Mon, Dec 20, 2010
We had a good week. We're still working hard and having fun. There's not a whole lot of stuff to report especially since I'll be talking to y'all on Saturday. This week should be pretty crazy. Elder Mackey and I hit our 6 month mark on Thursday, we go to Kingston on Friday for a mission christmas party and Saturday is Christmas. That's cool that you had the openhouse for the new chapel. It's too bad I can't be everywhere at once. Things are going good here, though. We are working with a great guy named Kortney Stuart. He has a small metal working shop so we relate pretty well. We committed him to be baptized so we're excited for him. Well, that's pretty much it. we'll talk to you on Saturday, so later. Merry Christmas!
Elder Kartchner
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Happy December
Dec 6, 2010
We had another good week. We have several good people we are working with. unfortunately we didn't get to meet with Sister Swearing. She is still doing very well. She downloaded the general conference talks and is reading gospel principles and has already read through several books in the book of mormon. We are lucky if we get to meet with her once a week but she is our most solid investigator because she takes the time to learn and study on her own. It's been a good example of how important personal study and prayer along with church attendance are to our spiritual growth. We are still working with Bro Richard. We've been able to teach him a couple times and help him out on his little farm.
I forgot to mention last week that we had our primary program for sacrament meeting. It was great. All 6 kids got to bear their testimonies or give short talks as well as sing. I love small branches. It makes church so much more exciting. Yesterday we had good church meetings as well. Last night we got to go to Spanish Town to watch the Christmas devotional. It only took a half hour ride standing up in a crowded bus and then a 20 min walk through the ghettos of Spanish town at night to get there but it was worth it. Luckily we got a ride home in the back of one of the member's cargo trucks. It was fun.
Anyway, things are going good. I'm looking forward to Christmas. It even feels like Christmas here. We have the nice cool "christmas breeze" that keeps things from getting too hot. I got cold last night. It got down to 74. I think I might have to start closing the windows at night or maybe invest in a blanket.
Well, thanks for all you do. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
We had another good week. We have several good people we are working with. unfortunately we didn't get to meet with Sister Swearing. She is still doing very well. She downloaded the general conference talks and is reading gospel principles and has already read through several books in the book of mormon. We are lucky if we get to meet with her once a week but she is our most solid investigator because she takes the time to learn and study on her own. It's been a good example of how important personal study and prayer along with church attendance are to our spiritual growth. We are still working with Bro Richard. We've been able to teach him a couple times and help him out on his little farm.
I forgot to mention last week that we had our primary program for sacrament meeting. It was great. All 6 kids got to bear their testimonies or give short talks as well as sing. I love small branches. It makes church so much more exciting. Yesterday we had good church meetings as well. Last night we got to go to Spanish Town to watch the Christmas devotional. It only took a half hour ride standing up in a crowded bus and then a 20 min walk through the ghettos of Spanish town at night to get there but it was worth it. Luckily we got a ride home in the back of one of the member's cargo trucks. It was fun.
Anyway, things are going good. I'm looking forward to Christmas. It even feels like Christmas here. We have the nice cool "christmas breeze" that keeps things from getting too hot. I got cold last night. It got down to 74. I think I might have to start closing the windows at night or maybe invest in a blanket.
Well, thanks for all you do. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Monday, November 29, 2010
Pics
Pic 1 - Suprise Thanksgiving dinner with several of the branch members.
Pic 2 - Elder Mackey after his bike slipped into a mud hole
Pic 3 - Me and the rat that kept getting into the kitchen
Happy Monday after Thanksgiving!
Mon, Nov 29, 2010
We had another good week. We've been working hard and have a few solid investigators. I had the best Thanksgiving ever. It started out like any old day but in the afternoon it began to rain hard. We were wondering what we should do because all our appointments fell through. I called a guy we had met the day before. He said he couldn't meet with us because he was planting so I asked if we could help. It was a lot of fun. we got to play in the mud while planting shoots of calalloo and pokchoy. While we worked we told him the story of another farmer named Joseph Smith. It went great. His name is Brother Richards. he is a great guy with a family and works hard to support them on his little farm. I am really excited to work with him and his family. Afterward we went home and showered and hurried down to the church for another good lesson with another investigator. The branch president picked us up after that and drove us up to a member's house for an even better lesson with a great investigator named Sister Swearing. While we were there a car full of branch members showed up with a ton of food. Jamaica doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, but we did. It was great.
Yesterday we had good Sunday meetings. We were missing a lot of people but it was still good. Sister Swearing came. The teachers were missing for gospel principles class and elders quorum so I ended up teaching both.
I finally got my birthday package the other day. Thanks for all the stuff. My bike really appreciates the new handles and bag and my legs are pretty sore from jump roping so much. I've also been sporting around my new shiny red tie but no one seems to care. Oh well. The peanut butter is much appreciated. They do have it here but it is expensive. Oh, and thanks for the shorts as well as the notes from the Mathesons. On the same day I got my birthday card, and a letter from Bishop Trejo and the Sitts sisters. I've never had so much mail in my life.
Thanks for all you do. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
We had another good week. We've been working hard and have a few solid investigators. I had the best Thanksgiving ever. It started out like any old day but in the afternoon it began to rain hard. We were wondering what we should do because all our appointments fell through. I called a guy we had met the day before. He said he couldn't meet with us because he was planting so I asked if we could help. It was a lot of fun. we got to play in the mud while planting shoots of calalloo and pokchoy. While we worked we told him the story of another farmer named Joseph Smith. It went great. His name is Brother Richards. he is a great guy with a family and works hard to support them on his little farm. I am really excited to work with him and his family. Afterward we went home and showered and hurried down to the church for another good lesson with another investigator. The branch president picked us up after that and drove us up to a member's house for an even better lesson with a great investigator named Sister Swearing. While we were there a car full of branch members showed up with a ton of food. Jamaica doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, but we did. It was great.
Yesterday we had good Sunday meetings. We were missing a lot of people but it was still good. Sister Swearing came. The teachers were missing for gospel principles class and elders quorum so I ended up teaching both.
I finally got my birthday package the other day. Thanks for all the stuff. My bike really appreciates the new handles and bag and my legs are pretty sore from jump roping so much. I've also been sporting around my new shiny red tie but no one seems to care. Oh well. The peanut butter is much appreciated. They do have it here but it is expensive. Oh, and thanks for the shorts as well as the notes from the Mathesons. On the same day I got my birthday card, and a letter from Bishop Trejo and the Sitts sisters. I've never had so much mail in my life.
Thanks for all you do. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Monday, November 22, 2010
Hope you feel loved
Mon, Nov 22, 2010
We had another good week. We didnt get to teach quite as much as last week but it was still good. Unfortunately the Grove family went back to New York. Hopefully they attend the church and find the missionaries there. Almost everyone of our other solid investigators ended up dropping us this week for one reason or another. After working with them it was really hard to see them become apathetic. But, who said missionary work was supposed to be easy. I guess I'll just have to work harder. Right now we're working on rebuilding our teaching pool.
We had good church meetings yesterday. Elder Mackey and I were the speakers. I spoke on member missionary work. I shared how doing missionary work is part of fulfilling our baptismal covenant of taking his name upon us, always remembering him, and keeping his commandments. I focused most of my talk, however, on practical ways for members to help with missionary work. I think it went well.
This past week they had a temple trip for the members in Jamaica. They flew to Panama on Wednesday and got back Saturday. Three people from the branch went - The branch president and his wife, along with Brother Thomas, who is the 1st counselor in the branch presidency. Brother Thomas has only been a member for a year and a half and was going for the first time. It was awesome to see the difference in his countenance when he got back. I wish I could go to the temple again.
Well, Happy thanksgiving. They don't celebrate it here so you'll have to eat extra for me. I haven't got my birthday package yet, but hope to soon.
Thanks for all the emails and prayers and such. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
We had another good week. We didnt get to teach quite as much as last week but it was still good. Unfortunately the Grove family went back to New York. Hopefully they attend the church and find the missionaries there. Almost everyone of our other solid investigators ended up dropping us this week for one reason or another. After working with them it was really hard to see them become apathetic. But, who said missionary work was supposed to be easy. I guess I'll just have to work harder. Right now we're working on rebuilding our teaching pool.
We had good church meetings yesterday. Elder Mackey and I were the speakers. I spoke on member missionary work. I shared how doing missionary work is part of fulfilling our baptismal covenant of taking his name upon us, always remembering him, and keeping his commandments. I focused most of my talk, however, on practical ways for members to help with missionary work. I think it went well.
This past week they had a temple trip for the members in Jamaica. They flew to Panama on Wednesday and got back Saturday. Three people from the branch went - The branch president and his wife, along with Brother Thomas, who is the 1st counselor in the branch presidency. Brother Thomas has only been a member for a year and a half and was going for the first time. It was awesome to see the difference in his countenance when he got back. I wish I could go to the temple again.
Well, Happy thanksgiving. They don't celebrate it here so you'll have to eat extra for me. I haven't got my birthday package yet, but hope to soon.
Thanks for all the emails and prayers and such. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Monday, November 15, 2010
Hey Fam
Mon, Nov 15, 2010
Things are going great. This week Elder Mackey and I have been working really hard to be totally obedient and to teach as much as possible. It was by far the best week I've had so far on my mission. We've been blessed in being able to find a lot of good investigators. We have a new problem of not having enough time in a day to see every one we want to. Not that I'm complaining or anything. We started out the week strong talking to everyone. By the end of the week it seemed like everyone started coming to us, stopping us and asking us what we were all about. Yesterday we had good church meetings. We didn't have much in the way of investigators there but we had a lot of less-active come. There was over 50 people there and there was barely enough room for everyone.
We've been meeting with this really great family, the Groves. We met the mom, Jennifer Groves, in Juici Patties (Jamaican fast food place) a week or two ago when she came up and introduced herself to us and told us she wanted to meet with us. She is Jamaican born but lives in New York most of the time. Anyway, we finally got to meet with her this last week. It is a 30 minute bike ride out to their place, but it was worth it. She told us how she is very strong Baptist but over the last few years she keeps running into these mormons. She said that a month or so ago she talked to one lady at the eye doctor and somehow it came up that she was LDS. Jennifer said she noticed all this and told one of her friends in Kingston that she keeps meeting all these mormons. Her friend then told her that she was a mormon too. her response then was, "what? why didn't you tell me? I've known you all these years. Why didn't you tell me?" As she told that story I was thinking about all the people that we know and talk to. Do they know what we believe? Do we let it come up in conversation that we are LDS? Anyway, we've been meeting with Jennifer and her son and daughter and they are doing great. Unfortunately, they are probably heading back to New York soon, but we helped them find a church close to where they live by looking online. It will be some lucky missionaries in New York that get that referral.
We have several other great investigators. We set a baptismal date with Wayne Palmer. We met a guy named Imoin that is really intersted and has started to read the Book of Mormon. He said he has a group of friends that have been going around to different churches looking for the right one so hopefully we'll get to meet with them too. We also met a couple that met with missionaries about a year ago that seem pretty good. There are several others as well. It just goes to show what a little obedience and hard work can do.
We got transfer calls this morning. Elder Mackey and I are staying in old Harbour for another transfer. It was a big relief. I am really excited to work with all our new investigators.
Thanks for all you do. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Things are going great. This week Elder Mackey and I have been working really hard to be totally obedient and to teach as much as possible. It was by far the best week I've had so far on my mission. We've been blessed in being able to find a lot of good investigators. We have a new problem of not having enough time in a day to see every one we want to. Not that I'm complaining or anything. We started out the week strong talking to everyone. By the end of the week it seemed like everyone started coming to us, stopping us and asking us what we were all about. Yesterday we had good church meetings. We didn't have much in the way of investigators there but we had a lot of less-active come. There was over 50 people there and there was barely enough room for everyone.
We've been meeting with this really great family, the Groves. We met the mom, Jennifer Groves, in Juici Patties (Jamaican fast food place) a week or two ago when she came up and introduced herself to us and told us she wanted to meet with us. She is Jamaican born but lives in New York most of the time. Anyway, we finally got to meet with her this last week. It is a 30 minute bike ride out to their place, but it was worth it. She told us how she is very strong Baptist but over the last few years she keeps running into these mormons. She said that a month or so ago she talked to one lady at the eye doctor and somehow it came up that she was LDS. Jennifer said she noticed all this and told one of her friends in Kingston that she keeps meeting all these mormons. Her friend then told her that she was a mormon too. her response then was, "what? why didn't you tell me? I've known you all these years. Why didn't you tell me?" As she told that story I was thinking about all the people that we know and talk to. Do they know what we believe? Do we let it come up in conversation that we are LDS? Anyway, we've been meeting with Jennifer and her son and daughter and they are doing great. Unfortunately, they are probably heading back to New York soon, but we helped them find a church close to where they live by looking online. It will be some lucky missionaries in New York that get that referral.
We have several other great investigators. We set a baptismal date with Wayne Palmer. We met a guy named Imoin that is really intersted and has started to read the Book of Mormon. He said he has a group of friends that have been going around to different churches looking for the right one so hopefully we'll get to meet with them too. We also met a couple that met with missionaries about a year ago that seem pretty good. There are several others as well. It just goes to show what a little obedience and hard work can do.
We got transfer calls this morning. Elder Mackey and I are staying in old Harbour for another transfer. It was a big relief. I am really excited to work with all our new investigators.
Thanks for all you do. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Monday, November 8, 2010
Hey Fam
Mon, Nov 8, 2010
Well, I have to say that was the lamest hurricane I've ever been through. Earlier in the week Hurricane Tomas lost some of its strength and became a tropical storm. It was predicted to hit the east side of the island and for it to rain for several days. Instead it barely missed Jamaica to the east and hit haiti and cuba instead. I feel bad for Haiti. they've just had a cholera outbreak and now a hurricane. Anyway we kept waiting and waiting for the rain and wind to come, but it never did. It was pretty anti-climatic. We could see the huge dark clouds to the east of us but we hardly got a drop. It was pretty fun though going around and helping people get ready for the big storm that never came. We got to do a bit of service helping people tie down their roofs and such. Ever since the storm passed we've seen a change in weather. There has been a cool breeze blowing for the last couple days. The last few nights have been pretty cold. Last night we got our first freeze. It got below 75! I woke up this morning and it was 74 and I was so excited I almost fell over. Winter must be on its way.
The whole excitement about the storm slowed down our missionary efforts a bit but we'll soon be back up to speed. We have several good investigators right now so things are going well. We taught Wayne Palmer the other night some more about the Book of Mormon. He had read the intro and the testimonies so he was sharing with us what he learned. It really hit home to him and me just how important the book is. It was pretty awesome. I am really excited for him although he missed church this week.
Thanks for all you do. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Well, I have to say that was the lamest hurricane I've ever been through. Earlier in the week Hurricane Tomas lost some of its strength and became a tropical storm. It was predicted to hit the east side of the island and for it to rain for several days. Instead it barely missed Jamaica to the east and hit haiti and cuba instead. I feel bad for Haiti. they've just had a cholera outbreak and now a hurricane. Anyway we kept waiting and waiting for the rain and wind to come, but it never did. It was pretty anti-climatic. We could see the huge dark clouds to the east of us but we hardly got a drop. It was pretty fun though going around and helping people get ready for the big storm that never came. We got to do a bit of service helping people tie down their roofs and such. Ever since the storm passed we've seen a change in weather. There has been a cool breeze blowing for the last couple days. The last few nights have been pretty cold. Last night we got our first freeze. It got below 75! I woke up this morning and it was 74 and I was so excited I almost fell over. Winter must be on its way.
The whole excitement about the storm slowed down our missionary efforts a bit but we'll soon be back up to speed. We have several good investigators right now so things are going well. We taught Wayne Palmer the other night some more about the Book of Mormon. He had read the intro and the testimonies so he was sharing with us what he learned. It really hit home to him and me just how important the book is. It was pretty awesome. I am really excited for him although he missed church this week.
Thanks for all you do. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Monday, November 1, 2010
Happy Birthday to Me
Mon, Nov 1, 2010
So, We had a good week. This past Wednesday we went to Kingston for zone conference. President Hendricks talked a lot about obedience and the need to baptize truly converted people. We have a big problem with baptizing people and then they never show up again. Because of this, Elder Mackey and I spent most of our time this last week contacting inactive members of the branch. We are also still working with this Wayne Palmer. He is doing really well and he came to church yesterday and really liked it. We also had two other investigators at church that were invited by members and several less-active people showed up as well. On Saturday we went and talked to the branch president about calling some branch missionaries and getting a member missionary effort organized. The problem has been that all the solid members already have several callings but we told him that we were willing to work with anyone - active or not. We figure that calling an inactive member as a branch missionary just gives us more of an excuse to work with them. We'll have to see how it all plays out but I'm excited for it.
Well, yesterday our discussion for 5th sunday was a new one for me. We talked about hurricane preparedness and emergency plans and such. Apparently Hurricane Tomas is heading our way and could possibly hit Jamaica by Thursday. It could make for an interesting week. We'll have to pick a little extra food - non perishables and such - for the week. Don't worry though, we live on the 2nd floor on the top of a hill so it's not like we're exposed to the wind at all.
Thanks for all the emails and birthday wishes. Hopefully I'll get my package sometime this month. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
So, We had a good week. This past Wednesday we went to Kingston for zone conference. President Hendricks talked a lot about obedience and the need to baptize truly converted people. We have a big problem with baptizing people and then they never show up again. Because of this, Elder Mackey and I spent most of our time this last week contacting inactive members of the branch. We are also still working with this Wayne Palmer. He is doing really well and he came to church yesterday and really liked it. We also had two other investigators at church that were invited by members and several less-active people showed up as well. On Saturday we went and talked to the branch president about calling some branch missionaries and getting a member missionary effort organized. The problem has been that all the solid members already have several callings but we told him that we were willing to work with anyone - active or not. We figure that calling an inactive member as a branch missionary just gives us more of an excuse to work with them. We'll have to see how it all plays out but I'm excited for it.
Well, yesterday our discussion for 5th sunday was a new one for me. We talked about hurricane preparedness and emergency plans and such. Apparently Hurricane Tomas is heading our way and could possibly hit Jamaica by Thursday. It could make for an interesting week. We'll have to pick a little extra food - non perishables and such - for the week. Don't worry though, we live on the 2nd floor on the top of a hill so it's not like we're exposed to the wind at all.
Thanks for all the emails and birthday wishes. Hopefully I'll get my package sometime this month. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Monday, October 25, 2010
Howdy
I'm assuming Devon still has all his teeth......
Mom
Mon, Oct 25, 2010
Sounds like things are going good. We had a pretty good week. This last week we've been trying to visit the 2/3's of our branch that are inactive. Our plan is to try to bring them back to church and get referrals from them in the process. We'll see how it goes. There has been a gradual increase in excitement about missionary work in the Branch. We have received several referrals from different members and had others tell us they are willing to teach with us. One of the members invited a man named Wayne Palmer to friday night institute class (institute is for everyone, not just YSA) a while back and he has been coming for several weeks and really likes it. We finally got to meet with him this last Friday and he is solid. He told us he wants to be baptized but he wasn't able to make it to church. We'll have to see where that one goes.
This past Wednesday night I was on a tradeoff in May Pen. We were hurrying to get home on time so I was going pretty fast on my bike. The roads were all wet because of the rain and there were no street lights. I had never biked on that particular part of the road before and it turns out there is a old railroad track that crosses the road at a diagonal. Well, I hit it and my front tire slipped on the wet track and I went sliding down the road face first. There wasn't too much damage. I only scrapped up my face a bit and ripped one of my good shirts. Oh, and I jammed my finger pretty good which puffed up like a sausage and turned purple and green. It was pretty sweet.
So, if I remember right you all have your hunt this next week. Good luck. I hope Karina gets the biggest one.
Thanks for everything. Love you all.
Love, Elder Kartchner
Mom
Mon, Oct 25, 2010
Sounds like things are going good. We had a pretty good week. This last week we've been trying to visit the 2/3's of our branch that are inactive. Our plan is to try to bring them back to church and get referrals from them in the process. We'll see how it goes. There has been a gradual increase in excitement about missionary work in the Branch. We have received several referrals from different members and had others tell us they are willing to teach with us. One of the members invited a man named Wayne Palmer to friday night institute class (institute is for everyone, not just YSA) a while back and he has been coming for several weeks and really likes it. We finally got to meet with him this last Friday and he is solid. He told us he wants to be baptized but he wasn't able to make it to church. We'll have to see where that one goes.
This past Wednesday night I was on a tradeoff in May Pen. We were hurrying to get home on time so I was going pretty fast on my bike. The roads were all wet because of the rain and there were no street lights. I had never biked on that particular part of the road before and it turns out there is a old railroad track that crosses the road at a diagonal. Well, I hit it and my front tire slipped on the wet track and I went sliding down the road face first. There wasn't too much damage. I only scrapped up my face a bit and ripped one of my good shirts. Oh, and I jammed my finger pretty good which puffed up like a sausage and turned purple and green. It was pretty sweet.
So, if I remember right you all have your hunt this next week. Good luck. I hope Karina gets the biggest one.
Thanks for everything. Love you all.
Love, Elder Kartchner
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Happy Goat Week!
On Oct 19, 2010
Well, sounds like things are going good with mom's goats. I really wish I could be there for the national goat convention, but I guess you can't have everything your way. It was a good week. We talked and met with a lot of people. We still don't really have any progressing investigators. Sharon and Nicola are kind of on hold at the moment because Nicola should be having her baby anytime now. We are working on our finding. We've been trying different ideas and trying to talk to as many people as we can.
Yesterday was Jamaica's National Heroes Day so that's why we had P-day today on Tuesday. This morning we went to Portmore to play basketball with a bunch of other missionaries. It was fun but I think my legs got a little sun burned.
Wow, you are down to 40 degrees? I've forgotten what anything below 75 feels like. Now I get cold whenever it gets below 80.
Thanks for sending a package. I hope it gets here before Christmas. Speaking of which I thought of a few more package ideas. you could send more music on the mini SD cards. Also, if you had any extra room you could send me out my rope - mostly for sentimental reasons. I got talking to another elder who did team roping and calf roping before he came out. We got talking about roping and branding and such which got me a little homesick. well, not really, but, you know.
Well, Dad, Too much feed, huh? Don't have that problem very often. Oh, any word as to what's going to happen with my horse?
Thanks for everything. Love you all,
Elder Kartchner
Well, sounds like things are going good with mom's goats. I really wish I could be there for the national goat convention, but I guess you can't have everything your way. It was a good week. We talked and met with a lot of people. We still don't really have any progressing investigators. Sharon and Nicola are kind of on hold at the moment because Nicola should be having her baby anytime now. We are working on our finding. We've been trying different ideas and trying to talk to as many people as we can.
Yesterday was Jamaica's National Heroes Day so that's why we had P-day today on Tuesday. This morning we went to Portmore to play basketball with a bunch of other missionaries. It was fun but I think my legs got a little sun burned.
Wow, you are down to 40 degrees? I've forgotten what anything below 75 feels like. Now I get cold whenever it gets below 80.
Thanks for sending a package. I hope it gets here before Christmas. Speaking of which I thought of a few more package ideas. you could send more music on the mini SD cards. Also, if you had any extra room you could send me out my rope - mostly for sentimental reasons. I got talking to another elder who did team roping and calf roping before he came out. We got talking about roping and branding and such which got me a little homesick. well, not really, but, you know.
Well, Dad, Too much feed, huh? Don't have that problem very often. Oh, any word as to what's going to happen with my horse?
Thanks for everything. Love you all,
Elder Kartchner
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Hurricane Otto
Mon, Oct 11, 2010
So, the first week with my new companion, Elder Mackey, has gone well. We get along real well which is nice. We had to spend quite a bit of time at the bike shop and home fixing up a bike for him to use. I think I could open up a bike shop when I get home. As far as the weather, we had a mostly sunny week last week but we got soaked again all weekend.
For the jump rope a weighted one would be nice. Wow, sounds like St.David's got a pretty good football team.
We had really good Sunday meetings yesterday. Church attendance wasn't too bad considering the rain. (Most Jamaicans don't like to leave the house if it is raining or if the ground is wet.) We even had 2 investigators there. Sharon and Nicola are a mother and daughter that we tracted about 2 weeks ago. We finally got to meet with them again last week after the storm blew over and they are doing great. They are both very receptive. When we went to visit them last Tuesday Sharon had already read through 1Ne 9 and was telling us how she wanted to be like Nephi and trust in the Lord and not be like his rebellious brothers. They are doing really well, but they still have a lot of questions, which is ok. They enjoyed church and some of the sisters in the branch took it upon themselves to get to know them, which was awesome. Hopefully all goes well with them. One thing that might slow us down with them is that Nicola is expecting to have her baby this week. I figure if an investigator like Nicola can come to church in the rain when she is 9 months pregnant, then no one else has any excuse. Besides them, we don't really have any progressing investigators so Elder Mackey and I are still trying to do a lot of finding.
Other than that things have been going well. Last night I finally trapped the rat that's been raiding our kitchen, so that's good. I got a good trophy picture with it but didn't send it because I didn't figure mom would appreciate it.
Thanks for all the emails and prayers. Love you lots.
Elder Kartchner
So, the first week with my new companion, Elder Mackey, has gone well. We get along real well which is nice. We had to spend quite a bit of time at the bike shop and home fixing up a bike for him to use. I think I could open up a bike shop when I get home. As far as the weather, we had a mostly sunny week last week but we got soaked again all weekend.
For the jump rope a weighted one would be nice. Wow, sounds like St.David's got a pretty good football team.
We had really good Sunday meetings yesterday. Church attendance wasn't too bad considering the rain. (Most Jamaicans don't like to leave the house if it is raining or if the ground is wet.) We even had 2 investigators there. Sharon and Nicola are a mother and daughter that we tracted about 2 weeks ago. We finally got to meet with them again last week after the storm blew over and they are doing great. They are both very receptive. When we went to visit them last Tuesday Sharon had already read through 1Ne 9 and was telling us how she wanted to be like Nephi and trust in the Lord and not be like his rebellious brothers. They are doing really well, but they still have a lot of questions, which is ok. They enjoyed church and some of the sisters in the branch took it upon themselves to get to know them, which was awesome. Hopefully all goes well with them. One thing that might slow us down with them is that Nicola is expecting to have her baby this week. I figure if an investigator like Nicola can come to church in the rain when she is 9 months pregnant, then no one else has any excuse. Besides them, we don't really have any progressing investigators so Elder Mackey and I are still trying to do a lot of finding.
Other than that things have been going well. Last night I finally trapped the rat that's been raiding our kitchen, so that's good. I got a good trophy picture with it but didn't send it because I didn't figure mom would appreciate it.
Thanks for all the emails and prayers. Love you lots.
Elder Kartchner
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
My internet is ON
Tue, Oct 5, 2010
Hey Fam,
So yesterday was transfer day so that's why I'm emailing today. Elder Ronhaar left and is on his way home to Mt. Vernon, WA as we speak. I am still in Old Harbour but my new companion is Elder Mackey. He is the Indian looking elder from my group in the MTC. It's a little weird to be with someone who's only been out as long as I have. It should be good though. I am really excited about it. We get along real well and he's a hard worker.
I have never seen as much rain in my life as I saw this past week. We had a big storm come through. It started in earnest last Monday and didn't really slow down until Friday. All the roads became rivers which made it a little hard to get around. There was major flooding all over the island along with landslides and even a tornado in Savanna-la-mar. A lot of the missionaries around lost electricity and water for several days but we got lucky and only lost it for a few hours. It made teaching a little difficult and we had to stay inside for a lot of it, but we're all good.
We got to go to Spanish Town for Saturday and Sunday to watch General Conference at the building there. It was great. I really enjoyed it. We heard all of it except for during Elder Christofferson's talk Saturday Morning when it started to rain so hard on the metal roof that we couldn't hear a word he said.
Thanks for all you do and have done. Elder Holland's talk made me stop and think just how much my parents and family and friends have done for me.
Thanks for the Emails and Prayers. Love you all
Elder Kartchner
P.S. just in case you were thinking of sending me a package anytime soon, I think it usually takes about a month to get here. Just thinking ahead for birthday and Christmas so don't think I'm begging, but some ideas for packages could be another pair of shorts, peanut butter, pictures, a jump rope, a small bag like mom has on her bike, polyester ties, and some nice bike handle grips.
Hey Fam,
So yesterday was transfer day so that's why I'm emailing today. Elder Ronhaar left and is on his way home to Mt. Vernon, WA as we speak. I am still in Old Harbour but my new companion is Elder Mackey. He is the Indian looking elder from my group in the MTC. It's a little weird to be with someone who's only been out as long as I have. It should be good though. I am really excited about it. We get along real well and he's a hard worker.
I have never seen as much rain in my life as I saw this past week. We had a big storm come through. It started in earnest last Monday and didn't really slow down until Friday. All the roads became rivers which made it a little hard to get around. There was major flooding all over the island along with landslides and even a tornado in Savanna-la-mar. A lot of the missionaries around lost electricity and water for several days but we got lucky and only lost it for a few hours. It made teaching a little difficult and we had to stay inside for a lot of it, but we're all good.
We got to go to Spanish Town for Saturday and Sunday to watch General Conference at the building there. It was great. I really enjoyed it. We heard all of it except for during Elder Christofferson's talk Saturday Morning when it started to rain so hard on the metal roof that we couldn't hear a word he said.
Thanks for all you do and have done. Elder Holland's talk made me stop and think just how much my parents and family and friends have done for me.
Thanks for the Emails and Prayers. Love you all
Elder Kartchner
P.S. just in case you were thinking of sending me a package anytime soon, I think it usually takes about a month to get here. Just thinking ahead for birthday and Christmas so don't think I'm begging, but some ideas for packages could be another pair of shorts, peanut butter, pictures, a jump rope, a small bag like mom has on her bike, polyester ties, and some nice bike handle grips.
Pics
Tue, Oct 5, 2010
1. one of our attempts at keeping our appointments during the storm
1. one of our attempts at keeping our appointments during the storm
2. This is our church building. we meet upstairs on the right. The only thing that makes it recognizable is the sign on the fence.
3. Sunset view from our apartment taken a few weeks ago.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Pics
Mon, Sep 27, 2010
1. me riding through the flooded road that goes to our house
2. Elder Ronhaar
1. me riding through the flooded road that goes to our house
3. Colbeck Castle - we were riding out through the hills last week and had to stop for a few pics.
Happy Grandma K's 100th Bday!
Mon, Sep 27, 2010
We had a good week this week. We are still having a lot of rain, but I haven't gotten too wet. We've been struggling lately finding new investigators so that's what we focused on this week. Last Tuesday morning we had an appoointment cancel on us so we were riding through different neighborhood when we passed one house with the door open. Elder Ronhaar felt like we should stop and call at the house. We did and we met a man named Carl who lives there with his wife and daughter (a family!). He is awesome and we've been able to teach a few times now. He is full of questions but we've been able to answer them using the Book of Mormon. His wife hasn't opened up to us yet, but I hope she will soon. I also felt like we should try contacting in a fairly new housing development on the far end of town. We just started calling at doors and throughout the week we were able to teach a lot of people and find several new investigators. There are three of them especially who I feel were truly prepared to receive our message. The Lord has truly blessed in our efforts.
Yes, the people here have to go to Panama to get to the temple. There is no flights that go directly from Jamaica to the DR.
Attendance at church yesterday was quite small (less than 20 people) due to the rain, but it was still good. I'm looking forward to General Conference this weekend. We get to watch it at the building in Spanish Town.
So I'll try to rehearse the 8 principles of Preach My Gospel. I haven't gotten all the training on them yet, but I'll at least list them off. The first focuses on our purpose as missionaries as found on page 1 of PMG, and clearly teaching these basic doctrines of Christ. The second emphasizes the role of the Holy Ghost in conversion. The 3rd is to teach investigators to receive revelation through the Book of Mormon. 4th is teach them to receive revelation through church attendance. 5th is to teach them to receive revelation through prayer. the 6th emphasizes the importance of teaching people, not lessons. the 7th has to do with the commitment pattern in that we invite, they commit, and we follow up. the 8th is about how to begin teaching. There is a lot more to each one of these principles, but I don't know all the details yet.
As far as some ideas for primary, maybe you could share a bit about the food. we get all kinds of good stuff here like chicken foot soup, goat head soup, cow foot, ox tail, stew peas (made with pig tail), stew pork (cooked with all the fat and skin with the hair still on it). For transportation, very few people have cars. most people walk, ride a bike if they have one, or take a taxi or bus. All the school kids have to wear matching uniforms and the girls have to wear dresses. There are dogs and goats everywhere. you'll be walking down the street and pass through a herd of 20 goats. Instead of baseball, they play cricket. They also play a lot of soccer and dominoes. As far as their dress, they don't wear enough, so that might not be the best topic of discussion. The Rastafarian men wear their hair in dred locks. For church we meet upstairs above an old hardware store. The only way you can tell that it is a church is because of the small sign that hangs out front. The primary meets in a small room where the chalk board is a piece of plywood spray painted black. On a good sunday we have about a dozen primary kids that meet in there. Hope that's enough. I can't really think of anything else.
Thanks for the emails and prayers. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
We had a good week this week. We are still having a lot of rain, but I haven't gotten too wet. We've been struggling lately finding new investigators so that's what we focused on this week. Last Tuesday morning we had an appoointment cancel on us so we were riding through different neighborhood when we passed one house with the door open. Elder Ronhaar felt like we should stop and call at the house. We did and we met a man named Carl who lives there with his wife and daughter (a family!). He is awesome and we've been able to teach a few times now. He is full of questions but we've been able to answer them using the Book of Mormon. His wife hasn't opened up to us yet, but I hope she will soon. I also felt like we should try contacting in a fairly new housing development on the far end of town. We just started calling at doors and throughout the week we were able to teach a lot of people and find several new investigators. There are three of them especially who I feel were truly prepared to receive our message. The Lord has truly blessed in our efforts.
Yes, the people here have to go to Panama to get to the temple. There is no flights that go directly from Jamaica to the DR.
Attendance at church yesterday was quite small (less than 20 people) due to the rain, but it was still good. I'm looking forward to General Conference this weekend. We get to watch it at the building in Spanish Town.
So I'll try to rehearse the 8 principles of Preach My Gospel. I haven't gotten all the training on them yet, but I'll at least list them off. The first focuses on our purpose as missionaries as found on page 1 of PMG, and clearly teaching these basic doctrines of Christ. The second emphasizes the role of the Holy Ghost in conversion. The 3rd is to teach investigators to receive revelation through the Book of Mormon. 4th is teach them to receive revelation through church attendance. 5th is to teach them to receive revelation through prayer. the 6th emphasizes the importance of teaching people, not lessons. the 7th has to do with the commitment pattern in that we invite, they commit, and we follow up. the 8th is about how to begin teaching. There is a lot more to each one of these principles, but I don't know all the details yet.
As far as some ideas for primary, maybe you could share a bit about the food. we get all kinds of good stuff here like chicken foot soup, goat head soup, cow foot, ox tail, stew peas (made with pig tail), stew pork (cooked with all the fat and skin with the hair still on it). For transportation, very few people have cars. most people walk, ride a bike if they have one, or take a taxi or bus. All the school kids have to wear matching uniforms and the girls have to wear dresses. There are dogs and goats everywhere. you'll be walking down the street and pass through a herd of 20 goats. Instead of baseball, they play cricket. They also play a lot of soccer and dominoes. As far as their dress, they don't wear enough, so that might not be the best topic of discussion. The Rastafarian men wear their hair in dred locks. For church we meet upstairs above an old hardware store. The only way you can tell that it is a church is because of the small sign that hangs out front. The primary meets in a small room where the chalk board is a piece of plywood spray painted black. On a good sunday we have about a dozen primary kids that meet in there. Hope that's enough. I can't really think of anything else.
Thanks for the emails and prayers. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Monday, September 20, 2010
Igor? (the hurricane)
Mon, Sep 20, 2010
Well, we got a lot of rain this week. It could be spin-off from one of the hurricanes nearby. I don't really know. It has been raining and flooding a lot which has slowed us down a bit. I will try to send pics.
At this point we don't really have any investigators that are progressing. We have a few new investigators so hopefully something will happen.
This weekend was the Spanish Town District Conference. (there are two districts that have been organized to prepare to become stakes. President Hendricks is still the presiding authority but we also have a district presidency and district couselors and such that essentially act as stake presidency, high couselors, and so on.) The conference was good. We got to go to the Priesthood leadership meeting as well as the adult and general sessions. They talked a lot about making and keeping covenants. They also talked a lot about paying tithing and sacrificing to make it to the temple. The members in Jamaica have to go to Panama to get to the temple so it is quite a sacrifice.
The 1st presidency came out with 8 principles, during the new mission president training in June, to help missionaries more effectively use Preach My Gospel and be more effective in general. That has been President Hendricks' main focus. I think they are trying to get all the missions on board so they can start teaching it in the MTC starting in May of 2011. I can't remember them all off the top of my head so I'll have to follow up with that next week.
I will try to send some pics but it is not cooperating very well. Anyway, thanks for the emails. have a great week. Love you lots.
Elder Kartchner
Well, we got a lot of rain this week. It could be spin-off from one of the hurricanes nearby. I don't really know. It has been raining and flooding a lot which has slowed us down a bit. I will try to send pics.
At this point we don't really have any investigators that are progressing. We have a few new investigators so hopefully something will happen.
This weekend was the Spanish Town District Conference. (there are two districts that have been organized to prepare to become stakes. President Hendricks is still the presiding authority but we also have a district presidency and district couselors and such that essentially act as stake presidency, high couselors, and so on.) The conference was good. We got to go to the Priesthood leadership meeting as well as the adult and general sessions. They talked a lot about making and keeping covenants. They also talked a lot about paying tithing and sacrificing to make it to the temple. The members in Jamaica have to go to Panama to get to the temple so it is quite a sacrifice.
The 1st presidency came out with 8 principles, during the new mission president training in June, to help missionaries more effectively use Preach My Gospel and be more effective in general. That has been President Hendricks' main focus. I think they are trying to get all the missions on board so they can start teaching it in the MTC starting in May of 2011. I can't remember them all off the top of my head so I'll have to follow up with that next week.
I will try to send some pics but it is not cooperating very well. Anyway, thanks for the emails. have a great week. Love you lots.
Elder Kartchner
Monday, September 13, 2010
Good Morning
Sep 13, 2010
Things are going good. Its too bad you haven't got much rain as of late. Lately it's been raining here just about every day. It will be sunny in the morning and then the clouds will roll in and rain for a half hour or so in the early afternoon. This morning though, I woke up at 5 to a nice steady rain that continued until 10. The clouds haven't let up either so we might get some more.
Last wednesday we had a zone meeting in Spanish Town which is the town just to the east of us. Elder Ronhaar and I got the crazy idea to ride our bikes there. I'm not sure how far it is but it took a good 50 minutes of hard riding to get there. It was a great ride though. We had the nice morning ocean breeze and we were riding right through all the big cane fields with the hills in the background covered in fog. I think I'm used to biking enough now that I could keep up with Mom (maybe).
Yes Dad, it is interesting to see the effects the family structure has on the youth. I can't think of any of the youth or even primary kids in our branch that are still living with both of their original parents. That is a very rare thing here and you can see the consequences of it everywhere. Sometimes I wonder how much stronger the church would be here if we had more families.
Well, you put your finger right on it. getting people to follow through with their commitments is the biggest challenge. The two people we have with dates were very close to being ready for baptism but have stopped progressing. Hopefully that will change soon. We're now having to focus on finding new people to teach. We've been teaching a lot of different people but so far not much has come of it. Most of them has just been curious. We did talk to a guy the other night that seems to be really good so we'll see how it goes when we teach him again tomorrow.
Yesterday we had good meetings as well. Elder Ronhaar and I were the speakers for sacrament meeting. I talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how we need to endure to the end by continuing to strengthen our faith, repent, and renew our covenants of baptism and receive a remission of our sins by receiving the Holy Ghost when we partake of the sacrament. I felt like I needed to talk about the basics of Christ's teachings. I think too many times we get caught up with all the little details and we "look beyond the mark" as Nephi says, that we forget about these essential doctrines.
Anyway, have a good week. Thanks for the emails and prayers.
Elder Kartchner
Things are going good. Its too bad you haven't got much rain as of late. Lately it's been raining here just about every day. It will be sunny in the morning and then the clouds will roll in and rain for a half hour or so in the early afternoon. This morning though, I woke up at 5 to a nice steady rain that continued until 10. The clouds haven't let up either so we might get some more.
Last wednesday we had a zone meeting in Spanish Town which is the town just to the east of us. Elder Ronhaar and I got the crazy idea to ride our bikes there. I'm not sure how far it is but it took a good 50 minutes of hard riding to get there. It was a great ride though. We had the nice morning ocean breeze and we were riding right through all the big cane fields with the hills in the background covered in fog. I think I'm used to biking enough now that I could keep up with Mom (maybe).
Yes Dad, it is interesting to see the effects the family structure has on the youth. I can't think of any of the youth or even primary kids in our branch that are still living with both of their original parents. That is a very rare thing here and you can see the consequences of it everywhere. Sometimes I wonder how much stronger the church would be here if we had more families.
Well, you put your finger right on it. getting people to follow through with their commitments is the biggest challenge. The two people we have with dates were very close to being ready for baptism but have stopped progressing. Hopefully that will change soon. We're now having to focus on finding new people to teach. We've been teaching a lot of different people but so far not much has come of it. Most of them has just been curious. We did talk to a guy the other night that seems to be really good so we'll see how it goes when we teach him again tomorrow.
Yesterday we had good meetings as well. Elder Ronhaar and I were the speakers for sacrament meeting. I talked about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how we need to endure to the end by continuing to strengthen our faith, repent, and renew our covenants of baptism and receive a remission of our sins by receiving the Holy Ghost when we partake of the sacrament. I felt like I needed to talk about the basics of Christ's teachings. I think too many times we get caught up with all the little details and we "look beyond the mark" as Nephi says, that we forget about these essential doctrines.
Anyway, have a good week. Thanks for the emails and prayers.
Elder Kartchner
Monday, August 30, 2010
Waapm?
Mon, Aug 30, 2010
Things are going well here in Old Harbour. We had a fairly good week. Oh, just so you know, "waapm" means what's happening and is used as a greeting. I'm having a very hard time thinking or writing in proper english. It's a good thing I don't have any more college English to take.
This week was the week for parties. One of the older sisters in our branch invited us to her birthday party. We baked a cake and brought it. The party itself was very structured and formal. It was kind of weird but that's ok. We also had our branch's annual BBQ where they cooked up some good curried goat, baked chicken, and rice and peas. We even had Ice cream. Jamaican ice cream is made with shortening instead of cream though, so it tastes like your eating a bowl of fruit flavored crisco. I'm not a big fan. I also had my first taste of manish water (goat head soup). As weird as it sounds, it was good.
The other day I got my first marriage proposal. It was a pretty funny story. You'll have to remind me to tell the whole story some time. Elder Ronhaar and I got a good laugh. On Saturday we were riding back for lunch when this guy on a next bicycle comes down this hill and around a corner and hit Elder Ronhaar head on. Both of their front tires got mashed up bad. We spent the rest of the day walking his bicycle into town and getting it fixed. Fun stuff.
Well Dad, I think your idea for Buzzard is a good one. Bro Young can have as big a percentage as you and he thinks is fair. The horse is not going to get used otherwise till I get back which won't do him any good. It would be good to get him to someone who will use him so his brain doesn't rot.
In answer to your question Dad, we used to do a lot of street contacting when we first got here. Now that we know the members better, we are working with them which is much more effective. We have several members who have been very helpful in giving us multiple referrals and let us teach the lessons at their houses. Tracting is fairly pointless when you have to call at each gate and no one ever answers. Street contacting is a bit better because you actually get to talk to someone. A lot of people are a bit skeptical when two white boys stop them on the street and want to take down their info. We get called FBI, CIA, KKK, all the time along with a variety of other vulgar and racial slurs. It doesn't bug me anymore, but it really helps to have a member in the lesson who already knows the investigator to help gain that trust because people hear all kinds of rumors about us. We are starting a FHE group tonight at one of the members homes to help strengthen the members, reactivate less active members in the area, and hopefully create an environment that they can easily invite their non-member friends to. We'll see how it goes.
So what are Karina and Jeff majoring in?
Anyway, got to go. Thanks for the emails and support. Love you all
Elder Kartchner
Things are going well here in Old Harbour. We had a fairly good week. Oh, just so you know, "waapm" means what's happening and is used as a greeting. I'm having a very hard time thinking or writing in proper english. It's a good thing I don't have any more college English to take.
This week was the week for parties. One of the older sisters in our branch invited us to her birthday party. We baked a cake and brought it. The party itself was very structured and formal. It was kind of weird but that's ok. We also had our branch's annual BBQ where they cooked up some good curried goat, baked chicken, and rice and peas. We even had Ice cream. Jamaican ice cream is made with shortening instead of cream though, so it tastes like your eating a bowl of fruit flavored crisco. I'm not a big fan. I also had my first taste of manish water (goat head soup). As weird as it sounds, it was good.
The other day I got my first marriage proposal. It was a pretty funny story. You'll have to remind me to tell the whole story some time. Elder Ronhaar and I got a good laugh. On Saturday we were riding back for lunch when this guy on a next bicycle comes down this hill and around a corner and hit Elder Ronhaar head on. Both of their front tires got mashed up bad. We spent the rest of the day walking his bicycle into town and getting it fixed. Fun stuff.
Well Dad, I think your idea for Buzzard is a good one. Bro Young can have as big a percentage as you and he thinks is fair. The horse is not going to get used otherwise till I get back which won't do him any good. It would be good to get him to someone who will use him so his brain doesn't rot.
In answer to your question Dad, we used to do a lot of street contacting when we first got here. Now that we know the members better, we are working with them which is much more effective. We have several members who have been very helpful in giving us multiple referrals and let us teach the lessons at their houses. Tracting is fairly pointless when you have to call at each gate and no one ever answers. Street contacting is a bit better because you actually get to talk to someone. A lot of people are a bit skeptical when two white boys stop them on the street and want to take down their info. We get called FBI, CIA, KKK, all the time along with a variety of other vulgar and racial slurs. It doesn't bug me anymore, but it really helps to have a member in the lesson who already knows the investigator to help gain that trust because people hear all kinds of rumors about us. We are starting a FHE group tonight at one of the members homes to help strengthen the members, reactivate less active members in the area, and hopefully create an environment that they can easily invite their non-member friends to. We'll see how it goes.
So what are Karina and Jeff majoring in?
Anyway, got to go. Thanks for the emails and support. Love you all
Elder Kartchner
Monday, August 23, 2010
Hey Fam
Aug 23, 2010
Things are going well here. Neither of us got transferred so I am officially Elder Ronhaar's last companion. He leaves the first part of October. I'm glad we both stayed though. He is a lot of fun and we get along well.
So this week I finally got to try some chicken foot soup. I have to say it was really good. Elder Ronhaar and I decided to try some of our own cooking, Jamaican style. We bought all the herbs and spices and stuff and cooked up some stewed pork with rice and peas (beans). It turned out pretty good for a first time.
Sister Follette finally quit smoking. She has been clean for almost a week now. We need to get her to come to church again and then she can be baptized. She is getting way excited. It is amazing to see the change that has come over her in the short time we've worked with her.
Being in Jamaica even for the short time that I have has really made me appreciate all that I have been blessed with. Not just physically (because that doesn't matter all that much) but more importantly the blessings the gospel brings and the blessings of having an intact family that lives the gospel.
Anyway, thank you for the emails. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Things are going well here. Neither of us got transferred so I am officially Elder Ronhaar's last companion. He leaves the first part of October. I'm glad we both stayed though. He is a lot of fun and we get along well.
So this week I finally got to try some chicken foot soup. I have to say it was really good. Elder Ronhaar and I decided to try some of our own cooking, Jamaican style. We bought all the herbs and spices and stuff and cooked up some stewed pork with rice and peas (beans). It turned out pretty good for a first time.
Sister Follette finally quit smoking. She has been clean for almost a week now. We need to get her to come to church again and then she can be baptized. She is getting way excited. It is amazing to see the change that has come over her in the short time we've worked with her.
Being in Jamaica even for the short time that I have has really made me appreciate all that I have been blessed with. Not just physically (because that doesn't matter all that much) but more importantly the blessings the gospel brings and the blessings of having an intact family that lives the gospel.
Anyway, thank you for the emails. Love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Hey Fam
Tue, Aug 17, 2010
Things are still good here in Old Harbour. I'm writing today because yesterday we had a meeting in Kingston. Elder Wilford Anderson came and spoke to us so all the missionaries on the island were there. He is in the area presidency over the Caribbean. It was pretty cool. I talked to him for a bit after the meeting and he was telling me how he knew Dad. Small world. Anyway, it was a good meeting and I learned a lot. Before the meeting though, a group of us went a Jamexican restaurant. It was good but it definitely wasn't Mexican food. Oh what I'd give for some good Mexican food!
Oh, speaking of food, add breadfruit, acki, and sweetsop to my list of fruits. Acki and saltfish is the "national dish." I wasn't a big fan at first, but its grown on me. Stewed pork is also a good one, as well as curried goat.
So, funny story about my machete (or cutlass as the Jamaicans say). We were chopping a yard for a sister in the branch a few days ago. It was a big yard with tall grass so I sharpened up my machete real nice. We chopped for a few hours and we were almost done when I over-swung and got my leg. It cut a hole right through my jeans and the top of my sock but luckily it stopped when it hit my shinbone. It's alright though. It's not as bad as it sounds and it hardly even hurt. We finished chopping went about our regular day. Luckily the sister we were chopping for wasn't home so I didn't have deal with anyone worrying over me.
So, fun fact of the day: There is this huge Jehovah's Witnesses Compound just down the street from our house. I guess it is their headquarters for the Caribbean. Needless to say, it makes things interesting.
We only caught 1 mouse this week - kind of disappointing. I'm not sure how many more there are.
Don't worry Karina. I'm not getting too fat. Elder Ronhaar and I get up at 6 so we can go running and workout. I don't know if you noticed from the pictures but he's a bit heavy so he's trying to slim down before he goes home in October. Next Monday is transfer day. I don't expect to move but if I email Tuesday you'll know why.
Our "golden" ivestigator, Melissa, who was a member referral and doing very well, started going to the Universal Church so that was a bit disappointing. Sister Follette (the long-time investigator who is quitting smoking) has been having some health problems and all kinds of things have come up as she is trying to prepare for baptism. Sister Kelly came to church and is doing really well except she is still living with a man. I guess they have been having some problems. Elder Ronhaar and I are now marriage counselors and are trying to get them to resolve their differences so they can get married and raise their kids as an intact family. (That is a very rare thing in Jamaica). Luckily it doesn't matter what the situations are or how much experience I have with dealing with them. We have the best answer and that is living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Well thanks for all the emails. I love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Things are still good here in Old Harbour. I'm writing today because yesterday we had a meeting in Kingston. Elder Wilford Anderson came and spoke to us so all the missionaries on the island were there. He is in the area presidency over the Caribbean. It was pretty cool. I talked to him for a bit after the meeting and he was telling me how he knew Dad. Small world. Anyway, it was a good meeting and I learned a lot. Before the meeting though, a group of us went a Jamexican restaurant. It was good but it definitely wasn't Mexican food. Oh what I'd give for some good Mexican food!
Oh, speaking of food, add breadfruit, acki, and sweetsop to my list of fruits. Acki and saltfish is the "national dish." I wasn't a big fan at first, but its grown on me. Stewed pork is also a good one, as well as curried goat.
So, funny story about my machete (or cutlass as the Jamaicans say). We were chopping a yard for a sister in the branch a few days ago. It was a big yard with tall grass so I sharpened up my machete real nice. We chopped for a few hours and we were almost done when I over-swung and got my leg. It cut a hole right through my jeans and the top of my sock but luckily it stopped when it hit my shinbone. It's alright though. It's not as bad as it sounds and it hardly even hurt. We finished chopping went about our regular day. Luckily the sister we were chopping for wasn't home so I didn't have deal with anyone worrying over me.
So, fun fact of the day: There is this huge Jehovah's Witnesses Compound just down the street from our house. I guess it is their headquarters for the Caribbean. Needless to say, it makes things interesting.
We only caught 1 mouse this week - kind of disappointing. I'm not sure how many more there are.
Don't worry Karina. I'm not getting too fat. Elder Ronhaar and I get up at 6 so we can go running and workout. I don't know if you noticed from the pictures but he's a bit heavy so he's trying to slim down before he goes home in October. Next Monday is transfer day. I don't expect to move but if I email Tuesday you'll know why.
Our "golden" ivestigator, Melissa, who was a member referral and doing very well, started going to the Universal Church so that was a bit disappointing. Sister Follette (the long-time investigator who is quitting smoking) has been having some health problems and all kinds of things have come up as she is trying to prepare for baptism. Sister Kelly came to church and is doing really well except she is still living with a man. I guess they have been having some problems. Elder Ronhaar and I are now marriage counselors and are trying to get them to resolve their differences so they can get married and raise their kids as an intact family. (That is a very rare thing in Jamaica). Luckily it doesn't matter what the situations are or how much experience I have with dealing with them. We have the best answer and that is living the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Well thanks for all the emails. I love you all.
Elder Kartchner
Monday, August 9, 2010
Hey Fam
Aug 9, 2010
Glad to hear the whole Alaska trip went well. I'm expecting some good pictures. It sounds like it was a lot of fun. Well I think you probably got more rain this last week than I did. We didn't get any. It was a bit strange. Don't worry though, it was still hot and humid.
Yes Mom, I did get the package with the insoles my last day in the MTC. Thank you so much. It sounds like they were a pain to find, but they work well.
Well, things are going good here in Old Harbour. We have several investigators that are progressing and doing well. Sister Follette, I think I told you a bit about her before, is really cutting down on the smoking. This should be her her last week before she quits for good. She also kicked her man friend out of the house! We met another lady, Sister Kelly in church last Sunday and she is doing well, except for the whole living with a man thing. I hate that problem. It seems like few people actually get married because it is too expensive and too committal. Anyway, we are also teaching a lady named Melissa who was a referral from one of the branch members. She is awesome and very receptive. All three of these sisters and some of their kids were actually at church yesterday! It is so funny because everyone we talk to on the street says, "Ya mon, I'll come to church one of these Sundays," but no one has ever come. I tell you what, when that one Sunday does come around we're going to need a bigger building.
So, Elder Ronhaar and I declared war with the mice in our kitchen this week. We caught 3 with sticky traps. The other night we chased one around the apartment with our machetes until we got it. Don't worry though, there's still more.
Speaking of Machetes, I am getting pretty good with mine. I was studying the story of Ammon, and I realized that missionary success is directly related to one's ability to use a blade, so I've been putting in some practice. This past week we chopped yard for two different sisters in the branch. The other day while street contacting I was able to stop and help an old man chop grass while my companion shared a message. Don't know if it did much good, but it was fun. We did get a return appointment so who knows.
I love the food here. We've only been fed by members a couple of times, but we eat off the street fairly regular. The classic is either jerk chicken or pork with steamed veggie and rice and beans. I love all the fruit especially. So far I've had soursop, guinup, 4 different kinds of mango, banana, and jelly (unripe coconut). A lot of people have fruit trees, so as we go around people just give it to us.
Well, things are going well. I'm working hard and having fun, so it's all good. Love you all lots.
Elder Kartchner
Glad to hear the whole Alaska trip went well. I'm expecting some good pictures. It sounds like it was a lot of fun. Well I think you probably got more rain this last week than I did. We didn't get any. It was a bit strange. Don't worry though, it was still hot and humid.
Yes Mom, I did get the package with the insoles my last day in the MTC. Thank you so much. It sounds like they were a pain to find, but they work well.
Well, things are going good here in Old Harbour. We have several investigators that are progressing and doing well. Sister Follette, I think I told you a bit about her before, is really cutting down on the smoking. This should be her her last week before she quits for good. She also kicked her man friend out of the house! We met another lady, Sister Kelly in church last Sunday and she is doing well, except for the whole living with a man thing. I hate that problem. It seems like few people actually get married because it is too expensive and too committal. Anyway, we are also teaching a lady named Melissa who was a referral from one of the branch members. She is awesome and very receptive. All three of these sisters and some of their kids were actually at church yesterday! It is so funny because everyone we talk to on the street says, "Ya mon, I'll come to church one of these Sundays," but no one has ever come. I tell you what, when that one Sunday does come around we're going to need a bigger building.
So, Elder Ronhaar and I declared war with the mice in our kitchen this week. We caught 3 with sticky traps. The other night we chased one around the apartment with our machetes until we got it. Don't worry though, there's still more.
Speaking of Machetes, I am getting pretty good with mine. I was studying the story of Ammon, and I realized that missionary success is directly related to one's ability to use a blade, so I've been putting in some practice. This past week we chopped yard for two different sisters in the branch. The other day while street contacting I was able to stop and help an old man chop grass while my companion shared a message. Don't know if it did much good, but it was fun. We did get a return appointment so who knows.
I love the food here. We've only been fed by members a couple of times, but we eat off the street fairly regular. The classic is either jerk chicken or pork with steamed veggie and rice and beans. I love all the fruit especially. So far I've had soursop, guinup, 4 different kinds of mango, banana, and jelly (unripe coconut). A lot of people have fruit trees, so as we go around people just give it to us.
Well, things are going well. I'm working hard and having fun, so it's all good. Love you all lots.
Elder Kartchner
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Pictures
Keanna's baptism last week with her mom, the branch president, me and Elder Ronhaar.
The sunrise view out our kitchen window.
Me and my newly acquired machete.
The fishing beach at Old Harbour Bay
Hey Fam
Aug 3, 2010
So, yesterday was Jamaican Emancipation Day so all the stores were closed so that's why I'm emailing today. Anyway, things are going well. Yesterday for P-day Elder Ronhaar and I biked a couple miles down to Old Harbour Bay. The ride down was pretty riding down through the sugar cane fields. The "beach" turned out to be not much to look at but it was pretty cool anyway. There is an old, ghetto fishing village there. It was neat to see the all the small fishing boats coming in and out and watch the people making crab traps out of sticks and chicken wire. We talked to an old Rastafarian fisherman who was pretty cool.
Church was awesome on Sunday. We had really good meetings. We had over 40 people there. Unfortunately, all our investigators flaked out on us, but there were a couple of less active members that came that we had been working with. The branch is pretty good. We have a core group of 30 or so solid, consistent members. There are at least twice that many on the branch list that are inactive or hit and miss. We've been working quite a bit with the recent converts and less active members to try to reactivate them and get referrals from them. The whole branch, besides a few of the primary kids, are all converts to the church which makes things interesting sometimes.
Sounds like things are going real well back home with the rain and all. I still think we've had more though. We are in the middle of the rainy\hurricane season now so it rains pretty much every day. Alaska sounds like a lot of fun but not quite as much fun as Jamaica.
Well, Take care. I'm going to try to send a few pictures.
Love you lots,
Elder Kartchner
So, yesterday was Jamaican Emancipation Day so all the stores were closed so that's why I'm emailing today. Anyway, things are going well. Yesterday for P-day Elder Ronhaar and I biked a couple miles down to Old Harbour Bay. The ride down was pretty riding down through the sugar cane fields. The "beach" turned out to be not much to look at but it was pretty cool anyway. There is an old, ghetto fishing village there. It was neat to see the all the small fishing boats coming in and out and watch the people making crab traps out of sticks and chicken wire. We talked to an old Rastafarian fisherman who was pretty cool.
Church was awesome on Sunday. We had really good meetings. We had over 40 people there. Unfortunately, all our investigators flaked out on us, but there were a couple of less active members that came that we had been working with. The branch is pretty good. We have a core group of 30 or so solid, consistent members. There are at least twice that many on the branch list that are inactive or hit and miss. We've been working quite a bit with the recent converts and less active members to try to reactivate them and get referrals from them. The whole branch, besides a few of the primary kids, are all converts to the church which makes things interesting sometimes.
Sounds like things are going real well back home with the rain and all. I still think we've had more though. We are in the middle of the rainy\hurricane season now so it rains pretty much every day. Alaska sounds like a lot of fun but not quite as much fun as Jamaica.
Well, Take care. I'm going to try to send a few pictures.
Love you lots,
Elder Kartchner
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wa-gwon (Jamaican for what's going on)
Mon, 26 Jul 2010
It's been a great week. We've kept really busy finding and teaching. One of the best parts was when a 15 year old girl came up to us after church last Sunday and said she was ready to be baptized. She wasn't kidding either. She has been going to church by herself for the last several years and her mother finally gave her permission to be baptized. We had the privilege to teach (more like review) the lessons with her throughout the week. Keanna is way cool and way solid. We got the branch president to baptize her on Saturday and she was confirmed yesterday. It was awesome. It is humbling to know that the Lord did all the work. We just had the opportunity to participate.
We meet some of the craziest people. The other night I stopped to talk to someone who wasn't interested, but before I could ride away a drunk guy in dreds cornered me and started talking to me. He was holding a beer in one hand and a joint in the other. He started going off about how Christ is the Savior. I agreed with everything he said, but the whole situation was so ridiculous and his staggering motions were so funny, that I had a hard time keeping a straight face. I love Jamaicans, they are so funny. Anyway, he asked us to pray for him, so keep Simon Splinter in your prayers.
Oh, The other day, we were street contacting, and a lady calls out from her porch and says, "Elders! I know the book of Mormon's true! I know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet! I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True!" My companion and I just looked at eachother, having no clue whether she was a member or not. Turns out she was taught a long time ago, and would have been baptized except she couldn't kick smoking. So, we're working with her to do just that.
On Saturday before Keanna's baptism, Elder Ronhaar and I got to do some service for one of the sisters in the branch. We got all the grass and weeds out of the yard and trimmed the trees and bushes - using only machetes. It was sweet. It's crazy what you can do with one of those things. It is the Jamaican all-purpose tool. you can use it as a hoe, a shovel, pruners, lawn mower, kitchen knife, and what ever else you can think of.
Well, The weather here has been pretty cloudy and rainy, with temperatures in the 80's. I get to go mud bogging in my sunday clothes almost every day. The roads in Jamaica are really bad. If you get off of the main road at all, you hit dirt and mud, and the parts that were paved are full of potholes. Makes for interesting bike riding.
Anyway, everything's going good. I'm enjoying myself and I feel like I'm adjusting well. After about a week in Jamaica, nothing surprises you. Sounds like everythings going good back home. How long are you in Alaska for anyway? Well have fun up north while I'm living it up in tropical paradise.
Love you all,
Elder Kartchner
It's been a great week. We've kept really busy finding and teaching. One of the best parts was when a 15 year old girl came up to us after church last Sunday and said she was ready to be baptized. She wasn't kidding either. She has been going to church by herself for the last several years and her mother finally gave her permission to be baptized. We had the privilege to teach (more like review) the lessons with her throughout the week. Keanna is way cool and way solid. We got the branch president to baptize her on Saturday and she was confirmed yesterday. It was awesome. It is humbling to know that the Lord did all the work. We just had the opportunity to participate.
We meet some of the craziest people. The other night I stopped to talk to someone who wasn't interested, but before I could ride away a drunk guy in dreds cornered me and started talking to me. He was holding a beer in one hand and a joint in the other. He started going off about how Christ is the Savior. I agreed with everything he said, but the whole situation was so ridiculous and his staggering motions were so funny, that I had a hard time keeping a straight face. I love Jamaicans, they are so funny. Anyway, he asked us to pray for him, so keep Simon Splinter in your prayers.
Oh, The other day, we were street contacting, and a lady calls out from her porch and says, "Elders! I know the book of Mormon's true! I know that Joseph Smith is a true prophet! I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is True!" My companion and I just looked at eachother, having no clue whether she was a member or not. Turns out she was taught a long time ago, and would have been baptized except she couldn't kick smoking. So, we're working with her to do just that.
On Saturday before Keanna's baptism, Elder Ronhaar and I got to do some service for one of the sisters in the branch. We got all the grass and weeds out of the yard and trimmed the trees and bushes - using only machetes. It was sweet. It's crazy what you can do with one of those things. It is the Jamaican all-purpose tool. you can use it as a hoe, a shovel, pruners, lawn mower, kitchen knife, and what ever else you can think of.
Well, The weather here has been pretty cloudy and rainy, with temperatures in the 80's. I get to go mud bogging in my sunday clothes almost every day. The roads in Jamaica are really bad. If you get off of the main road at all, you hit dirt and mud, and the parts that were paved are full of potholes. Makes for interesting bike riding.
Anyway, everything's going good. I'm enjoying myself and I feel like I'm adjusting well. After about a week in Jamaica, nothing surprises you. Sounds like everythings going good back home. How long are you in Alaska for anyway? Well have fun up north while I'm living it up in tropical paradise.
Love you all,
Elder Kartchner
Monday, July 19, 2010
Hey Fam
Mon, Jul 19, 2010
Wow, Talk about a culture shock! Jamaica is great, well sort of. It has been very humid, cloudy, rainy, and quite warm. I haven't seen the sun since I got here. I also haven't seen another white man, besides my companion. I am serving in Old Harbour, on the south side of the island. Elder Ronhaar and I got put here on Wednesday to whitewash the area. It has been a bit crazy because we are the only missionaries here and the last set left very poor records and no maps. It makes for a bit of an adventure though.
Old Harbour is not a very big place and everything is spread out and very hilly with trees everywhere. Everyone lives in their own house/shack. The houses are either made of cheap cement or scrap tin and boards. Sometimes I think the chicken pen would be an improvement. There are dogs and goats EVERYWHERE! I haven't quite figured it out yet because everyone has their yards and houses fenced with locked gates, but there's no fences for the animals. I've even seen cows and pigs on the street, but mostly its dogs and goats. Since we are whitewashing the area we've done a lot of finding and meeting members. My companion, Elder Ronhaar, is from Mt. Vernon, WA and he is a great guy. We get along fine and work well together.
There are no wards or stakes in Jamaica. I guess they have enough members to make a stake, but they don't have the priesthood leadership. We went to the branch here in Old Harbour yesterday. There were prabably 30 people there, with an elders quorum of about 4. It's hard, culturally, to get men to go to church. Complete families (both parents and their kids) living in the same house together are also very hard to come by. I can't say I've seen one yet. We also have a problem with people getting baptized and then not coming back to church, so we're working on that. People will usually listen to you, but it is very hard to get them to do anything. They are usually pretty laid back people and don't want to be bothered much.
The accent is crazy. The first couple days here I couldn't understand a word anyone was saying. I'm starting to pick up on it though, so now I can understand most things. It is really frustrating because they can understand me but I can't understand them. But, It's coming.
Dad, Tell your deacons that if they want to serve a mission in Jamaica, they better learn how to wash their clothes by hand for mission prep.
Happy Birthday Karina!
I'm loving it here in Jamaica. There's nothing better I could be doing, and I love a good challenge.
Love you all,
Elder Kartchner
Oh, a few other things I forgot to mention.
The money is crazy. I think we get $20,000 per month. It's nothing to spend 2 or 3 hundred bucks on a meal. My first day in Old Harbour, I think I spent 7 grand on bicycle parts, groceries, and other odds and ends.
Wow, Talk about a culture shock! Jamaica is great, well sort of. It has been very humid, cloudy, rainy, and quite warm. I haven't seen the sun since I got here. I also haven't seen another white man, besides my companion. I am serving in Old Harbour, on the south side of the island. Elder Ronhaar and I got put here on Wednesday to whitewash the area. It has been a bit crazy because we are the only missionaries here and the last set left very poor records and no maps. It makes for a bit of an adventure though.
Old Harbour is not a very big place and everything is spread out and very hilly with trees everywhere. Everyone lives in their own house/shack. The houses are either made of cheap cement or scrap tin and boards. Sometimes I think the chicken pen would be an improvement. There are dogs and goats EVERYWHERE! I haven't quite figured it out yet because everyone has their yards and houses fenced with locked gates, but there's no fences for the animals. I've even seen cows and pigs on the street, but mostly its dogs and goats. Since we are whitewashing the area we've done a lot of finding and meeting members. My companion, Elder Ronhaar, is from Mt. Vernon, WA and he is a great guy. We get along fine and work well together.
There are no wards or stakes in Jamaica. I guess they have enough members to make a stake, but they don't have the priesthood leadership. We went to the branch here in Old Harbour yesterday. There were prabably 30 people there, with an elders quorum of about 4. It's hard, culturally, to get men to go to church. Complete families (both parents and their kids) living in the same house together are also very hard to come by. I can't say I've seen one yet. We also have a problem with people getting baptized and then not coming back to church, so we're working on that. People will usually listen to you, but it is very hard to get them to do anything. They are usually pretty laid back people and don't want to be bothered much.
The accent is crazy. The first couple days here I couldn't understand a word anyone was saying. I'm starting to pick up on it though, so now I can understand most things. It is really frustrating because they can understand me but I can't understand them. But, It's coming.
Dad, Tell your deacons that if they want to serve a mission in Jamaica, they better learn how to wash their clothes by hand for mission prep.
Happy Birthday Karina!
I'm loving it here in Jamaica. There's nothing better I could be doing, and I love a good challenge.
Love you all,
Elder Kartchner
Oh, a few other things I forgot to mention.
The money is crazy. I think we get $20,000 per month. It's nothing to spend 2 or 3 hundred bucks on a meal. My first day in Old Harbour, I think I spent 7 grand on bicycle parts, groceries, and other odds and ends.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
I'm Here
Jul 14, 2010
We all made it safely to Jamaica. It is way cool. my p-day is on Monday, so I got to go.
My mailing address is
Elder Kartchner
P.O. Box 2316
Kingston 8, Jamaica, WI
We all made it safely to Jamaica. It is way cool. my p-day is on Monday, so I got to go.
My mailing address is
Elder Kartchner
P.O. Box 2316
Kingston 8, Jamaica, WI
Monday, July 12, 2010
Hey Fam
Wed, Jul 7, 2010
So, Thanks for the emails. I've been gone for two weeks and you've already forgotten me. Oh well, could be worse, I could be dead. Thanks for the package though. It was great, and my district really liked the jerky and cookies. We had a good 4th of July weekend. We even got permission to stay up late and watch the fireworks. Everything is going good here. The days are going fast now. I'll be leaving this next Tuesday. I'm getting way excited to get to Jamaica and be a missionary. The MTC is good, but it can be a little confining at times. I'm sending off a letter today with some pictures (hopefully). Anyway, love you lots. I'll email next week from Jamaica (if they have email).
Love, Elder Kartchner
So, Thanks for the emails. I've been gone for two weeks and you've already forgotten me. Oh well, could be worse, I could be dead. Thanks for the package though. It was great, and my district really liked the jerky and cookies. We had a good 4th of July weekend. We even got permission to stay up late and watch the fireworks. Everything is going good here. The days are going fast now. I'll be leaving this next Tuesday. I'm getting way excited to get to Jamaica and be a missionary. The MTC is good, but it can be a little confining at times. I'm sending off a letter today with some pictures (hopefully). Anyway, love you lots. I'll email next week from Jamaica (if they have email).
Love, Elder Kartchner
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Hey Fam
Wed, Jun 30, 2010
Well things are going good here at the MTC.. Unfortunately, the temple is closed so we can't go while we're here.. My companion is Elder Trumpet.. He is a black soccer player from Toronto Canada.. He reminds me a lot of Ammon Brimhall.. We get along well.. I'm going a little crazy eating 3 huge meals a day and then sitting all day.. I have good roomates that get up early and work out with me.. The gym finally opened up the other day, so I ran a couple miles around the hampster track.. Things were a little crazy last week because they had all the mission presidents here.. Me and the 3 other Jamaican elders got to meet our mission president (President Hendricks) and his wife.. Turns out they know Uncle Dale.. I think they might even been in the same ward? I am learning a lot about teaching and Elder Trumpet and I work well together.. We had a devotional the other night when the mission presidents were still here and we had probably 6 of the apostles there.. Elder Oaks spoke.. It was good.. I would appreciate it if you could mail me an address list for the whole family.. anyway, my time got cut short, so got to go.. by the way Mom, thanks for helping me get my stuff ready..
Love, Elder Kartchner
Well things are going good here at the MTC.. Unfortunately, the temple is closed so we can't go while we're here.. My companion is Elder Trumpet.. He is a black soccer player from Toronto Canada.. He reminds me a lot of Ammon Brimhall.. We get along well.. I'm going a little crazy eating 3 huge meals a day and then sitting all day.. I have good roomates that get up early and work out with me.. The gym finally opened up the other day, so I ran a couple miles around the hampster track.. Things were a little crazy last week because they had all the mission presidents here.. Me and the 3 other Jamaican elders got to meet our mission president (President Hendricks) and his wife.. Turns out they know Uncle Dale.. I think they might even been in the same ward? I am learning a lot about teaching and Elder Trumpet and I work well together.. We had a devotional the other night when the mission presidents were still here and we had probably 6 of the apostles there.. Elder Oaks spoke.. It was good.. I would appreciate it if you could mail me an address list for the whole family.. anyway, my time got cut short, so got to go.. by the way Mom, thanks for helping me get my stuff ready..
Love, Elder Kartchner
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Arrival
Hey Fam, I got here safely with no complications. I got a cool companion from Canada who's also going to Jamaica. Its a little crazy the first day here but it will all be fine.
Love Elder Kartchner
Love Elder Kartchner
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