to a special kind of love and mercy. In the Hebrew language, that covenantal love is called hesed.” [21] Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant”, Liahona, October 2022”
Our dear friendsFrom New ZealandMoses & Vanessa Armstrong
A wonderful devotional by their friend Jared Ormsby.
We had lunch with Mindy and Spencer, Ken’s Fish Market is a favorite and it was a fun lunch. Then back to work for us and off to the beaches for them!
Pounder’s at the PCC
We got to finish off the day with dinner at Pounders!
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Morning Walk
Early appointments on campus with students that were scheduled six weeks ago.
So, I didn’t get to take Mindy and Spencer to the airport, but Dad was able to. Aloha Oe’
Wednesday Hope Squad is today:
AND
Then we drove back down to Honolulu for a movie night with the Wayts. “Downtown Abby”
Hope Squad, a peer-driven mental health awareness and support program based in Provo, Utah, is now meeting weekly on the campus of Brigham Young University–Hawaii.
Elder Greg Hudnall, founder of Hope Squad and current service missionary at BYU–Hawaii, said the establishment of Hope Squad at BYU–Hawaii represents a significant advancement in promoting mental health awareness among a diverse student body. Students are gaining the skills necessary to engage in informed discussions about mental health issues and challenges within their respective communities and cultures. The initiative aims to systematically reduce the stigma associated with mental illness on campus, one student at a time. Moreover, Hope Squad members are positioned to disseminate these valuable resources within their home community.
The program invites students eager to learn how to recognize when their peers are in distress and provide meaningful support. Participants receive training in identifying suicide warning signs, practicing self-care, establishing healthy boundaries, and helping those who may be struggling. In addition, they support school-wide efforts to educate the student body about suicide prevention.
The initiative comes amid a difficult time for the BYU–Hawaii community, which has experienced two student suicides in recent years. Hope Squad leaders say the program is a response to those losses and aims to build a culture where students feel safer, more connected, and more comfortable seeking help.
Students Finding Strength in Hope Squad
For Nicole Milla, a senior from Guatemala majoring in biology, the Wednesday gatherings have become more than just a class; they’ve become a way of living differently. She said that learning how to spot warning signs of suicidal behavior has carried over into her friendships. “For me, it gave me an opportunity to learn and practice awareness of signs of suicidal behavior, like my friends who are feeling down,” Milla explained. “I’ve seen situations where I’ve been able to use the things we’ve learned in Hope Squad in my everyday life.”
Her experience highlights what organizers hoped would happen: students taking what they learn from the group and quietly applying it in conversations, in hallways, or with roommates who may be struggling.
Sophia Valles, a sophomore from the Philippines majoring in psychology, said she came into the program thinking she already knew how to comfort others. But sitting in the circle of chairs each week, she found that genuine support involves more than just kind intentions. “It’s fun! I’ve learned so many things,” Valles said with a smile. “Before, I thought I knew how to comfort people, but now my knowledge has been broadened, because now I know the proper ways to help a friend in need.”
For some, the program has been deeply personal. Kalela Stone, a junior from Illinois double-majoring in psychology and social work, first came to Hope Squad after being invited by a friend. A single mother raising her young son, she said she was drawn to the sense of belonging she felt in the group. Now serving as the Hope Squad student assistant, Stone said the community has changed how she views connection on campus.
“I think everyone could be a Hope Squad member,” Stone said. “Especially here [at] BYU–Hawaii, where the diversity allows people to have the desire to uplift others and to build that sense of community. There’s just something about having this support system, whether they’re a Hope Squad member or not, that you can feel they’re not judging you. There’s always somebody new and somebody different. We all have differences, but the one thing that the Hope Squad does is that it shows you the things that are the same: we all deserve to have friends, college is already hard enough, and making friends shouldn’t be.”
Together, their voices capture what Hope Squad is becoming on campus: not just a training, but a network of students who see one another a little more clearly.
Voices of Support
James Faustino, dean of students, said the university sees Hope Squad as more than a program; it’s part of a cultural shift. “Hope Squad represents a vital step forward for our campus. We are committed to ensuring every student feels they matter and has someone they can turn to. Bringing Hope Squad here doesn’t just address immediate needs—it aligns with BYU–Hawaii’s mission and vision.”
“I love the name Hope Squad and the feeling it brings. Hope provides strength beyond measure, and Hope Squad reflects that spirit on our campus.” Faustino adds. “Having a peer-led program at BYU–Hawaii aligns with our mission to develop servant leaders who care for one another and minister to those in need. More than just a program, Hope Squad represents a cultural shift where every student knows they matter and has someone to turn to. We believe it will help foster the intercultural peace and unity we seek as a university.”
Sister MiLinda Hudnall, service missionary and Elder Hudnall’s wife, emphasized the global influence of BYUH students. “BYU–Hawaii is a place to make a worldwide impact. The students here spread back into their countries, and the world changes because they have changed, and their interactions and connections have changed. They move this through their families, places of worship, places of teaching, and places of employment. Suicide awareness and prevention can be changed in each location they relocate to with the help of their time on this campus and the introduction of Hope Squad into their lives.”
She added, “If one wants to establish a culture change on campus in the area of mental health and make a lasting impact on the stigma of mental health, it’s Hope Squad. Through this systematic change in connections and interactions, students change the way they see themselves, their interactions with others, and the systematic foundation of their school.”
Kaeo Alo, a clinical counselor and Hope Squad advisor, expressed gratitude and excitement that Hope Squad has found its place at BYU–Hawaii. “It provides a place where students can come to develop knowledge and skills to support friends, loved ones, coworkers, and fellow peers,” Alo said. “I am excited because of the positive impact this program can have on our campus ‘ohana, and also on communities across the world as our students return home to their countries.”
He added that he hopes Hope Squad will “normalize receiving love, support, and empathy from others” and eventually “grow into a model to follow regarding suicide prevention for universities, high schools, and elementary schools across the state of Hawai‘i.”
The Future of the Squad
Elder Hudnall said creating lasting change takes time. “We believe that ‘hope’ is our greatest future with these young people. It takes two to three years to change the culture of a school. I believe the Hope Squad is the beginning of that change. The leaders of this institution are supportive and want the campus to be more united and for every student to feel valued and connected to their peers. Even small acts of kindness can create ripples of positive change that build momentum over time. I hope the impact of Hope Squad on the future will be that more students feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges, asking for help, and being willing to visit the counseling center for assistance.”
Hope Squad meets every Wednesday at 4 pm in the Stake Center Cultural Hall. Students interested in joining can attend any week. As Sister Hudnall described, the vision is that the lessons learned at BYUH will ripple outward: changing lives on campus today, and reshaping families and communities worldwide tomorrow.
Student Mtgs \Visits at the Health Center with Students
More Student visits and trips to Longs CVS Drug for their prescriptions.
District Meeting tonight. La’ie District 2 Temple Night
I had located a family of 11 children, 5 of them had been sealed to their parents, but I found the other 6 siblings. It was a wonderful session of joining this family together forever.
Friday, October 3, 2025
Rainbow Morning Walk
Meetings started early again. Meeting students on campus. Today’s schedule is very full with five appointments back to back, lunch with the Lunch Bunch and then BYU Football at the apartment.
Birthday Dinner
Dinner with the Crosby’s – Jeri’s birthday celebration.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Conference starts early here Hawaiian time is 6am for a 10am Mountain Daylight Time!!
We drove around the island between sessions
We listened to the second Saturday session in Halawa at our friend Tracy Mayer’s apartment. It was nice to be in a different place for one of the sessions. Lunch on the Leeward side of the island:
Worked our way back around the island
Quick trip but so nice to connect and two more great Conference sessions.
We have the PCC tonight. Shaka and then moved to the Market Place:
Whew, the day is over!
Sunday, October 5, 2025
General Conference, we still get more!
Remember we start here 6am (5:30am Spoken Word)
I count on General Conference every six months. It helps to keep me balanced to be able to listen and rely on the words of our prophets. I enjoyed the World News between the sessions.
One of our students
I will end with a quote from Elder Kevin G. Brown:
“First, God is a loving Heavenly Father. “Because of His divine attributes, our Heavenly Father gives us every good gift, each with His eternal perspective and vision in mind.”
Second, agency is the gift to choose to act. “Why do we have agency? To choose good, to choose Christ, to choose eternal life — again and again.”
Third, a testimony comes through the power of the Holy Ghost. “A witness from the Holy Ghost is greater than sight. He is the preeminent witness of the Father and the Son.”
A testimony is enduring and should not expire.”
I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the ordinances there in are eternal. I am grateful to be sealed in the temple to my husband and children/grandchildren and for the eternal family that we are.
I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and his sacrifice and suffering are for me. It is the plan of God and I am so grateful to be a part of it and for the knowledge I have. I count on these things and rely on them hourly/daily in my life. I love Him and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
The phrase “don’t let them take the a’s out of your aloha” is a modern sentiment emphasizing the importance of retaining the core values of the Hawaiian concept of
aloha. By removing the letters ‘A’, you are left with “L-O-H,” which has no meaning. The phrase serves as a reminder to not let anything diminish or remove the genuine spirit of kindness, love, and respect that aloha represents.
The deeper meaning of aloha
While commonly used as a greeting or farewell, the word aloha encompasses a deeper philosophy of Hawaiian culture that can be broken down letter by letter, as described in the state’s “Aloha Spirit” law:
A — Akahai: Kindness, to be expressed with tenderness.
L — Lōkahi: Unity, to be expressed with harmony.
O — ʻOluʻolu: Agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness.
H — Haʻahaʻa: Humility, to be expressed with modesty.
A — Ahonui: Patience, to be expressed with perseverance.
Monday, September 22, 2025
Welcome Monday Morning. . .
Weekly CARES Team meeting, Student Visits, classes
Rest of the day in Office and getting ready for the week.
Finished the day at Ukulele class:
And Singing around the Piano at the end!
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Started early with a trip to Kaneohe to have the oil changed and safety inspection done on the car:
Devotional Tuesday:
“In the October 2024 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson, with love and urgency, invited us: “Brothers and sisters, now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Now is the time for us to make our discipleship our highest priority…It is neither too early nor too late for you to become a devout disciple of Jesus Christ. … [I]n a coming day, Jesus Christ will return to the earth as the millennial Messiah. So today I call upon you to rededicate your lives to Jesus Christ. … Come unto Christ and “offer your whole [soul] to Him.” [3]
Today I would like to echo the invitation of our beloved Prophet to each of you: “…make your discipleship your highest priority….Come unto Christ, and offer [Him] your whole souls,” and help others also to come unto Christ. If you do this, I promise you that you will feel the Savior’s love more abundantly in your lives, each day. You will have access to His saving and redeeming power to bring about a deep and complete transformation. You will have greater strength to overcome trials, avoid temptation, and learn to joyfully keep the two great commandments.”
Student Meetings for me and a Presentation for one of the Deans for Elder Hudnall. More Student Meetings and Whew the day is done!
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Hope Squad class Day
BUT the day started on campus at 8am for Elder Hudnall and a Holokai Class presentation.
In the CACWith our internKalela Stone
Sister Hudnall started it a little different:
The Blood Drive came to me. On Campus. One of the reminders as you leave the donation site is to “drink lots of water and don’t skip meals”. Not usually a problem so, we ate at the (The Caf) Banyan Dining Center for lunch:
Elder and Sister Spilker
Then over to the Hope Squad Class in the Stake Center across campus (oh, around the entire campus)
Sister Hudnall gave the presentation
Then finished off at the Marriott for “Talk Story”
Thursday, September 25, 2025
In our Employee Bulletin today:
The church’s “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” a record of eternal truths about marriage between a man and a woman and the creation of families, marked its 30th anniversary. All are invited to learn the gospel doctrine and principles taught in the proclamation, and apply it to their lives. President Russell M. Nelson said, “I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior’s teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining.” Church leaders bear witness that the proclamation can provide strength to individuals, families, and homes.
Bracelet Making for Hope Squad had a booth on the Aloha Plaza:
Grandchildren initialsgetting across campus
Sister Hudnall tracking down and meeting with students all over campus, Hale 6 – Hale 5 = meeting in the Stake Center
But ending the day quietly at the temple:
Friday, September 26, 2025
Morning Walk to the Point. Met some relatives of fellow missionaries serving at the PCC, always a fun gathering place to meet people and take pictures.
This is a morning of meetings. Elder Hudnall had a breakfast meeting down by the Marriott, and an uninvited guest poolside:
Then off to campus, the clock in the apartment at 9:30am. Temperature is the same inside and out:
Hot and stickySip and SlideALL Hands MeetingThen Lunch with the Sisters
More Student Meetings across campus and drop offs to the counseling center. To rush home to change and back to the PCC to finish the day.
Saturday, September 27. 2025
P-day and I did individual scripture study here at Secret Beach!
We did chores and errands and finished off with our Flu shots at Longs CVS.
Finished off the day with a visit from our friends The Armstrong’s.
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Our prophet Russell Marion Nelson passed away last night.
A true disciple of Jesus Christ
I know he has led us in the way God has asked of him. I know God gives us latter-day prophets to help us on our path to Him. I am grateful for the seven years we have been able to guided by President Nelson.
We took our landlord down to the airport this morning. We were able to attend Sacrament Meeting downtown at the Hawaiian Tabernacle on Beretania street.
The opening song for the sacrament meeting was “Praise to the Man” and the closing was “Come Come Ye Saints” but it was in Tongan:
And this congregational singing is my favorite kind:
Praise to the Man
Come Come Ye Saints
It was the Primary Program. Such a wonderful surprise for us.
It was fun to meet up with another missionary couple from our mission Sister and Elder Lee. Elder Lee had served his young mission in the Honolulu Mission and he had fun stories for us as he took pictures of us in the gardens
And we waited in Honolulu to pick up our real reason to go to the airport:
MindySpencer
Then stopped for lunch at Liliha’s and as we start for La’ie, our landlord Dennis called. He had been in and off airplanes and now his flight was canceled and needed a ride back to La’ie. Turn around in Kane’ohe and back to the airport for the third time today!
Made it back to La’ie and hurried off to the La’ie North Stake Center for Mission Fireside. We were treated to Steven and Julie Nelson. Began with a Beautiful Junior Missionaries Choir:
May we all be blessed with Peace, Health and SafetyThe first song I choreographed a dance for our Ballroom Dance Team with Ken Cope at Orem High School
Monday, September 15, 2025
This was an average Monday Semester schedule. CARES Team meeting, Elder Hudnall had a presentation for the Library staff, the Intern class was held. Finding students wherever I can on campus and helping problem solve from that ‘stuck point’ they find themselves in.
Ended the evening with a fun Ukulele Class in the HGB with our fellow senior missionaries.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Thank goodness we are on campus ALL day!
Began with our office staff meetings and then:
Devotional Tuesday-
“In my own life, I once prayed desperately for guidance about a very difficult decision I had to make. Days passed, then weeks, and I still felt no answer. But gradually, through impressions, through the words of others, and through quiet tender mercies, I realized He had been answering all along. His hearing was never in question; only my recognition was.
When answers seem delayed, we must remember silence is not absence. Sometimes God’s answer is “not yet,” sometimes it’s “not this way,” and sometimes it’s simply, “trust Me.”
Our call to action: This week, keep a simple prayer journal. Write down one thing you prayed for each night and watch over the following days and weeks to see how God answers—through impressions, scriptures, or even others’ words. General Conference is also just a few short weeks away and is a great opportunity to hear the voice of the Lord through His servants.
Now, let’s look at the next confidence President Nelson invited us to develop, which is to be confident that Heavenly Father understands your needs better than you do.”
“But sometimes life makes us question that love. When we feel buried by stress, sin, or self-doubt, we may think, “God couldn’t possibly love me right now.” President Nelson counters that doubt by reminding us His love is beyond comprehension.
At general conference, Sister Tamara Runia shared something remarkable she and her husband did when they were mission leaders in Australia. I know we have several of President and Sister Runia’s missionaries on campus and some of you here today experienced what I’m about to share personally.
During their last visit with each missionary, they talked about 3 Nephi 17. They asked them, “If you could hear the Savior praying for you, what do you think He would say?” She continued, “Listen for that voice that says good things about you—the voice of the Savior, your finest friend, and your Father in Heaven, who is really there. Remember, Their love and your worth are always great, no matter what!” [16]
When we anchor ourselves in that love, everything changes. Fear gives way to faith. Shame gives way to hope. And courage replaces discouragement. Knowing you are loved so perfectly means you can walk forward with confidence, no matter what lies ahead.
Our call to action: When you have a quiet moment, write down one way you have felt God’s love. Think about if YOU could hear the Savior praying for you, what do you think He would say? Let that awareness drive out fear and fuel your faith.”
Quick lunch at McDonald’s. Remember no water at home and back to the office for the scheduled student meetings and an interview for the school magazine KeAlaka’i. These students do a great job writing articles.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kauwe family.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
A beautiful morning walk with a long day on campus
The day started with Elder Hudnall in Teena Moleni’s social work macro class and Sister Hudnall in the Weekly Counseling Staff meeting. We had a referral this morning and it was another day of tracking down a student. Elder Hudnall had a presentation in the Religion Department Staff Meeting. We paused to celebrate our boss on his birthday. Elder Hudnall made a cake and Sister Seaman made homemade ice cream. It was a delicious interlude of the day. Student was located and helped to safety. Presentations were concluded and we made it to the PCC for our volunteer shift:
Left early to give A blessing for an ill missionary
Another day completed!
Friday, September 19, 2025
The horizon is flat but the clouds are ever changing
Began the morning on the far side of campus at the TVA apartments. Walked around the campus a few times to meet up with the students. The construction continues to be a challenge for getting around campus.
We had our Senior Missionary Brown Bag lunches for the sisters and the Elders. It’s nice to all be back on campus again. Also on campus this week the David O. McKay – Center for Intercultural Understanding
There is a 20 year anniversary of the IPB
International Peace-building
Our dear neighbors from Provo are here on campus. Dr. Eric B. Shumway:
What a great presentation. It is always wonderful to see our neighbors. He is a marvelous speaker.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Morning Walk to the point.
P-Day chores and errands
Listened to the BYU football game on our way to town. Then we finished up the night with a movie screening in the David O McKay Little Theater for a mental health short video that was filmed on campus and on Molokai. They were well done. There was a casting call that night for the next three short videos. The students were there for the auditions.
Sunday, 21st day of September 2025
We started the day with a Homecoming In Idaho. Via Zoom:
Elder Larry and Sister Karen Fisher – Blackfoot, ID
More appointments, dinner with the Harris’s and temple recommend interview with President Hicken.
The fireside finishing up the 20th Anniversary:
The Tongan Choir
A Beautiful way to wrap up the week of Devotionals!
Began the morningWith the roosterThe rockThe MoonThe pointWarningsCloudsHabitsThink Celestial
Fasting and Prayers for friends – and the regular Monday morning meetings until the alert and off to the Hales to help a student.
Finished up the morning with a second student and an assist with meetings on campus.
Elder and Sister Fisher have been our neighbors, they live just below the hill and we see them walk almost every day and it is difficult to help them pack to leave.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Fall Semester 2025 first Tuesday Devotional.
This link will let you see the entire devotional with the beautiful quartet’s performance. If the Facebook link doesn’t open, here are the talks.
It is a wonderful thing, working on a campus that offers a devotional once a week. AND The campus closes and it is possible to enjoy the spirit and information of the devotional without competing needs for that hour.
It does start right back up with student visits and TVA visits with couples and families.
Intern Class at the office and finishing up obligations to be ready to volunteer at the PCC:
“Charles“ Iona TeriipaiaElder NeilsonElder GoodfellowAt my station
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Regular Sunrise morning on the point
Meetings and student appointments to start the morning and
Hope Squad booth on the Aloha Plaza
We live in a bit of a bubble here on campus, but life on the mainland is still happening also:
She got some sleep and A LOT of steps
Our daughter Mindy works at the hospital that a lot of the activity continues to swirl around.
Amazing Grace
We had Hope Squad class today:
And I had late night Hale visits from some student referrals.
Wednesday started out different than it ended.
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Sunriseat thePoint
We had regular staff meetings, presentations and student meetings to attend. It was a campus day with moments of pausing and remembering past events and current ones.
We finished the day with the Hau’ula 5th Ward YM/YW and their scheduled activity:
Old Gym 115
Friday, September 12, 2025
The morning walk was the same but we had a different morning.
Elder Hudnall helped at the mission office with transportation and car issues.
Sister Hudnall was back at TVA (the married student housing) helping some of the young families.
Middle stop at “Campus Connect” and the fun student activities going on:
AND celebrate birthday’s with friends
Then over to the Hales with the single students who have other issues. And finished the evening with a sunset dinner with two beautiful students:
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Turtle BayKahuku PointTrailalongTheWay
We changed up our daily walk to the trail between Turtle Bay and Kahuku Point. We met new friends along the path:
What a fun start to our P-Day
Circled the Island again to pick up Rx, we were lucky enough to stop at the antique shop in Wahiawa that we’ve passed dozens of times and always wanted a peek inside.
Then we had a bonus surprise and met up with Tracy and Olivia Mayer at Winward Mall for an ice cream:
Magnolia’s IceCreamSupercutsMahalo Moana!
I found Moana at Supercuts in Kane’ohe last year. She has been my go to since then. She is moving on and I will be too, so this is our final time for a SUPER cut!
Then we rushed back North for our District 2 activity:
Sister Peterson’s Aloha ‘Oe
Car troubles kept two, caring for a friend another, and volunteering at PCC for the others. We were all together in spirit and I finally had a yummy Hukilau Taro Crust Pizza!
It is fun to keep up on “Goings on” back home too. Grandkids activities through Sunday FaceTime, and connections on neighbors and events through emails and texts. Congrats to our neighbor Karen Sowby and her induction into the Hall of Fame, here’s to our GOAT neighbor:
Karen Harline Sowby!
Sunday, September 14, 2025
Welcome, Welcome Sabbath Morning
La’ie 6th Ward – 8am
Beautiful morning and wonderful meeting
FaceTime with family and a warm Sunday afternoon
Senior Missionary Choir had a choir practice at 5pm
We ended the evening with a fun birthday party. Our friend Moses Armstrong’s 70 birthday party. It was held down the road from our Pad.
Happy Birthday Elder Armstrong!
I will finish this to send tonight and try again to upload this on the post.
I will end with a quote I really liked this week in my daily scripture study:
Remember, a teacher is also a student
As you dedicate yourself to living the gospel with greater purpose than ever before and search the scriptures, treasuring them up in your heart, the same Holy Ghost, who revealed these words to apostles and prophets anciently, will testify to you of their truthfulness. In essence, the Holy Ghost will reveal them anew to you. When this happens, the words that you read are no longer only the words of Nephi or Paul or Alma, but they become your words. Then, as you teach, the Holy Ghost will be able to bring all things to your remembrance. Indeed, “it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say” (D&C 100:6). When this happens, you will find yourself saying something that you did not plan to say. Then, if you will pay attention, you will learn something from the things that you say when you teach. President Marion G. Romney said, “I always know when I am speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost because I always learn something from what I’ve said.” Remember, a teacher is also a student.
We drove down to Winward Regal Theaters at the Windward Mall in Kane’ohe. It was fun to watch this New Zealand movie with our friends (fellow missionaries, Elder and Sister Armstrong) from New Zealand and Elder and Sister Hall. It was a fantastic movie. Such amazing music and emotional on the heart strings.
We stayed in Kane’ohe for dinner at Don Goyos:
A wonderful holiday weekend!
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Morning Walk
Day before School Classes begin:
Filled with student meetings and health center appointments with students, and trips to help students get to town and back. It was a long 12 hour day, but it finally ended and tomorrow is the first day of school.
Monday’s is our CARES Team meeting, but yesterday was a Holiday. We touched base today a little.
Sunrise at the Point – First day of Fall 2025 – BYU-H
I attended BYU Provo during the big Library redo. I know that dates me, but the entire middle area of the campus was shut down. As a student it was a challenge to get from class to class going around the outside of the campus. Some classes had to be dropped because it was impossible to make it with the barriers. School and schedules are difficult in the best of times, but here we go again, First day of school Fall 2025 BYU-Hawaii:
The campus is difficult to maneuver around. They have banned the personal vehicles, electric scooters, bikes, skateboards through campus. You have to use the Academic Oval and go around everything to get to the next class, meeting, etc.
and back to School Schedule. Counseling Services Staff Meeting on Thursday mornings.
Elder Hudnall went down to Kailua to visit an old companion from his Junior Mission, Elder Serikawa:
19782025
Meetings and student visits fill in the rest of the afternoon and we have PCC this evening:
IndiaVietnamShakaGatewayTerraceSaying Goodbye
As we see the end of our mission approaching, we are saying good-bye to many friends that have made our time here so enjoyable.
Friday, September 5, 2025
Good Morning La’ie Point
Today we were invited to a 90th birthday party. The oldest missionary in the Pacific is Sister Hella Lunnen from Utah, originally from Germany.
Held at the Gateway Terrace
They had a performance for her:
Whatever Hella wants. . . . Hella Gets. . . .
Then the Lunch Bunch met on BYUH campus:
Office hours continued and the first week of school is in the books! (Or Newsletter)
Oh wait . . .
Two more TVA home visits this evening and then it’s done! No pictures of their homes, but here is the complex
Saturday, September 6, 2025
P-DAY
AI Overview
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missions, P-Day (Preparation Day) is the designated weekly day for missionaries to handle personal errands, communicate with family, and relax, providing a break from their daily teaching and proselytizing work. Common activities include doing laundry, shopping for groceries, writing letters home, and engaging in recreation, though specific rules and schedules vary by mission.
What missionaries do on P-Day:
Personal Errands: This includes tasks like grocery shopping, doing laundry, and visiting doctors or barbers.
Communication: Missionaries use this time to write letters or emails to their families and friends.
Recreation and Culture: They may visit historical sites, museums, or zoos, or participate in sports activities.
Personal Study: Some personal and companion scripture study occurs, similar to other days.
Housework: The missionary living quarters are cleaned, and supplies are restocked.
Key aspects of P-Day:
Weekly Occurrence: P-Day happens once a week, though the specific day varies by mission.
Mission-Specific: The exact timing and permitted activities can differ based on the mission president’s directives and the local mission’s needs and cultural context.
A Balancing Act: While it’s a day for personal needs and relaxation, it’s also a day for preparation for the upcoming week of missionary service.
So – We cleaned the car, the PAD, menu decisions, grocery list, laundry, ironing –
AND drive an hour and 20 minutes to Wal-Mart and Costco to get groceries and gas.
We stopped in Wahiawa for dinner at “Chicken in a Barrel” with our friends, Elder and Sister Wayt. Belated birthday dinner for Sister Wayt.
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Church at 8am – La’ie 6th ward. Fast and Testimony Meeting
Second time around. 11am – Hau’ula 2nd Ward
Elder and Sister Fisher’s Ward and their Aloha ‘Oe
Fast Sunday is Munch and Mingle for the senior missionaries at the Gateway Terrace.
Our district had dessert as our assignment. Grandma Hudnall’s special K bars:
Sisters
We listen to one of President Nelson’s talks each day for our Daily Devotional. One of the talks this week was “Peacemakers Needed” from the April 2023 General Conference. A quote was:
“Before His death, the Savior commanded His Twelve Apostles to love one another as He had loved them. And then He added, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
The Savior’s message is clear: His true disciples build, lift, encourage, persuade, and inspire—no matter how difficult the situation. True disciples of Jesus Christ are peacemakers.
Charity is the antidote to contention. Charity is the spiritual gift that helps us to cast off the natural man, who is selfish, defensive, prideful, and jealous. Charity is the principal characteristic of a true follower of Jesus Christ. Charity defines a peacemaker.
When we humble ourselves before God and pray with all the energy of our hearts, God will grant us charity.”
This is a new part into our Daily Scripture Study and I have enjoyed listening to our prophet every morning. It has enriched me every day.
You two are doing great
We hope you are feeling better!