Ka'au

These last two weeks have been very humbling time. Me and my companion have been to the hospital almost every day to visit people. Unfortunately we got a call on Friday that a returned missionary in our ward got into a car accident and they had pulled the plug. We rushed to the hospital as quickly as we could. When we walked into the room we could not recognize the person on the bed his face was so swollen. The only thing I could recognize was his hair.

He was long gone when we got there. We comforted the family the best we could then, when they left we made some other visits at the hospital.

This thing didn't sink in when I saw the body. I had just seen him the Sunday before. But this Saturday and Sunday I thought a lot about him and the life he lived 

His name was ka'au Moana zoller. He didn't think he would go on a mission when he was a teenager. His life was not on track to do so, he had a lot of friends who he said were not really the best influence for him. He eventually took mission prep and decided he wanted to serve a mission. He got called to California to serve in a Tongan ward. He served for six months when he realized there were some things he needed to repent of. So he was sent home. That's when me and my first companion had the pleasure to meet him. He came with us to go do teaching appointments. He was an amazing teacher and he believed entirely what he taught. He also was so willing to give to others. He literally gave us one of his shirts and ties so an investigator would feel more comfortable going to church. He always invited us over for dinner as well anytime we did not have a dinner he would provide us with a meal. 

It was so hard for me and my companion to realize he was gone it felt like there was a hole in our lives we had gotten to know him so well as he came to teach with us. But I take infinate comfort in the fact that there is a life after death. I firmly believe ka'au is now a missionary for those on the other side. Looking back I think I had a feeling when I first met him that our time with him would be short. But it was an experience I will never forget. He may have, as Moroni states gone the way of all the earth (Alma 62:37) but "he had been a man who had fought valiantly for his [God]" and "he had been a true friend". He will be missed. But I dont think we should mourn because we cannot see him. He has taken the next step in his journey. He has lived his life righteously and he has entered into the rest of his God who has created him.  

I am so thankful for ka'au and the example he was while he was on this earth. This may be a sad time for us because of the loss of his presence among us. But I know death is not the end and he will live once again.

I hope this letter does not seem sad. Ka'au has passed his test on the earth. I am happy for the time I had to know him and I am happy that he now has the chance to be a missionary on the other side of the veil. I know the plan of salvation is real. I am so grateful to call all of you my Ohana (family). I know death is not the end. It is only the beginning to the rest of our eternity.

I love you all so much! 

Elder Esplin