Homecoming Weekend
Monday, November 3, 2025
Wow, Last Monday in Hawaii!
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.
Now, on to the rest of day. I went off to find one of the students we did discuss in team meeting. Found and finished that visit.
Held the other student visits that I scheduled that day. Elder Hudnall met with the student interns, held meetings for the Hope Squad crew.
Finished meetings with the Residential Living Crew and said a lot of good-byes!
Final Ukulele Class for us as Senior Missionaries!
What an amazing experience to have the opportunity to be taught by Jeri Crosby. She is a wonderful musician and teacher and we got to sit at her feet each week. I am so appreciative of this opportunity!
The day isn’t over. I have been meeting with some of the companionships of junior sister missionaries. Tonight I met with the Trio and finished up the items they were working on. It was a long day ending at 11pm!
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
So many lasts! The final devotional for us, BUT before the devotional we had a final interview with President Kauwe:
The devotional was so fun to be with our friends and fellow missionaries:
“As I look out at your faces—representing the islands of Polynesia, the nations of Asia, the countries of Africa, Europe, and the Americas—I see prophecy fulfilled before my very eyes. BYU–Hawaii is more than a university; it is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, faith, and discipleship, woven together by the gospel of Jesus Christ. You embody the prophecy of Zion, a people of one heart and one mind, dwelling in righteousness amid the beauty of this Pacific island. As disciples from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, you represent the gathering that prophets have foreseen for millennia.”
Finished up this scheduled devotional and moved onto student visits and appointments. I made a dash down to Kaneohe to fix the mirror on the car:
And rushed back for the last session with another of the junior missionary companionships. Elder Hudnall had a final presentation for the “Food Services” department. Abraham (Abe) is a new department head and changing up things for food services. His menus are very international and the students are loving it. He also gave us a final lunch at the Banyan on him! So Thursday afternoon before we leave for the airport, lunch at the caf.
I hurried back to campus for my visit to close another student final with her last visit. Rushed back to the PAD to change because We are scheduled for the final PCC volunteer shift. At the Gateway Terrace Gate!
So we finished up this final Tuesday, Election Day (voted absentee) packing and boxing at the Pad!
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
After our walk, we met Elder and Sister Wayt at the Marriott for breakfast!
Many fun memories made
Elder Hudnall had one last presentation with James Faustino, our boss at Kahuku Elementary School:
I had a final student doctor appointment at the Health Center. It has been an honor to be a holistic part of these students experience on the BYU-H campus.
Made it back to the office so that we could celebrate with our boss for lunch:
We narrowed it down because it is Wednesday and the PCC is closed so most of our lunch options close are not available. I wanted one last BLT from Titas Grill. But we settled for burgers!
Hurried back to campus to finish student meetings. Met with the cute couple that I’ve been working with after the loss of their first baby. They are an amazing young couple who I know will one day be a vital part of the Philippines Church Leadership.
Then it was time for Hope Squad Class. We were told tow different locations, but it was finalized at the Stake Center in the cultural hall:
A lot of tender and touching goodbyes with the Hope Squad, staff and missionaries. Elder Hudnall headed back to the Pad and I took one of the students to Longs for a Rx and groceries pickup.
Then back to the Pad to clean out the car after the last trip to Hau’ula.
We walked down to the point because there was a beautiful full moon:
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Last minute run with the last two boxes to ship. No car, but thanks to Sister Bonner our neighbor and the new District Leader for her transportation to the PCC and our last stop at SIP for a flavored soda and water!
Then, the final push of packing and cleaning AND lunch at the Banyan Dining Hall (our free lunch) enjoyed with Nephi Garcia our intern last semester.
Many bonus goodbye hugs and tears with surprised students in the Caf. . . And an exit interview with Scott Stiles at the lunch table.
Then the final push at the PAD before the trip to the airport:
Our landlord and friend Denny Gathright gave us (and our luggage) a ride to the Honolulu airport. (I can’t believe I didn’t get a picture of this process. It is imprinted in my memory)
We checked in curbside, with 6 pieces of checked luggage and our two carryon’s and our backpacks and Ukulele’s.
Friday, November 7, 2025
We woke up (I don’t think I slept) on the plane and landed 30 minutes earlier than expected.
!!Salt Lake City, Utah!!
https://youtu.be/ZYc9wJWzcAs?si=JvVD50aGfWYX9w-p
Welcome Home
What a memorable welcome home. Even noted on the local Fox News! Early morning for the family, but they were there to welcome us! I love these people!!
We had an appointment to be released by President King in our home at 9am. What an amazing drive down I-15 at 75 mph in a straight line. Kinda, but there is a difference in island driving and mainland driving. Thank goodness Mindy was driving the truck and we were willing passengers!
I had asked to have updated photos of the grandkids when we got home. Mindy worked hard to make it complete:
Then it was time to empty the 8 suitcases that I had worked so hard packing yesterday. Was it just yesterday?!
I was able to donate blood at ARC Mobile unit at the Stake Center just 2 blocks away. It feels so good to get back to the routine of blood donations.
Then the boxes. We sent a few home So it does feel like a move:
Back to our own bed and be able to use a blanket because the room tempature is 68° F. -Good Night
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Morning Walk
Very different from the beginning of the Newsletter.
You could “see” your breath and it was a balmy 41°
Then, I got my hair cut by my person, Susan Carlson who has been cutting my hair for 43 years. I have missed her and the perfect haircuts!
AND – a Mani/Pedi from my people at Essence Nail Salon. They have been my place for 13 years!!
Then Errands with Ellie – the afternoon with my granddaughter:
Shirley Rolls – Sweets hug from Omai
And the evening spent finding things for the open house and finishing up the talk for sacrament meeting. After the sunset off Edgemont Hill:
Sunday, November 9, 2025
9am Church! An extra hour from the 8am start time we have had for the last 18 months!
Here is the link, I don’t know how to make a permanent download from YouTube available on a site like this:
https://www.youtube.com/live/FHte32-momE?feature=shared
It was so humbling to have so many seasons of our lives in the same room. From my siblings ( in and outlaws) and mother, aunt, cousins, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, my childhood friends who have loved and supported me for almost 60 years, ward members from many different wards we’ve lived in, mission companion from Elder Hudnall’s youth mission, members from his youth ward in Illinois, students of his from Independence High School, (food from Bamboo Hut, Mahalo Betham) coworkers from many different jobs, friends from many walks of our life, fellow returned senior missionaries who traveled distances to be here, neighbors from many of the different places we’ve lived, current members of our ward.
Mahalo for the support you all gave us.
If any of you have photos, please share. These are the ones I could come up with off my phone.
We finished off the night together as a family with yummy Pumpkin stew and time together. Our grandson Joshua just finished a 15 day tour of China with his ballroom dance team, Premiere Dance Company team. He gave us a wonderful slide presentation of his time there:
This is what life is all about . . . Time with Family!
Sisters and Brothers, ALOHA –
“Paradise is in the eye of the beholder”
When we received our mission call, many times the comment was made, “You are going to paradise on your mission?” “How do you get a mission call like that?” “Are you sure it’s a mission or a destination?”
Hawaii and the tropics are a beautiful place to visit. . .
This valley surrounded by these mountains, with mountain/desert temperatures. THIS is Paradise _____________________________________________
We were called to labor in the Hawaii La’ie Mission on the campus of Brigham Young University-Hawaii. For 18 months we have had the opportunity to experience The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a community that has the spirit of Aloha, The dedication of Pioneers and the perserverance of Saints. The ward that we were assigned to attend was the La’ie 6th Ward. The history and the saints that have lived in and still live in that ward is remarkable. I am grateful to have been able to be a part of that experience. One of the sisters in the ward Moana Feinga and I have the same cousin. Heidi is her first cousin and my first cousin, once removed. Ohana is the focus of everything in this community. And Hanai (Ha-n-eye) being adopted into the Ohana is a cultural expereince. We truly feel the Hanai. Auntie is a title. The first time a youth called me Auntie, I felt embraced. It is a warm and tender title with much respect.
There were multiple talks in general conference that reminded us of “names/titles and /or labels”. They were referencing President Nelson’s conference talk in April 2025.
We all have the labels that President Nelson talked of, these are my roles in my life.
As I focus on being a disciple of Jesus Christ and a child of God, I am a better wife and mother and grandmother. These: Wife and Mother, Gramma. These are my most beloved in our mortal state. There are other extended roles, daughter, sister, in-law, out-law, granddaughter, neighbor, etc.
Then we were invited to look at these and decide or make choices according to those names/labels. A new label/title
Becoming a missionary, when we were set apart by President King there was a mantle that was placed upon us. It was a necessary mantle to be able to be a missionary. Then we entered the MTC, we were given our name badge. It has our missionary name, mine said Sister Hudnall, and the name of the church, which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the name of Jesus Christ. There isn’t a designation of the area or the name of the mission where we served. We are set apart as disciples of Jesus Christ
Again, our name and the name of Jesus Christ. I am and was set apart as a disciple of Jesus Christ. I am a child of God.
These are the names/labels that are my foundation.
As a “missionary”, it becomes a focused role. The relationship roles are not the focus for these months that we are set apart to serve. It is a “season” in life that is very narrow.
Blessings for Missionaries and for Us
“This is a beautiful promise for a newly called missionary—to have prejudices ‘give way before the truth,’ to ‘obtain favor in the sight of all,’ and to have the world know they are sent by the Lord. Each of us surely needs these same blessings.” Source
James R. Rasband, “The Plan of Mercy,” April 2025 General Conference
Related verses
Doctrine and Covenants 109:56–57
56 That their hearts may be softened when thy servants shall go out from thy house, O Jehovah, to bear testimony of thy name; that their prejudices may give way before the truth, and thy people may obtain favor in the sight of all;
57 That all the ends of the earth may know that we, thy servants, have heard thy voice, and that thou hast sent us;
At BYU-Hawaii Many hearts were softened, Many cultures and nations represented. MANY languages spoken, but the desire to be a part of God’s Ohana is the focus.
Transitions
Being a missionary requires transitions.
Jr. Missionaries have been required to make transitions through all of their growing up years and they continue in their missions to require many different transitions.
But, As a senior missionary we continue to seek to create comfort zones for ourselves.
As an adult, we spend a great deal of time, effort, and money on seeking our equilibrium and comfort levels
It has been fascinating to watch the different eras of society how we seek for comfort. The comfort food of my grandparents was bread and milk. Which I wouldn’t eat for anything. My comfort foods are not what my grandchildren look to for comfort.
The Taro plant is a comfort food sought after, the breadfruit, Ulu is another staple. Rice is eaten at every meal, all day long. These are not something we look to for comfort, but many of our new friends and Ohana rely on them.
We adapt to our transitions according to the society and location which we group up in. Do we allow our hearts to be softened and our prejudices
We are comfort seeking creatures, and to become God like creatures we have to seek transitions and find resilience and tolerance instead of always seeking for comfort.
I realize I have been teaching, encouraging and supporting transitions in every aspect of the last 18 months, and yet I haven’t appreciated any of them hat have been handed me and required of me.
I realized in seeking comfort, I am not seeking God and in seeking God I’m receiving the required transitions which increase my tolerance and resilience, which can give me comfort.
God is and has been present in all seasons of my life
As I’ve walked this season with the students, I’ve learned about their enterence into college experience. The students come in and are referred to as a Batch. Our first batch was Fall 2024 Batch. As Freshmen, They live in Hale 1 or Hale 2 – if single and all married or family live in TVA (Temple View Apartments). As they become upperclass students they can choose to live off campus, but it is costly and difficult to find a location. Banyan Dining Hall (The Caf) is their food services location and the campus has a Health Center, Counseling Center, Gyms and ball fields. A couple of convience stores and Classrooms and offices. It is getting a new facelift and all of the center of campus is fenced off and being renewed.
I had the privlege to enter into these students life during times they were stuck and transition wasn’t working well. It was my job to help them identify the sticking point and help set up resources and access to get unstuck. We walked through conflicts, breakups, illness, homesick, injuries, accidents, deaths, attempts and crisises. These are difficult but a vital part of God’s plan. When I am in this role, I get to help them remember this and find direction.
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.”
“By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples” April 2025 General Conference
D&C 6:36
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
“I know and love my Savior Jesus Christ. I will always be His disciple and pronounce this testimony to all who will hear. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen”
Mahalo Nui Loa 🌺 – Thank you very much!
Aloha oe – 🌴 meaning – “farewell to thee” and the title of the song written by Queen Lili’uokalani. It is also often interpreted as a song about love, and a hopeful reunion. “Until we meet again”
Mizpah – the Hudnall Family – Genesis 31:49
“The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another”
Thank you for accompanying us through the last 18 months and the adventures it has taken us.
Mahalo for reading through this Very Long, very last one!
Aloha Oe
