You've got to be kidding me!

Do you ever feel like sometimes you've got everything going for you, then all of a sudden something happens that could possibly leave a black mark - something that goes on your school record, your family name back to father Adam and will haunt you for the rest of your mortal life?

Talk about a such an encounter. Never had too much of a problem with possessions before. Although, once I did get my sunglasses stolen while I was serving in Linstead. This time, it was something bigger. It wasn't MY possession so much. Elder Snelson's bicycle was stolen last Monday night. We stopped by the church to take care of a few things and when we finished and we went to leave, Elder Snelson asked where his bicycle was. At first I thought he was joking, because he went outside first and I followed in about 2 min. Then I realized, he wasn't.

So all this week, we've been walking. I haven't done walking like that since I was in Old Harbour. I thought my feet were well calloused and up to the task. Boy was I wrong. Looks like riding a bicycle can make you go soft! I have acquired a few more blisters and some sore feet, but otherwise, I'm in good working order.

Wednesday was a tradeoff. Elder Snelson went into the Boulevard Elders area for the day and I stayed here in Yallahs. Elder Wilson was with me and Elder Toutai with Elder Snelson. It was a good tradeoff and went well - at least on my end. When we traded back, it was a little messed up. We ended up waiting in downtown Kingston for about an hour. Elder Toutai overspent for the month so he had to have the Office Elders pick him and Elder Snelson up and take them to downtown. While waiting, the airport was in sight and we watched a couple planes take off. 9 weeks is so close and I don't want it to get any closer. Do I really have to put Jamaica behind in so short a time?

Elder Huffaker

Tragedy in Kingston

From Marilyn:

Yesterday afternoon, we heard the sad, sad news that Elder Walker was killed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and the missionaries there in Jamaica. At this time, we don't have any additional information about it, but it was P-day, and I believe several elders had gotten together for a p-day activity together. I'm sure Brandon will have some details for us in his email next week. Brandon knew and was friends with Elder Walker, and served as his companion when he spent one transfer in Kingston, last September. Elder Walker was one of the Jamaican missionaries that serve in their own country. This photo of Brandon with Elder Walker was taken last September:


The Church issued this statement yesterday:

"Our hearts are heavy with the news that Elder Jermaine Luther Walker from Kingston, Jamaica--serving in the Jamaica Kingston Mission--was killed today. He was hit by a stray bullet while he and seven other missionaries were returning to their apartments after a preparation-day activity. It appears the van they were in was caught in the crossfire as local police were pursuing another vehicle. Elder Walker was immediately driven to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Although shaken, the other missionaries in the van were reported in good condition. Our thoughts and prayers are with Elder Walker’s family and all who knew this fine young man."

** I mistakenly posted that Brandon and Elder Walker had not been companions. I've edited this post to show that they were.

Coincidence? I think not!

Well, another year has come and gone. But before the new year arrived, we had transfers on Wednesday. Elder Snelson and I stayed here in Yallahs, so nothing special there. It was just 3 full proselyting days back to back. It feels weird when we proselyte on Wednesday mornings instead of meetings and I dislike not being involved in transfers. Not that being with Elder Snelson is bad, it's just so fun with the moving around of missionaries and all.

Wednesday night we have a study night at the church. We read from the Book of Mormon and talk about what it contains. Well, afterwards, I thought I'd be nice and give Jamaicans a little taste of America! I brought mom's poppyseed bread over and gave those who attended a slice. Ever since then They've been asking me, "When are you gonna get some more. Tell your mom to send more! We want the recipe!" Yeah, I like it too.

New Years Eve isn't anything special to us missionaries. In fact, I think every 6 months in our mission is more important! I dropped asleep before midnight even rolled around. Not like I'm really doing anything to keep me awake either.

Elder Snelson received his Christmas package a little late, but that's ok. It was what was inside. Somehow we both received ties for Christmas from the same company with the same design only a different color. Check the pics!

Elder Huffaker

P.S. from Marilyn:

I'm actually shocked that Brandon shared the poppy seed bread. He loves it so much, I thought it would be a stretch to give just his companion a slice! It's definitely a family favorite.

Also, he forwarded some mission group photos to me, from the Christmas Eve gathering in Kingston, so I am posting those as well. Can you find him? He's near the center, and one of the 3 missionaries standing between the back row and the second row from the back. (Clear as mud, right?)

Another Week in Yallahs

I dunno about you, but when you're not Lance Armstrong and you ride your bicycle all over the hills. You get pretty tired. So tired, you can't stay awake in studies.

Anyways. Well, we had zone meeting last Thursday in Kingston. Well this is great an' all, but the last elders had a car and we don't really know how long it would take us to get there. So we left out at 8:00 for the 10:00 meeting. One bus to Kingston, another one through Kingston, plus walking time to the church building equals 10:40!?! We were really late. I think the bus we got on to go through Kingston took the scenic route. Not to mention it stopped every 2 minutes to let people on and off. grrrrr STOP RINGING THE BELL!!!

We also had the fun experience of making rice and peas. It's not my first time, but the gas ran out. So the rice and peas turned to mush. Elder Jarman ate it still, but I've got to make another batch for him.

Then we rode up the side of the mountain. It takes about an hour to go up and only 10 to come down. But I did slap the bull! :)

We also got to enjoy some local ice cream cake. It's more like a 2 inch layer of ice cream with cookie around the outside.

Lastly, they've been building up a levee for the river to help control flooding. This involves a bull dozer. So when we rode by last night and it was parked, we decided. Hey! WHY NOT?

~short, simple and to the point. PLUS picures are worth a thousand words. Here's seven thousand words~

Elder Huffaker

Singing

There are many reasons to sing!

First you can sing in the rain! It rained all last week until Sunday, when it finally stopped. Tropical Storm Nicole hit us on Wednesday. Sad to say, I was out in it for a good portion of time on Wednesday night. A little rain doesn't hurt missionaries, but a lot... well that makes us a little more than upset. To make a long story short, we had to have the Assistants come and rescue Elder Branson and I from Portmore. We didn't get home til after 10:00 p.m. For full details, please email mother Huffaker as she will be getting a snail mail with complete details (hopefully she'll post it on the blog too.) So most of last week involved getting wet or staying inside.

You can also sing when General Conference comes around and the person conducting the session says, "The choir and congregation will now sing..." So we attended General Conference last weekend and heard some really good talks. To me, a lot of it seemed to be focusing on us. As far as our character goes. I believe Elder Scott put it in pretty plain terms.

Also, you can sing as you work. I know whistling is a bit more common, but Elder Ostberg came to Kingston for a few days. They moved Elder Walker to the Boulevard house with Elder Ostberg's companion since both of them have to stay in. We really just worked Friday, since Saturday and Sunday was conference.

Lastly, you can sing to your new companion. That's right! I am now in Yallahs and training a new missionary. His name is Elder Jarman from Riverdale Utah.

So when things in life are bad or good. SING!

Elder Huffaker

Here are some of the photos Brandon sent this week. Yallahs is pronounced, "Yowl-us", and is located on the southern coast of Jamaica, a little to the east of Kingston. Brandon says it is a little smaller than Falmouth was.

Elders Huffaker, Branson, and Hoffman on Transfer Day:

Flooding in one of the main gulleys in Kingston from Tropical Storm Nicole:
Closer view of landslide damage in Kingston:
Street flooding from Tropical Storm Nicole:

Flooding on the missionaries' street in Kingston:

Lost

Have you ever wondered either, What was I thinking, Where the heck did we end up and how did we get here, or Why did I do that?

If so, you are already prepared for this week's email.

First off, last week we cleaned out our refrigerator/freezer! As soon as we got home from purchasing our groceries, we (ME) set to it. I just handed all the shelves to my companion and we started cleaning! Needless to say, because we didn't start the freezer over night. We worked our way around that little snag. This included: heating a pot of water and putting it in the freezer, using a can opener as a chisel, and even using the iron we use on our clothes. Needless to say, the fridge looks much better and much more organized.

Then, Elder Walker has been going to the doctor's office for some back pain he's been experiencing because of a pulled muscle. Usually the office Elders give us a ride there. Well, Tuesday they told us to taxi there. So we got on a public transit bus that we thought would take us by there. NOPE! We got lost in our own branch area. Granted it's in a different area than we work, but we didn't know where we were or how we got there. So we had to call and they came and did an E-vac! Got us to the docs safely and late. When we left, we again to public transportation. This was supposed to drop us off at the main bus terminal. It DIDN'T! It drove right by, thankfully we got off before it reached wherever it was going.

Last week we also had an incident while teaching a lesson. Our investigator's neighbor showed up - FROSTED! She was totally drunk and we were totally messing with her afterwards. i.e. "Have you ever seen a white man?" "No, only on the television". There was much more said, but to just get her response was funny. Apparently this was a first for the neighbor. I hope she learned her lesson.

The Doctor Will See You Later

(Brandon's letter from September 20th)

It's another week here in Kingston and everything could be going better. Of course, however, everything could be going worse.

First off, last week our washing machine broke. Soooooo, we all had to wash our clothes by hand. At first, you will think this is kinda cool and not so bad. However, by the end of doing simply a weeks worth of laundry. Your wrists will be sore and red and you might even have a blister on your knuckle. You don't need a scrub brush to wash by and nor do you need a washboard. Your clothes will get washed! This will also take you at least 3 hours to do this (considering you actually want them to be clean and not just have soapy water go through the fabric).

Along with this experience, the office Elders dropped off a new stove for us. Our last one didn't have a working oven. So I finally baked my cake on FRIDAY!

Please note: the other Elders in your house will beg and plead and trade and barter for some cake. I know my companion is making me breakfast one of these days.

Next, Elder Walker has been having some back pain. The Friday before last, we were in the doctor's office. Wednesday we went for an x-ray. Then we went back again to the doctor's office this Friday. When you go to a doctor's office here, you don't just check in and wait 5 minutes before they call you back. YOU SIT THERE AND WAIT! Elder Walker and I sat in these offices for about 2 hours (each) before they finally called him back. Then they do the whole thing in 15 minutes and say send in the next one. I don't understand where it takes 2 hours when it's just fifteen minutes in the back. Can someone answer this question, please?

Lastly, we had district conference in Spanish Town. So I got to see members from Old Harbour and Linstead! I got some pics with people I didn't get to get pics of, not to mention some of my favorite missionaries. For those of you who don't know. A district is like a stake, but not as fortunate. A district doesn't have a patriarch like a stake and it also doesn't have a high priests quorum (because it has no high priests quorum, the mission president has to interview and approve all prospective melchizidek priesthood holders). In all other respects, however, it functions like a stake. Take care everyone :D

Elder Huffaker

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

(Brandon's letter from September 13th)

WHEW! A lot has happened.

First off, I got a taste of Starfruit. It's like eating an apple, it has a core. It's yellow-green (more on the yellow) in color. It only looks like a star when you look down the core of the fruit. However, it tasted really good.

Secondly, Elder Hoffman and I were invited to go with the zone leaders out to Port Royale. (there are more pictures than this, but these are some of my choice) It was really fun and interesting to see Fort Charles. I didn't know this, but Port Royale has been hit by earthquakes twice! Anyway, it was a blast!

Wednesday, we had our first zone meeting in over a year. It was okay, we watched some new Preach My Gospel videos and practiced. It was good to see who all is in my zone though.

Thursday was another interesting experience. I had ants living in my mattress. So I notified the mission office. They sent me another mattress on Thursday. However, when the office Elders came to drop it off, it was raining and we were halfway across our area. So we tried to convince them to come pick us up... to no avail. Instead they said they were going to go run some other errands. When we finally made it home, we see them there reclined in their vehicle. OHHHHH I was a little miffed that they weren't doing anything at all and could have picked us up and made everything better for everyone.

Friday, after our weekly planning session, Elder Walker and I were picked up to got to the doctor's office. Elder Walker was getting his back checked out. We got there at one-o-clock. They finally called him back at about 3:45! I'm just sittin' there readin' my BoM away. I mean, yeah there were about 10 people there when we got there, but still. WOW!

Friday night the zone leaders came to stay the night. six elders in a four elder house with only four mattresses and one is a bunk bed. So we put three mattresses together with five elders on. Elder Walker lucked out and got the lone mattress on the top of the bunk. The zone leaders were checkin' on our planning and study sessions making sure we're taking the correct amount of time and doin' all the right things.

Saturday morning the zone leaders left and I was on tradeoff once again with Elder Hoffman while Elder Walker went to Portmore with Elder Branson to check how their area was doin'.

Lastly, we have a bit of a mouse problem in the house. Sooooo. KILLING SPREE!!! This is number three killed with at least 2 more to go.

Love
Elder Huffaker

A Full Week & a Miracle

(Brandon's letter from September 6, 2010)

This week has been hectic!

To begin, Elder Walker had a leadership meeting for 3 days, starting on Wednesday and ending Friday. So, I was able to experience being with a greeny. Talk about reminiscing. Elder Ostberg is new and in training. His companion also went to the leadership meeting. So, Wednesday I was in his area... getting lost! We did not know where we were other than we were still in Kingston. He works in the Boulevard Branch while I work in the Kingston Branch. So we don't really know the other person's area. So we rode our bicycles around in the hot sun until we were content.

Thursday was his turn to come to my area. Thankfully I knew most of the places to go. One thing that he did that reminded me of when you are brand new is you just want to talk to EVERYONE! Every single person that said anything, he would stop to talk to. I don't think he was taught about people that just idle and chat you.

It was during this day that the miracle occurred. I want to make you all aware of the power of prune juice. Some of you laugh because you may know what's coming. Others of you may think what the heck can prune juice do. This is the miracle solver for people who are constipated! BOY WAS I HAPPY! The only downside to prune juice is it is THE most expensive juice. Cost me about $800 JD! That's almost $10 USD! On the other hand, I think i would rather spend the money and feel relief than to still be blocked up.

Friday ended the meetings for leadership. I was back in Boulevard for the morning and in my area by late afternoon. I received a great birthday package that I couldn't wait to open.

Saturday, Elder Walker and I had an interesting experience. I must ask if anyone has watched Beverly Hills Cop. When Axel Foley arrives and is walking down the street and sees the two people in the black and red leather outfits.... we had a similar experience. These two Jamaicans one with all green attire and the other with all blue attire. They were also wearing the weirdest and least in fashion shades. I just had to laugh and wished I had my camera.

I did enjoy a birthday, no cake as yet. I need to buy some vegetable oil. However, I also managed not to get floured this year as well. Unless something happens later today.

Here's some pics of my time with Elder Ostberg and my new living conditions:

Elder Huffaker

A Little Less

Well, this week there is not much to write about.

I did experience a new food. Cowfoot - it is like a delicacy here and is usually served for special occasions. Well, it's very chewy. It kinda reminded me of the pig skin. If the bone is soft enough, you're supposed to eat it. I don't really know how else to describe it.

And, I had to make more bicycle repairs. Talk about annoying. I had to get a new hub for the back wheel. I just replaced it a few months ago. GRRRR! I also had to get a new tire.

Things are definitely different here. Not what I expected. The branch here is actually smaller than Linstead and maybe even Sav. However, Elder Walker has got to be one of the greatest Jamaican missionaries to work with.

I don't really know what else to talk about, so lemme know what you're interested it.

Elder Huffaker

WHY ME?

I know it's a terrible question, especially if it's said to the Lord. However, you really have to wonder sometimes WHY ME?

Well, since last Tuesday, a lot of things have happened. First off, on Wednesday, I went on a tradeoff with Elder Brough. Elder Brough was one of the zone leaders in Spanish Town. Well, on the way down to Spanish Town to commence the trade off, There is some construction, which we thought would hold us up. We blew right through that, only to find another obstacle... Apparently a bulldozer blade hit the back of a coaster bus. All I saw was the shattered glass of the back window. I still don't know how it happened, because the vehicles were going in the opposite direction and the bulldozer was on a flat trailer of a semi. Talk about intense. The trade off went fine and I was glad to see Elder Peterson back. We got along so well.

Friday hit me like a train. I got runny belly (bad case of diarrhea). Being healthy for so long you just feel like, "Dang, why don't I get sick, I could use a break." Well, be careful what you wish for. So I took some Pepto Bismol, which helped a lot. Only to have a cold hit me on Saturday! I've been taking Benedryl for the past couple of days now.

Saturday was the day we received our transfer calls. Around 3 - 4 p.m. we get a bunch of phone calls from other Elders with the exact same phrase, "Have you elders received your transfer calls? Do you know where you're going?" NO! So we get the news about where everyone else is going. Then at 6 p.m. Elder Peterson gets a phone call from Pres. Hendricks. He says you'll be staying in Linstead to train. OK........ what about Elder Huffaker? The Assistants were supposed to call him. So we wait. An hour later we call the zone leaders. I still don't know what's happening to me. 8:15 rolls around and finally they decided to call me (probably the last one on the island to get my call) and they're all apologizing saying we're sorry we forgot you. How can you not forget me. I HAVE TO MOVE!

So that brings us to Sunday. I didn't want everyone at the branch to know I was leaving. Only a few of the members that I was able to get to know. So, Sunday afternoon we went around to say goodbye to a few people. When we get surprised with a dinner plus dessert. Now this threw us off, because we always have a set dinner appointment at 8:00. DOUBLE DINNER = TROUBLE! Elder Peterson and I have already gone through this predicament twice before. I don't think he learned from it. So, during our second dinner, I ate about 2/3 and said thanks I've had all I can eat. He FINISHED his and when we left, we hadn't even made it to the corner of the street before water, rice and peas start coming back up. Poor guy. I hope he learned this time around.

Lastly, transfer calls means the transfer itself. All the zone leaders met up in Spanish Town. We were picked up by the Ochi Elders. Once in Spanish Town, I loaded my stuff into the mission bus along with all the Elders going home this transfer and plus one more who was getting transferred to Portmore. Well, the Assistants are thinking, ok, Portmore, we need to go there to drop this Elder off. Well, they forgot that the Portmore house is having a few problems and that they were staying in Kingston. So we took a scenic route through Portmore and here I am in Kingston with Elder Walker, who is a Jamaican.

Please remember to big up yourself this week.

Elder Huffaker

P.S. from Marilyn
Perhaps "big up" is Jamaican Patois for, "Have a good one!"

More New News...

Wow! Things are blowing by so fast and lots of things are happening. Where do I begin?

First off, Wednesday, Elder Peterson and I received quite the surprise. During the middle of District Meeting, our phone rings. We have certain ringtones for certain people. Helps us know how "urgent" it is. This one was President Hendricks. He asked if we were in District Meeting... yes. Ok, I'm on my way to Linstead to interview you Elders. WHAT!?! Talk about last minute. We just looked at each other with wide eyes. It's kinda interesting really. President Hendricks announced that he was only going to interview us once a quarter. It hasn't been a quarter yet.... somethings up. My interview was pretty normal, but Elder Peterson said his interview with President was about me. What he thought of me and so on. No news yet for the cause, but we suspect somethings going on in the works for me.

Then, Thursday I tried a new dish again. Sister Davis is pretty good about feeding us more than just fried chicken with rice and peas. This week we had... pig skin. Now, I know what some of you are thinking. "WHO eats pig skin?" Well, it's actually pretty good. A bit on the chewy side, however. It basically tasted like bacon - which doesn't exist down here. Normally I prefer my bacon crunchy. So from going to a crunch to extra chewy was.... interesting.

Last week I mentioned the plan to travel to Kingston. Yesterday we met in Kingston for a mission conference. I'm very glad that we got a ride from the Ochi Elders. I hate traveling. So, we listened to President and Sister Hendricks as well as Elder and Sister Anderson. President Hendricks went over 8 steps that all missions are supposed to be incorporating to better use Preach My Gospel. Elder Anderson went over the something remarkable. He talked about loving and serving God with our minds, hearts, and souls. He went on to explain the difference between these three things and how to use them. First: your mind. You have to understand something. Hence, why missionaries are to study for 2 hours every day. Second: your heart. This is your desire to do something and to be able to have the Holy Ghost testify to you. Third: your soul. Becoming what you understand and know to be true. Changing your life!

This morning, Elder Peterson and I made the trip to Portmore to play some inter-zone basketball. It was really fun and actually stayed pretty cool. Didn't have too much sun down there and thankfully no rain. It was really nice.

Next week. I will once again be emailing on Tuesday. Transfers are on Monday. So we will be getting the phone calls either Saturday or Sunday Night. So I look forward to hearing from you on Tuesday.

Elder Huffaker

P.S. from Marilyn:

"Ochi" refers to Ocho Rios, a town on the north shore of Jamaica.