Weekly Update #18

From the promised land of Dublin, Elder Kinville is here to tell you all about his week! Let's rock and roll, y'know.

     The rest of Tuesday was fantastic, nothing to complain about there. 

     Wednesday we headed out went trying to find those ready to teach! Unfortunately, everyone was listening to some other voice, but we still tried our best. We then popped over and helped out a bit with the gent's garden/jungle, which looks a whole lot nicer now than it did three weeks back. It's grand.

     The next day, we went over and did more gardening for another member for a bit then dropped by and had a lovely talk with the Polish fellow. He's still reading the Book of Mormon, and we're trying hard to get him to church. Hopefully he'll feel inclined to come. We then weekly planned and had an overall cheery evening. There exists in Dundrum, near where we live, a time warp. When we go to Dundrum, no matter how quickly we try to get in and get out, even if we're only buying postage, it takes an hour. Absolutely crazy, let me say. However, Fergal is grand in assisting us to avoid the time warp. I forgot the name of Elder Oldham's bike.

     On Friday we got craic done! We helped prepare the church for a baptism the Sister's had coming and then taught some folks. We went up to Trinity college, where we had a YSA member provide a room for us and we taught a recent convert then taught another lesson. Both lessons went great. Before, while travelling past Grafton Street, we say a bagpipe brigade from Canada performing! That was neato frito. I deeply enjoyed it and Friday was a great day for me and Elder Oldham.

     On Saturday we had to be up bright an early for a breakfast meal appointment with Raynaldo. It was great, the whole meeting and all. We had an excellent chat and we helped him with working with his family back in the Philippines to help get them baptised. It's great fun to work with him. We then boogied over to help get the gent's garden ready to be dug up by a Rotavator and then ran to the church to teach another lesson. This fellow is grand, I'll have to tell you about him later. He studies metaphysics, and it is grand to hear about. We then had a ward cook-out and a baptism! I was able to be a witness for it, and it was a marvellous experience. 

     Sunday was also a good day. I assisted in the confirmation of the Sister's convert and then was able to go to Raynaldo's again for a dinner. After, we went to the Alleman's (I still don't know how it's spelt) house and helped them clean up to help move them back to the States. They left this morning. They were a fantastic family, I love them. They were great helps with member missionary work in the ward.

     Do you see the first picture I have attached? That's a pretty schnazzy bunch of fellows. This picture is for my brother, Ryan, because that statue on the rock is none other than Oscar Wilde. For a few weeks, we've been asked while finding in St. Stephen's Green where this statue of Oscar was. We had no clue until while biking we saw it. Being inclined to show my brother, I had us pull over and snap a photo. At least now, we can tell them where the statue is.

     And today we had a marvellous experience. At Trinity College, they have a copy of the Book of Mormon printed in 1830. Now, our YSA friend was able to get me and Elder Oldham in to see the copy! It was so neat to see it and to look at how it was formatted! It's great I've been able to serve in Dublin and get a chance to see this. The best, by far. 

     Anywho, that's this week. Teaching, a baptism, Oscar Wilde, old Book of Mormon. It's been a great time. This Sunday is moves call, so I'll find out if I'm going to get moved to another area or stick around Dublin for another transfer. Who knows? Hopefully you all are having a great week! Cheers!

God Speed

Elder Kinville

Jacob 6:12 "O be wise; what can I say more?"

Tender Mercies Take 4

I cannot get over the kindness of strangers. My mom got another text on Sunday that simply said, "Was visiting Dublin today and went to the Terenure ward. Saw your son. He looked healthy and happy. As a mother of a missionary myself, thought you might appreciate knowing that."

The amazing thing about this text is that she received it at the exact moment that she asked herself,"I wonder how Jake is doing today." 

Bam!!!

Blessing.

I really want to start paying it forward and taking p[picture of every single missionary I see and send it to their Mom's.

Weekly Update #17

 A quick, windy, Irish greeting from Dublin! Let's get down to the meat this week.

     Monday was grand. We continued to bike about for shopping and whatnot. I'm a fan of Fergal Cannondale. That's the name of my bike, by the way. Fergal Cannondale. I named him shortly after I got a flat tire and I declared that it's name was Fergal. Inspired? Probably not. I also made salsa! Whooo! We don't have a chopper, so I used a blender. It turned out somewhat soupy, but it was spicy as I can get at. Perfect with fajitas or burritos.

      Tuesday was a district meeting and we discussed. It was this day that I got the flat, not Monday. We were biking out to the mad garden to trim it up a bit. Fortunately, we live a short walk from a bike store that was able to repair the tire in no time! Unfortunately, it was time enough to where we could not assist him in the garden. The rest of the day went well, though. We had a lovely meal appointment with the Allaman's, which was grand as could be. So glad they were in the ward while I was here.

     The Polish trainer was back in town and on Wednesday my legs felt it. It was glorious, to say the least. Biking back home was fun too. After some frogs and Joey's and explodes you suffer much when you try to pedal up hills. I'm grateful for low gears. We also were able to sit down with him and talk about the Book of Mormon and also began to talk about how it has helped me and Elder Oldham. It was the best discussion we could've had. He's now reading it and looking for how it can apply to his life. I'm so glad he's reading. 

     On Thursday we met with our friend from the Philippines, Raynaldo. He gets it. We also had flat checks and some dropped appointments, but this day was all about him. It was while we met that I understood how much he really knows and how much he knows about making it apply. He told Elder Oldham on the phone "we're Mormons, we're not supposed to get angry" and he's completely right! Mind = exploded! Not only that, but the missionary work he's doing. We're teaching three people because of him and on Thursday he asked us how he can get in touch with missionaries in the Philippines so he could get his family taking the discussions. He bears simple, but honest testimonies and he is great! When he has a question, he asks. He'll ask us if what he's doing is right and then how to do it to be more in line with LDS beliefs and whatnot. I am a fan of Raynaldo. Probably my favorite person I've met, debatably in my life. He also got us some neat Irish hats. He's great. I want to be a missionary like Raynaldo.

     Friday was a Friday. We found, we tried-by, we knocked a few doors. Nothing big happened. Worked in the chap's garden and found a knife. That was neat.

     Saturday we weekly planned and discussed our teaching method. Elder Oldham and I have been evaluating our time together and we began to decide that we need to step up our game these last few weeks. We spent plenty of time on point 13 of weekly planning, and I'm grateful we did. 

     On Sunday we went to church and brought the sacrament to two hospital bound members. At first, it was only one member, but we discovered that a member from another ward was in the hospital when we got a call from the Elders in that ward. We went over, visited with the sister, and gave her the sacrament. It was a grand experience. It's been a while since I've taken the sacrament to shut-ins. Glad I had the opportunity. We also met with Raynaldo's friends and had a grand discussion. Raynaldo is my fav.

     Monday was a bank holiday! So we went shopping, went over to the Polish chap, and cleaned the flat. It was a good day. And today, we visited by the Polish chap again just to talk a bit and check on his reading. I also was able to give a bit of learnings from my study in District Meeting as asked by the District Leader. It was a good discussion, I feel. You'll have to ask the others to know the truth.

     Overall, this week was fabulous. I'm glad it went the way it did. I've learned plenty and I'll be applying plenty as well. I'm thrilled to be serving in Dublin and I'm so grateful for the prayers and blessings from everyone out there. Have a great week!

God Speed

Elder Kinville

Jacob 6:12 "O be wise; what can I say more?"

Weekly Update #16

Dea-lá as Baile Átha Cliath! That's Irish for good day from Dublin! This week was smashing! Let me tell ya'll all about it.

     The rest of Monday went well, not a whole lot and whatnot. We did get some good time in finding this week, which is a good thing since there's always room for more people to teach!

     We went back to continue to work on the garden with that one gent. On our way there, I saw a downed line. Thanks to the training from my safety-minded father (and common sense), we took pictures then walked away. 

We had fun tearing up the nettles and thistles and finding more odd objects.  Always a jolly. We did some finding the rest of the day then had a fantastic meal appointment. 

     Wednesday was a Wednesday. And to celebrate it: we did more finding! Also, on a side note, during a lesson about the tree of life I was able to draw up the tree of life vision while he explained and read about it, which I thought was neato. I'm glad Elder Oldham finally let me do visual aids. Hopefully he'll let me do more.

     On Thursday we went to Zone Interview Training and received some incredibly fantastic training on teaching and how to create an atmosphere for the Holy Ghost whilst teaching. The application of it thus far is incredible! So good. So good. Afterwards, we went on exchanges and I got to go down to Bray again! Bray's a great town. Lovely.

     Friday was made for walking. I walked more than I would have liked to, but it was needed. We also got to see the fellow I mentioned earlier who plays video games and is about as old as my father. We were able to share with him an excellent allegory about life that got him thinking about the end goal and what he should be doing. It appeared so, at least. I hope I got that fellow thinking about his life.

     Saturday was a special day. It was the day WE GOT BIKES! WHOOOOOO!!!

There's a picture with us and the bikes attached for ya'll to see. Anywho, that was a grand time. We then returned to the garden and helped uncover a path and a small patio from the wilderness. With a bit more service we could actually find or create a garden, methinks.

     Sunday was usual. Instead of walking or partially walking to church we biked there. It's neat. Really is. We also biked around most of City Centre Dublin to visit our Filipino friend and the personal trainer because he's back in town and we wanted to have a chat! Anyways, that was great. Sunday was good. 

     This week was grand. From biking, to walking, to teaching, to learning, to sleeping it was a pretty good week. Hopefully everyone out there has a good week too! Go dtí go gcasfar le chéile sinn arís!

God Speed

Elder Kinville

Jacob 6:12 "O be wise; what can I say more?"

Weekly Update #15

The craic be mighty this week in the Terenure Area! Let me tell you all about it.

     Last Monday was a jolly. We taught an investigator up at one of the local colleges because our joint-teach worked up there. It was a great lesson. The only problem is that the investigator is an enigma wrapped in a puzzle. It's difficult, but after a calling and gathering of The Council, me and Elder Oldham have a pretty good idea set up for how to help them out. We also had kebabs because we both needed a good kebab in the bloodstream.

     Tuesday was District Meeting and exchanges! I went down yonder to Bray with Elder Holman where people talked to us. On the Dart ride down, this older lady started to talk with us. She was a missionary for some other church, and the conversation was very interesting. Later, two gentlemen stopped us and asked if we were Jehovah's Witnesses. We said no, and they asked if we were Quakers. We had to say no again. We then explained who we were and they asked questions and we were able to explain it reasonably enough. After eating a bit and walking, we ran into one of Bray's former investigators. They chatted for a bit and towards the evening a group of five or so teens came up and asked us what we did. It was an excellent chance to explain and we did so. Then, as we were walking back to the flat, this fellow in an orange hoodie called out to us. In days of past, the Bray Elders have ran into him now and then. It is important to note that Elder Holman and Beveridge are not American. I am. So is this fellow. As we approached, he called out to us and asked if I was a Yankee. I nodded and responded with telling him I am red, white, and blue all the way through. After he explained his thoughts on politics in America and how Elder Romney (Not Mitt Romney, Elder Romney) should have won, boxing matches between world leaders, and other remarks, he was called off by some of his friends. I was grateful and then had to explain what it all meant to Elder Holman, who is Canadian. It was a grand day. 

     We unexchanged the next day and had several appointments fall through. However, in the evening we were able to GQ with one of the deaf members in the ward. Last Monday, while emailing, we got a text from Brother Ryan, the deaf member. He asked us how we were and then asked if we knew what pass along cards were. We replied and said yes to which he said that he would like to serve with us on Wednesday sharing the gospel. It was an incredible half-an-hour. Certainly a moment to remember. He's a great member and a fantastic chap. 

     Thursday we had more appointments fall through. Not a lot happened on Thursday. It was one of those days. I think we had fajitas for dinner. I can't remember.

     On Friday I used a scythe and sickle to cut down some nettles in one of our investigator's back gardens! It was great. I enjoyed mowing down nettles and finding old bicycles, shovel heads, spade heads, fork heads, couches, chairs, methane tanks, tombstones, bones, hoses, bottles, and whatnot. We got an American flag too. It's up in our flat and we salute it every morning now. God bless America.

     Saturday was a loaded day. We taught three lessons and had a dinner appointment. Without a car and relying on public transit, it was a miracle we made every appointment and did so with time to spare! It was a great day, again. Lots of great days this week. This week was great. Yews can be great.

     Sunday was a Sunday. Our friend from the Philippines, though. We met with him and another one of his friends and he shared some great insights. He also has a knack to give a short message before our lessons that tie in with our lessons, and we don't even plan it. Is it the Spirit? Yes. Can it be something else? Nah. No chance. He's solid, which is great considering he was less active a month and a half ago. He's probably my favorite person in the ward. 

     I'm also gonna show ya'll Steve. He's a pirate. I use him to help me with weekly planning.

     I've noticed this week, more than others, that when we do what's right, rather than doing what we think should be right, we are blessed. When talking with the members on Saturday about certain ideologies that have risen in the Church dealing with the Church becoming more "progressive" then they do not understand. Me and Elder Oldham ran into a person who said that the Prophet and the Quorum of the Twelve should reconsider calling same-sex attraction a sin. First: it's not President Monson or anyone else who is human who calls it a sin. It's Heavenly Father. He's not going to mess up and be all 'Yeah, I guess I could be more progressive. I guess I was wrong.' That would make Him not God. Anywho, the end. Had a wee bit too many folks who thought that. I'm pow.

     Have a great week, everyone! Do what's right and do some incredible things! Share the gospel, too. Every member should be a missionary.

God Speed

Elder Kinville

Jacob 6:12 "O be wise; what can I say more?"

Weekly Update #14

 Good day from Ireland! Hopefully all is well for all ya'll. This week has been busy; here's what I've been doing.

     The rest of Monday went well. This whole week was overcast, which is better than being hot. We got back to the flat just in time to head out again to keep working. I can't recall what all happened, but I do know it was good.

     Tuesday, we went and saw the fellow who we're trying to get back on track by getting confirmed. We did a bit more of family history and taught a few more lessons. He's doing well and he's getting off some of his problems. Hopefully we can keep him busy and working so good things will come! We didn't have District Meeting, because it's Moves Week. 

     The next day was Moves Day. We first went out for a wee bit and worked then we went to the Finglass Stake Centre where we met with other Elders for Moves Day. After that was all said and done, Elder Oldham and I temporarily gained a companion, Elder Arave. He was waiting for his companion to ship over from Scotland. We went back to the flat when we got an urgent call to go to the chapel and assist the Relief Society in cooking a barbecue. We went over, helped them grill the chicken, and was able to eat some of the chicken. We took a picture too, and it's the only picture this week because I've been lazy with the camera.

Elder Oldham also made a crack-shot when playing a bit of baseball. He hit the ball and it flew right threw an open window on a house next to the chapel. Us three were then assigned to recover the ball. After the grilling, we had to go pick up Elder Arave's companion from the bus station. We did so, took them back to our flat where they stayed the night before heading back down to Cork to continue their work. 

     On Thursday, we did what missionaries do: teach, preach, and work. The day was the warmest day of the week, but the sun didn't shine as much. Nevertheless, we did work. We also went to the Ward Council. That was neat.

     Friday was a jolly. We taught the hyper-intellect again and it was fantastic. He had been studying for a test the last week, and as he did he kept hearing something tell him "stop reading this book and read that other book!" The other book was The Book of Mormon we left with him. He didn't act on it at the time, but during the course of the lesson he told us that he would read it throughout the week. It was probably one of the best lessons we've taught. 

     Saturday was a Saturday. We finished up my 12 Week training and then headed out to find some people who needed the gospel. After that, we came back to the flat and planned for the next week. It was a usual day, especially when it came to weekly planning. Good day, too.

     On the Sabbath we traveled out to church, coordinated with the ward mission leader, then traveled back. We did a hefty bit of traveling this week and it was pretty time consuming. After traveling, we had dinner with our friends from the Philippines. That was incredible, as always. Then, one of them said they had taken a picture of a ghost. I got excited and wanted to see the picture. She got her camera and showed us a picture of a white hoodie hanging on a wall. There were some funky shadows in the hood, but nothing ghost-like. It was fun, though. Always fun. 

     Anywho, that's this week. We're looking forward to doing a lot of teaching this week and plenty of finding as well. This was also my last week as a trainee and as of this morning I am now just a Junior Companion. Whooooooo! It's good. I'm excited for what lies ahead.

     Have a fantastic week! Good luck in your dealings and stay safe!

      

God Speed

Elder Kinville

Jacob 6:12 "O be wise; what can I say more?"

Tender Mercies Take 3

Technology is AMAZING! I hopped on Instagram on the 4th of July, and saw this amazing picture,,,

We are so grateful for members of the church who are supporting and taking care of our missionary in Dublin, especially on American holidays like the 4th of July! What a blessing to be able to connect with members in his area who share pictures with us and reassure us that this work is true and amazing and is not only blessing our Elder while he is away, but also us, his family, during this time.