Blew Us A Kiss

Hello Family!!!

Wow!!! Time is flying here at the MTC we are keeping so busy so I apologize I couldn't get a letter out earlier. They say days feel like weeks and weeks feel like days here at the MTC and I can surely testify of that haha.

You guys wont believe this but last night for our devotional we had the greatest message. We sat in the second row of the meeting. Sitting on the stand were 10 out of 12 Quorum of the 12 apostles were there (everyone except Elder Packer and Elder Hales). It was such a great experience I testify because I have felt the love each and everyone of them have for the missionaries because as Elder L. Tom Perry the speaker put we as members of the Quorum of the 12 and First Presidency are missionaries as well. Elder Perry through out some statistics to show the gospel brings physical blessings just as much as spiritual.  When they exited we all stood and a emotional Elder Holland blew us a kiss and told us thank you for our service. So that was pretty cool!!

Well where do I begin in my district we there are 8 of us 4 going to Altanta Elder Price (Kingston UT) Elder Romero (Murray Ut), Georgia and 4 headed to West Virgina Elder Boggess (Las Vegas) Elder Macpherson (Syracuse UT) Elder Wilcock and Guthrie (Arizona)!! I love each and everyone of them and the spirit and enthusiasm they have. It drives me to want to serve them more. We met our Branch Presidency Thursday President Hicken, Brother Taylor and Brother Anderson they are all inspired of Christ and our great leaders.

I have been assigned as a District Leader hahaha so my days are long and strenuous with extra meetings, but I feel the Lord's hand in all that I'm doing. Dad I have come to aprreciate your calling because as a District Leader you have to sit in zone and branch meetings discussing the needs and struggles of the elders in the zone. I'm in awe of the love Heavenly Father has for each of elders and the direction and council He gives us. I think back to the nights where you would come home late after aiding the members of our ward and knowing that we would be blessed.

My companion is Elder Land a convert of the church of 2 years from MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN!!! Pretty cool huh!! He is the only member from his family who are all Jehovah Witnesses. If there is one thing I could ask is that maybe we could give him a box of snacks or something as his family refuses to talk to him or write him.

Sorry I don't have much more time. Wednesday's are my P-days. I will try to get a letter out to Grandpa and Faaagi as well as Kelee boy.

In closing I just want to share this thought with you before I go. I have been praying for each and everyone one of you that Heavenly Father will bless and strengthen you and your righteous endeavors and He confirmed his answer to me through D&C 100 1-2

Verily, thus saith the lord unto you my missionary Elder Gautavai your family are well they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power

Therefore, follow me and listen to the counsel which I shall give unto you.

We are here on this earth to spread the gospel because the Lord is not here to personally do it.

Love,

Elder C. Gautavai

MTC Drop Off

Elder Camree Gautavai entered the MTC on Wednesday, June 20th as part of 550 missionaries checking-in. Elder Gautavai and family shed tears of joy moments before he embarked on his mission in a 2.5 minute curbside farewell. Elder Gautavai was excited and eager about the challenge and charge ahead of him. As Elder Gautavai spoke of in his missionary address, he is looking forward to the "spiritual growth" opportunity that serving with Lord full-time presents. He is eager to set aside who he is to become who our Heavenly Father wants him to be. We have yet to hear from him however a dear family friend who serves as a volunteer at the MTC sent us the following note:

"Camree looked so happy and ready to serve. I got to help him today and put his name tag in his coat pocket. It was an honor. And by pure chance I also helped his companion and met him. I told him that Camree was going to be the best companion he could ever ask for."
Elder Gautavai was set apart as missionary Tuesday evening before entering the MTC by President Bruce L. Dibb of the Stake Presidency in our home in what turned out to be a very spiritual experience for the elder, family and church leaders in attendance. President Dan Lake conducted and asked the Elder's mother, father, and bishop Jorgensen to bear their testimonies. President John R. Harding and sister Debbie Harding called to preside over the Georgia, Atlanta mission were also in attendance at Elder Gautavai's invitation and were also called upon to share their witness of the Savior. It was a very spiritual and miraculous evening! We are grateful for the tender mercies and love poured down upon our family from a loving Heavenly Father -- we are blessed! We look forward to his letters and emails and sharing his witness of our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. Elder Gautavai's address at the MTC:

Elder Camree Gautavai
MTC Mailbox # 138
GA-ATL 0710
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

Called To Serve

Tuesday, June 19 Elder Camree Gautavai was set apart as a missionary for the Georgia Atlanta Mission. In attendance for this special blessing; the elder's Grandpa Jeremiah Alip and Grandma Clara Alip, Aunty Ginger Tavita, Cousin Gilbert and his wife Serafi Tavita, Cousin Jeremiah and his wife Ali and their baby daughter Clara Tavita, Cousin Jazlee Mahe, Grandpa Pepe Gautavai, Aunty Faaagi Gautavai, friend Junior Hamilton Bishop Jay Jorgensen, Brother Jeff Stringham, President Bruce L. Dibb, President Dan Lake, President John R. and Sister Debbie Harding.  

Elder Camree Gautavai and President John Harding 

of the Georgia Atlanta Mission

Sister Debbie Harding, Elder Gautavai, & President Harding