Week 39 - We Went To Buc-ee's!

Hey Y'all!

It's another wonderful day here in Texas. Not much has changed since I have been here. The Corona virus is getting worse in Texas, so that stinks. That being said, we have to be more cautious about wearing our masks and stuff like that. As for the missionary work goes it's same old same old. We still use Facebook as our number one way of contacting people. It is difficult at times but also super rad.

For P-day we went to this gigantic gas station called Buc-ee's. It has over 100 gas pumps and looks like a mall inside. It is huge! We also got together with our zone and played sports.

I just wanted to leave you guys with saying that I love this work. I love serving others and sharing the true gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope you all have a splendid week, and I'll catch y'all on the flipside!

Love,
Elder Delgado

At Buc-ee's

A photo from when I left Tonga via Fiji.

Week 38 - I'm In Texas!

Hi everybody!!!


It's been a while since you all have heard from me so let me tell y'all whats been happening.

So last you've heard from me I was probably in Tonga and as many of you know because of COVID-19 I had to come back to America where I could be safe and stay with my family. I had a great time back home. I had the opportunity to see my family, work, and be anxious to find out where I would be reassigned.

So drumroll... If you don't already know. I was reassigned to the Texas Fort Worth Misson, Tongan speaking! I arrived on Wednesday, the 17th and the assistants to the mission president picked us up and dropped us off in our areas. The first thing one of the assistants said to me was, "You're going to be Tongan speaking," and that made me so happy! I'm so happy I can be able to keep up with my language and also continue serving the Tongan people.

I'm currently in a trio with Elders Taukeiaho and Fifita. They're super awesome and are both from Utah. We live in a dapper appartment in Euless, Texas. It's super nice. I may be saying that because in Tonga I was in a brick hut. That means I have A/C, a kitchen, washing machine and dryer, nice bathroom, and a lot more "wiggle room". I feel like I'm in a mansion!!!

So as far as the work goes it's a little different. Because of the restrictions we have because of the virus we use Facebook as our main source of contacting people. I'm not going to lie it's a little difficult but we've video called a couple people and shared a scripture and then we refer them to missionaries near them. It's a pretty good process. PS: follow me on Facebook - Andrew Delgado is my name. In the picture I'm holding a coconut and a machete... it's pretty hard to miss. :) And if any of you have questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints light up my DMs.

Heres a scripture from 2 Nephi 2:6 that I like:
 

"Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth."

Jesus is the way to redemption hence one of his given names is 'The Redeemer'. As we come unto Christ we can feel his love and guidance and be at peace.

I love you all and hope you have a spectacular week. I challange those who have not, to read the Book of Mormon. Its pretty cool!

Love,
Elder Delgado

Week 26 - Farewell to Tonga

This letter is from Mom (Missy) this week. 


Hi Everyone,

It's been a crazy couple of weeks. Here's the short of it: It was decided that all non-native missionaries in Tonga would return to their home countries. Through lots of planning and I'm sure, some miracles, Drew returned home last night to Utah. He can't currently come to our home in Kosovo because the borders are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but we hope to see him soon. Gratefully his sister and her wonderful husband have opened their home to him until he knows what's next.

We're sad that he had to leave Tonga. He loved it there. My hope is that he can return when the pandemic is no longer a threat, but we will see what God has planned for him.

I've been receiving messages from the people in Tonga whose lives he touched and people he has served with as well as family and friends. People mention his happy and positive personality, his kindness and how fun he is. I love these messages. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for loving and supporting Drew. He is happy and well.

Ofa atu!
Missy

Week 25 - I Might Be Leaving Tonga

This letter is from Mom (Missy) this week. 

On Monday we received an email from Drew saying that he was asked to pack his things and make plans to return to the main island of Tonga. He was told due to the COVID-19 crisis they were making preparations for all missionaries to return to their home countries.

It's our understanding that Drew is now on the main island of Tonga awaiting a flight to the U.S. There are many logistical and political issues involved - as is the case in most countries around the world - including the country where we live, in Kosovo.  Planes in and out of Tonga have been suspended, as they have also been suspended for us.  For everyone it seems things change almost by the hour. We will keep you updated on Drew when we learn more. 

Two things are certain and bring us great peace:
1) He was excited to have faith-building and learning experiences when he left for Tonga. He's getting those. We like to call them adventures and we know he's enjoying them.
2) We are 100% certain he is being well cared for and is safe. Currently Tonga has no cases of the Corona virus, so that's encouraging. 

Please keep Drew and all of his fellow missionaries in your prayers this week. All positive thoughts and vibes are welcome too! Thank you for supporting him!

Ofa atu,
Missy

Week 24 - I'm Staying In Tu'anuku

Hello,

This week was pretty awesome! It all started with me and Elder Tongolei helping one of our members try to castrate one of his cows. To do this we first needed to find the little sucka somewhere in the bush. We found the cow but it was a little too old and would run away from us and not stay near its mother, so unfortunately we could not castrate the cow. :( LOL

This week we also received the news that the Church has canceled all meetings and activities because of the Coronavirus which is a bummer.

This week was also transfers... and I got a new companion. His name is Elder Vaipulu. He is from New Zealand and we were in the MTC together. It's pretty cool being his comp.

I am also staying in Tu'anuku for another transfer. In total I will almost be in this area for a quarter of my mission. Crazy, right?

All is good in the Tu'anuku hood. I hope you all are staying safe and healthy from the Caronavirus.

Ofa lahi atu!

- Elder Telekato (my last name in Tongan)

Week 23 - Helping Others Walk In The Light of Christ

Malo e lelei!

This week was pretty cool, Tu'anuku is doing just fine and so are all the people in it. It's super cool living in such a little town because you know everyone and their dogs, yes I know many dogs by name here. HAHAHA. The work has been good, we were able to teach a lesson to a couple of people. We taught the Restoration to them which was fun and a little difficult just because I'm still not the best at speaking Tongan. Other than that, everything is same old same old. This may be my last week in this area because the transfer is almost over. By next P-day (preparation day) I will know if I'm getting transferred to another area or not. 

I love you all so much, and I love being a missionary. This is an opportunity of a lifetime that I have to help others walk in the light of Christ.

Ofa atu!

-Elder Delgado

Week 22 - I love this beautiful world!

Malo e lelei folks,

This week was pretty eventful! I think the coolest thing was our Zone P-day. Because we reached our Zone goal we were able to play sports and hang out with everyone in the zone. A zone is all of the missionaries in our area. It was fun to play volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and especially football. At the P-day we all ate dog, pig, and mei (breadfruit). 

This week we also had stake conference. Stake conference is a Sunday church service with several congregations from the area gathered together. It's always fun to go to stake conference because we get to hear from the stake president, the Nuku'alofa Tonga temple president and others. 

This week I also took a lot more pictures than usual so I hope you enjoy those. I took a lot of pictures of the ocean and sunsets. It's pretty beautiful. When I see all the beautiful sights of the world, it just testifies more and more to me that God is all powerful and that he made mountains and rivers, and oceans, and forests, and everything that dwells on the surface of it. I'm so grateful that he created this earth for us to live on.

I love you all so much.

Ofa lahi atu,

Elder Delgado