#QUARANTINED-LIFE

Quarantine / n a period of isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease; the time or place of this. vt to put or keep in quarantine. 

Scabies  / n a contagious, itching skin disease.

=> Scabious  / adj covered with scabs; of or resembling scabies. 

These definitions describe my life this week! Haha. BUT - no worries. We're good.  We've lived, and we're MOVING FORWARD! It's just... cost us a bit of money. And lots of time in the way of cleaning.  

It all began on Tuesday morning:  Sister Boiteux waking up and saying, "Um... I have more bug bites.  And they're starting to look like yours." So, we called Sister Beckstead. And this was the beginning of our conversation with her:

Me: "Hello Sister Beckstead! It's Sister Boiteux and Sister Ottley." 

Sis B: "Hello Sisters!  Is everything okay?" 

Me: *Laughing.*

Sis B: "Sister Ottley... I don't like that laugh!" 

And then she got Sister Boiteux a doctor's appointment at Kerikeri Medical Centre. And, of course - I knew right where it was! So no need to drive around finding it this time! So I now have pictures of my cute daughter in the doctor's office - (sad face) and me somewhat laughing at her... but all out of love, of course! Her doctor entered the room, shook our hands, asked what was wrong with us, and so we told him about the bites. And because we'd been told by many people at that point that "it could be scabies!" (skae-bees) we asked our doctor (Dr. Matthew Brook) if that's what it could be. He then took another look at it, gave a gross-face look, and said, "Yes, yes it could be... I'm going to go wash my hands now." ...Good times! Haha... But Sister Beckstead told us it's not spread as simply as just shaking hands - so no worries for the BAJILLIONS of people I've shaken hands with in the last 4 weeks! So he then gave us a perscription - for a lotion and (another) antihistemine.  

Sister Boiteux & Me Crying/Laughing after the Doctor. Hahaha...

Our New Prescriptions!

At this point Sister Beckstead told us we then had to gather EVERYTHING we own, and WASH it (all the joy!) ...So the Clements took pitty on us and let us bring all our things to their flat and wash there (because they have a dryer). We also took our coats and things to the dry cleaners. (Um.... EXPENSIVE. What?? $50+ for just my coat and the zip-out part!) Then we took ALL our bedding to a cleaner place. (Another $34 each to use their big washers and dryers!) 

So therefore, Tuesday and Wednesday were spent mainly at the Clements' flat—washing all the things we owned, and at our flat—cleaning like mad women and getting our lives back together. We thought we'd have a bunch of time for personal study, and putting together more things for our Plan of Salvation lesson - but alas, WE CLEANED. But it was good. Our flat is now free of things that weren't useful, or were just nasty and old... 

Then Thursday came around, and we were allowed out again! We had a Zone Conference which was lovely - and which I was *lucky* enough to share the spiritual thought at AND Sister Boiteux and I taught a part of our training for the day. Haha... We laughed a little when the Zone Leaders called us Wednesday night asking if we'd prepared things. It was a lovely Zone Conference though. All about "experimenting" on things we can be better at. This is something that Presient Balli has been stressing lately - starting at mission conference - "experimenting on our testimonies and how to gain more in three areas: The Doctrine of Christ, Obedience, and Expanding our Visions." So, like I said, we taught a part of this training. We taught The Doctrine of Christ. I found a scripture in D&C 88:77-80 (and 81-82) that we focused on in our few minutes. It brought some lovely discussion, and Sister Boiteux and I ended with telling an experience of how we've gained a testimony of the Doctrine of Christ and different ways we felt we could use to experiment more upon it. Good day. :)  

Later that night we were stopping by a less-active family's home, when we were greeted by two men, who, as they walked up to us said "Hey!  Are you the Mormon missionaries? We're the Jehovah's Witnesses. We don't like you!" —And this is where I have to explain. It was REALLY dark outside this house.. Ha. So, I couldn't see their faces. But they shook our hands and then the family let all of us into the house... Sister Boiteux was saying, "Oh, we don't want to bother you!  We'll come back later!" ...And then, in the light - I realized.  Brother Ngakuru.  Hahahaha.... Yup.  Brother Ngakuru and Brother Netzler are their home teachers - and were dropping by pictures of the Saviour and Temple!... #clearlynotjehovahswitnesses But we laughed. And then - as they were leaving, they whispered to us, "Hey, how are the sisters doing that got scabies?" .....What!?? HOW DO THEY KNOW THIS? ...Well, we still don't know how they knew. But somehow they found out. The day after we did!! #rumorsspreadfast

Anyhoo. It was a good day - and SISTER BALLI called us that night to see how we were doing.  Isn't she sweet? We love her. :) 

Friday brought a WHOLE NEW adventure. Starting off in Kaikohe (Thursday also started in Kaikohe with zone conference!) with .... DRIVER'S TRAINING.  Basically, the Reeve's came down from Auckland because people are reckless drivers, and so they came to lecture us a little. But no worries - I passed, and all is grand! For the rest of the day we were in the Matauri Bay area, and dropped into Te tii for the day. We have a less active (?) sister out there, so we decided to drop by to say hello. And what does she ask? "Hey - do either of you cut hair?" "Um...no?" "That's okay - I'll go get my scissors." So... we cut her hair!! (Just one of the many missionary services we do.) It definitely wasn't the best haircut ever — her scissors struggled in actually cutting straight... But we "got the curls off" as per her request! 

Aunty Luana and Her Haircut Day. :)

That night Sister AND President Balli called us to check in - but our flat still hadn't been fumigated at this point, so they were a little disappointed. Let's just day there was a lot of struggles in trying to get the Kerikeri fumigator to our flat... 

Saturday we headed to Matauri Bay again, seeing a couple of people in Kaeo, and Daniel down Martin Road. Then - when we actaully got into Matauri, we found that there were LESS than ANY people home because there was a funeral going on at the Marae. Soooo - President Himiona and his family also happened to be at the chapel - so we stopped by to say hello. They told us to go over to their house because no one would be home. So...we did. And had cake, and talked to President about the less actives that we didn't know where they lived. Good times and productive!! Oh! And... we also had a fun time with a possum on the way to President's house! Haha... So I was driving along, and there's suddenly this little animal (about the size of a squirrel/chipmunk) that dives into the road in front of the car.... So I break. Sister Boiteux reaches over and honks the horn at it.  What does it do??  ...RUNS TOWARD THE CAR. Why? Why stupid little animal? So - we both burst out laughing, she gets out of the car - it's STILL under the car. She gets her camera, and takes a picture. It then HISSES at her - so she jumps back into the car. And we drive off. It was STILL in the middle of the road behind us... #struggles. We get to the Himiona's and ask "What is this?" "It's a POSSUM. They're pests! RUN THEM OVER!" ...Yup. This is their response. 

Sunday was spent in Paihia - figuring out better ways to get lessons with one of our investigators who I've still never actually taught... he's a 14-year-old boy who comes to church every week and has expressed a desire to be baptized... but has a hard time talking with his mum about it I guess. So - hopefully something will move along with that this week. :) "Fingers crossed!* 

OOH! Ahh... And how did I forget the happiest part of the week! Haha... THURSDAY, along with Zone Conference, WE GOT MAIL! :) Soooo finally all the packages! And letters. And one from Julie Muelleck! All the excitement!! And I'm SO grateful and excited for all the things in the packages. Thank you, thank you, thank you! It was honestly JUST LIKE CHRISTMAS. Little pieces of home and happiness. You're so sweet! I don't even know how to express how grateful I am... All the nutritional supplemental things are beautiful, and I'm excited to have some again! ...So many things I've taken for granted in my life living with you people! ;) And Sister Boiteux was definitely most excited for the bag of penny candy that was given to her from the family Stay-cation. She didn't even know what "penny candy" was - but I explained it, and then she ate it. :)  

Again, I LOVE love, love all the things. I love your poem - I laughed out loud. And the little "lego missionary me?" AH! Laughed so hard! And there WILL be pictures taken. And the CHAPSTICK Leesh made - and the makeup and the mini primary song book... all the things!  

BTW: Our flat finally got fumigated THIS MORNING. (Which was an adventure... because we were originally told he would be able to get a key from someone else... but then that was false. So we had to drive back to the flat from Kaikohe - which was depressing, because we were having a really great Zone Devotional...:( ) So... we're just not allowed back in it until 3-ish or so. But that's not too hard.  

Anyhoo. It's definitely been an adventure of a week. Struggles on my part of feeling like a failure because of the lack of work (missionary related work) that got done... but then we also needed time to get ourselves cleaned up from our scabies. (Even though they didn't really seem super positive that it truly is scabies either.... But we've now been treated for it regardless!) And my stupid scabs and bites and whatever are finally going away.  *Angel choirs sing!* 

So - life is good. Definitely a new adventure every day. But good. :) 

MUCH LOVE, PEACE, AND JOY! —

Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley

Making Chicken Divine!

The Tua Children

And CUTE LITTLE BISHOP with his Boxing Gloves on.  He's President Himiona's youngest son.

THE POSSUM... On the Asphalt Under our Car.

Kia Ora!!

This week has definitely had it's UPS and DOWNS. Struggling in feeling adequate in training Sister Boiteux at times, as well as in helping her to get through tough times of her own. I've gone through feeling like a failure in finding people, or in feeling like time has been wasted driving around trying to find a less active member in our records.

I even had a miniature break-down Tuesday night after visiting Jemmeka, feeling like she no longer cared for me - because Sister O'Reilly is gone. And then driving on the way home I hit a flipping possum. (What is it with me and animals LOVING to dive in front of my car?) Sister Boiteux found it hilarious in the moment, but I definitely didn't at the time. Cute- but stupid little things possums are! So... that night was a struggle. Leading up to Wednesday morning when we had a companion study with our Zone Leaders, Elder Gerdes and now Elder Craine. I have to say that it was most definitely an inspired thing that they asked if they could have a comp study with us. They had us "prepare" something to learn about and study together, but I just went in with talking about the "Humpty Dumpty" poem you sent me mom [Atonement poem] — DEFINITELY what I needed to read that morning. So the Elders came, having happened to listen to a talk by Elder Bednar on the way to the chapel we met at. The title is "Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease," and they talked to us about that. They gave me great advice about moving forward and looking to the Atonement of Christ in all things. They helped me to feel better and gave me new things to think about - reminding me that, "There's no growing in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growing zone." Hard, but true. I hadn't planned on crying in front of the Elders... but ha. That ship sailed. But it helped. And they are wonderful.

Companion study = a wonderful and inspired thing! :)

The week since then - has been slow. But, also good. Sister Boiteux and I are getting to know each other better and learning how to teach with one another. It's weird this week - almost being at a loss of words what to say about what's gone on!

We've found a new investigator though!  His name is Craig.  Sister O'Reilly and I originally tracted into his house and met his mum - who's really not interested in being a part of any religion because "how do you know which is true when there are so many??!" — Ha.. Well, let us tell you ;)   Nah - but her son is pretty into the idea of at least listening to us. So that's been nice! We're hoping to teach the Plan of Salvation to him this week - so we'll see how it settles with him.

I've also been able to introduce Sister Boiteux to a good portion of the members in our areas - most recent being the Tua's last night. Her first meal with the Tuas :) Haha. And Brother Tua already had a necklace all made up for her! "Sweet as," right? He's just wonderful! ["Sweet as" is a NZ expression used like we use, Sweet!... expressing our likes!]

OH! AND GUESS WHAT! So... a couple of weeks ago, Elder Summers and Blandford dropped off a Maori Book of Mormon to our flat for Sister O'Reilly and me. But... that's the thing. Just one. So I let Sister O'Reilly take it. BUT - I HAVE MY VERY OWN NOW! And... it makes no sense, yet. But - I'm coming to learn a bit here and there, and it's super exciting. It's fun to at least see the different names translated into Maori - and a few words that I've been able to make out from hearing people say them here. I just love it. — I know, I know. Dad's laughing right now and saying, "See!?? I told you that you'd be learning Maori!" Yes, yes, you are right papa! I'm loving my Maori - the very little I know. I'm trying my hardest to use it when I can though!

I'm EXCITED and EXHAUSTED as a trainer. It's just made me wonder how Sister O'Reilly really truly was while we were together. I miss her a lot. But - I know Sister Boiteux and I need each other right now as well so that we can find new ways to get members more involved and to get less actives more active! (Which is a struggle I'm learning - with most of them having partners, and not wanting to get married.) But I feel Sister Boiteux is becoming more forgiving as she's realized how small our areas really are. — Just another reason as to why we have TWO areas we cover. Otherwise all the people of Matauri Bay would just be crazy sick and tired of us coming to their doors! Ha!

I have been informed by Sister Beckstead (Area Medical Mum) that my package is waiting for me, so it WILL get to me. :) (And I told her there's things in it that will help me - so I know she'll make sure it gets in the ZL's car!) And I also knew she'd be emailing you! Ha. She's adorable. She calls me from time to time, making sure everything is going okay with the bug situation. It was TWELVE?? missionaries that had chicken pox last year in NZ? I didn't realize it was that many! Haha. And I don't think we've decided what it actually is... Ha. I'm still going to say no to shingles - just cause it's only on exposed skin. So same to no with chicken pox. But Sister Beckstead did call me this week saying that "if they keep showing up, I may be quarantined" ... so that's fun! But no more have shown up just yet, so no worries. :) They really are starting to go away. Most of them have definitely scabbed over, and I just have the curse of looking like I have leporacy or something of the sort now. Yay!

One good thing that came from bugs - for a while I had a couple on my lips - which made them rather plump, if you ask me.  Hahaha... Which was nice, but also less than important being a missionary. ;) (I'm just saying though, people pay good money for stuff that does that.) ;)

And no to GPS - haha. That's definitely  not a thing. We have cute little Nokia phones - like super old school ones.  They're great. But I'm finding my way around pretty fine now. Just struggling to find the houses that don't seem to exist! ;)

And here's the short little poem I wrote a few weeks ago... I wish I could remember when exactly. But it was late at night, after I said my prayers - when I was struggling with confidence and how to teach with the Spirit. It was actually nice to find this again this morning and remind myself of the things I know my Father gave to me that night to think about. :)

My Saviour
I have a knowledge of the Spirit–
I have confidence in thee.
And with these two things,
I can be anyone I want to be!

Short and simple. :)  I'm hoping I'll be able to add a little more to it soon. We'll see. I'm going to actually put it somewhere that I can see it and think on it a bit more.

And a couple of scriptures that I came across in study this morning:

Alma 1:25 "Now, this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them."

And...

Mosiah 4:27 "...for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength."

Aaand - I'm up to Alma in the Book of Mormon now. Yay! Have I mentioned that I'm understanding the stories more than I ever have before? It's truly amazing. And wonderful, and a blessing to actually really understand what you read... haha.

Life is good. More adventures to come. More struggles and trials, I'm sure - but also more happy things on their way.

Much love to all. :)

Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley

TRAINING--WHAAA? and DRIVING!

Here's my week in a nutshell: Saying goodbyes, Gaining a new companion, TRAINING, DRIVING (ALL the driving), Hangin in the CITY (freaking out at the amount of PEOPLE), hangin' with D-Archie (not physically really hangin with him), and lots of getting used to new things and change.

*BIG BREATH/SIGH.*

Phew. It's been a week! I'm officially in my third companionship! (or second if you're one of those that doesn't count the MTC...) The beginning of this last week was spent a lot in Sister O'Reilly saying her farewells to a few of our investigators and members of branches. It was nice, but also sad. Also sad because our dear Rozanne that we have been teaching liked Sister O'Reilly VERY much -- and all I could think was "I'm still here! I'm good too!" But all is well - because she CAME TO CHURCH YESTERDAY. "Squeals of excitement and joy!* But... I'm jumping ahead of myself.

Sister O'Reilly and I were able to see Daniel again before she left, read more with him in the Book of Mormon, and pinpoint more ways we can help him to progress. I'm still not positive on if those ways are working completely but -- we'll see when we go to visit him tomorrow!

Wednesday night was insane, helping Sister O'Reilly with her packing and all the things... And then Thursday came, waking up at 5:45 in the morning to leave by 6:30 to Auckland for TRANSFER MEETING...

So, as a trainer, you're put in a room - you have NO idea who your trainee is going to be. You're just standing there, waiting for your trainee to come in who has seen a picture of your face that morning and learned your name.

Sister Boiteux. (Like saying "Bought - two" but without the double "t" sound.) A french name, yes - but guess what? She's definitely from UTAH. Haha. Herriman to be exact!  Good times :) And she's wonderful. She came up to me and immediately asked about our area and how the work was going. She's ready and excited, and exactly who I knew was supposed to come into my life right now. And I feel the spirit confirm that to me each and every time I say it! She's wonderful, and I'm so grateful for her. We have SO many of the same likes and qualities like each other - and we continue finding out more things each day.  She's 19, finished her first year at UVU back home and seems to love all things. Ha.  We've had many great laughs together and are excited for more. She was also in the same district I was back in the MTC (Nephi district UNITE!)  Aaand - so she had some of the same teachers. This means Sister Niutua [teacher]. And so we have some of the same ideas of things we want to get done while on the mission.
LESS ACTIVES are a BIG one in both of our areas - so we've already made a goal to start finding ways of helping them come back. But - we're also excited to find new people and work in planting more seeds :)

Transfer meeting was BRILLIANT, and because there was such a change-over of missionaries, they made this transfer also into a mission meeting - so even the missionaries not being transferred in anyway came. AND because there were certain speakers here for Time Out For Women down in Auckland Saturday, they CAME TO SPEAK TO US TOO. Sister and Brother Dalton, Sister and Brother Swinton (wrote Pres. Monson's biography), Sister Sandra and Brother Turley (she's a broadway singer, who I've actually worked with at BYU before... ALL the love).

THEY are all SO wonderful. And I got to shake the Dalton's hands. And things Sister Dalton said to Sister Boiteux and I: That she could tell we were great companions -- she didn't know we had just met a couple hours before the meeting with them. And she told us that we had a beautiful light about us. While she was on the stand she also looked directly at me and smiled, and it was possibly one of the most beautiful moments of my existence. She's wonderful, and brings so much peace and joy and happiness.

Anyhoo. So - After transfers, I was certified. TO DRIVE (on the "right" - meaning "left" side of the road). ALL THE WEIRDNESS. Really truly. Driving in New Zealand is insane! Lanes are smaller... But... I passed. And then I drove home (meaning, back to Kerikeri) without killing any of us! Yay! It's TRUE that the Lord is always with us. Haha... I really wasn't that bad. But I'm lucky to have a wonderful district leader who GETS ME and when he sees the stress in my eyes - he made sure he never ever was too far ahead of me following him home that night.  Elder Summers is wonderful, and I'm SO super grateful he's still in our district (this will be his 3rd? transfer here, thus - my worry he would be leaving...)


We spent Friday doing weekly planning and in Paihia for a few hours, and then.... BACK TO AUCKLAND. Yes, yes it was a little crazy to have to drive ALL THE WAY BACK - but, because our mission LOVES us, we, as sisters, were able to attend "Time Out for Women" Saturday. So we drove back down to stay with our sister training leaders for the night.

Time Out For Women.
A conference of joy and greatness. The above people spoke, as well as BRAD WILCOX, Sister Sheri Dew! (via Skype, because of some things she wasn't able to get away from in Salt Lake...), and DAVID ARCHULETA.  Yes, my friends - He is everywhere. Haha.

There were so many wonderful messages shared of the Spirit.  Of having Faith to continue on, and in gaining peace and faith through trial and hard times.  ...I'm hoping to write out a better letter talking more about my experience at this conference, as it really truly was something that I know I needed at this time... It was a comfort, a faith builder, and a strength in helping me realize that I CAN be a good trainer, and that I CAN let my voice be heard.

These are the things I've struggled with this week. Because: Honesty moment -- When President Balli called that Sunday night to tell Sister O'Reilly and me our new assignments, after hanging up the phone, and bursting into tears... I was terrifed and overwhelmed and just didn't know how to take it. My DEAR mum helped me through that moment, just hugging me and telling me she knew where I was coming from. But the thing was - I wasn't necesssarily scared of the people I would be teaching, but of not knowing where to go [driving] - because, let's be real, it doesn't matter where I am - I'm directionally challenged. (Haha.)  But I got over it. I took a breath, and when I said my prayers before bed that night, I knew it would all be okay. I honestly felt like I was being given a hug and told that I would be able to overcome my fears, and that I would know where to go.

Training is difficult.  Not in the ways I thought it would be -- in helping her open her mouth and whatnot, because that's not the struggle for her --- but in trying to let my voice be heard still. Ha. I'm just... so quiet. But it's okay. I'm learning, and Sister Boiteux is too. That's one thing that she seems to be worried about - the fact that I've only been out 6 weeks. But I keep assuring her that it doesn't matter - because we're here to teach each other and learn from each other and to bring people to Christ.

So - life is crazy. Time Out for Women is inspired (OH and crazy lucky and a blessing that we were able to go - because it only comes to Auckland every other year - and missionaries usually aren't able to go...) And then we drove back home again.

And Sunday came and I was crazy - I left my BADGE AT THE FLAT. *Grumbles of anger at self.* And then realized when we were... almost half way to Paihia. *Grumbles.* So we turned around. And then were almost late to church *more grumbles* ... and found out that if it were not for Camilla going... *ANGEL CHOIRS* - our dear Rozanne would have left without attending church because we weren't there. But she welcomed her in, and therefore gained a friend! ALL THE GLORIES.

Lessons: Sometimes even when you're under stress and frustrated with yourself, the Lord blesses you and sends someone else to help even a little more, to be friends with your investigator, to help her feel more included in things!

Anyhoo. This is my life. :)  And I'm excited for the new things coming up. And also: no worries - we haven't gotten lost yet with me driving. Haha... I panicked once - but we weren't actually lost :) WIN.

And FYI - my weird bug bites are mostly in exposed areas of skin -- Fun fact, I only have ONE single bite where my garments touch my skin. I have bites along the edge of where my sleeves hit my arms, but not under! (They really truly are "magic underwear"!!!) But I've also gotten new bug bites - ones that I know are fleas from the description of what they look like... Elder Clements just keeps telling me that I'm "too sweet!" And that's why I keep getting all the bites.  All the mysteries.

I hope all is well back home with all the things.

MUCH LOVE!
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley

BUG (?) BITES, SERVING, EXPLORING NEW PLACES, AND NEW ADVENTURES ON THE WAY!! :)

Goodness gracious. It's been one INSANE week! I'm fairly certain I say this every week, but I honestly can't believe that another week has gone by. Time has never moved this quickly before.


So - First, as a district with our Zone leaders, and the senior couple (the Clements) in our district, we went to Rainbow Falls last week. OH THE BEAUTY. I'm hoping to go back again someday when it's actually sunny, rather than rainy. But it's gorgeous, and it was so fun to have that last get together - as Elder Reinen leaves TOMORROW. So sad. He will be missed! But all is well - the work continues on, and we will receive another inspired Zone Leader this week at transfers....
Yes. Yes, I did just say transfers. It's already been SIX WEEKS. What is life?
Anyhoo - more on that later.
Tuesday we had a wonderful district meeting and watched a talk given by President Eyring in a priesthood session of conference titled "Act in All Diligence." The talk is addressed toward priesthood holders, but it is also pretty great advice toward missionaries as well (and could definitely be just applied into anyone's life, really). Anyhoo - It's definitely worth a read! Or watch, or listen :)
We were also able to see Daniel this week!! - I don't think I mentioned it, but we haven't been able to see him for the last two weeks. And it was pretty sad, cause we kind of felt like he was running away from it a little bit. But he got back from visiting his aunt, and we were able to catch up with him. And yesterday we started reading the Book of Mormon with him - as he had started, but didn't understand it.  Sooo now he said that he kind of gets the storyline, that he will read so we can talk about what he's read more! Yay!
Wednesday. They never cease to be amazing. EVEN WHEN they start out crappy. So: Fun fact, this cold I've had is a struggle to get rid of this time around. And by Wednesday my bug? bites were a confusion and annoying and itchy and painful. So... Sister Ottley became a bit overwhelmed. And so at the beginning of companion study, which consisted of reading a section in the white handbook about Priesthood blessings, Sister O'Reilly asked if I would like the Elders to come over and give me a blessing. Definitely the best thing she could have offered. So - Elder Summers and Elder Blandford came over  before going on their way that day, and gave me a beautiful blessing of comfort - that I WOULD get better and that my bug bites WOULD heal. But - just so long as I had patience with it. I laughed a little at that part in the blessing. But I know it's true. I was also told that my Father is mindful of those things that I want to accomplish, and that I will through Faith. The Priesthood is wonderful, isn't it? And then, of course - singing at BayCare Rest Home. Even with my poor sick voice, it was wonderful. Their happy faces are just bright and wonderful.  After singing, we dropped by our dear Marion's home to help her cut down a flower-tree-bush-type plant, which was wonderfully exciting.  The service life is exciting - mixing it up a bit from teaching lessons and just sitting down!
And then - Wednesday night. We had a conference call with all the new missionaries in my intake. SO - I got to HEAR THEIR VOICES AGAIN. (Note: See picture of me excitedly pointing to our phone.) This is me when Sister Lott was on the line!!!! We were able to share "miracle moments" we have had so far on the mission with each other, and it was just so truly wonderful! :)

Thursday came with MUCH new adventure: RUSSELL!  So: Fun fact, Russell is also another area I cover. But it's counted within the Paihia Branch. However, we don't go to Russell super often because you either have to go around the bay - making it a crazy long trip, and probably not worth the petrol - OR you take the BOAT FERRY. ALL THE EXCITEMENT. Why is this cool you ask? Because Missionaries aren't allowed on boats. Haha. But we are - with our little car, taking us across the bay over to Russell. It was great. And terrifying. And I'm a little terrified for the day when I have to drive the car onto the boat ferry. But Russell is BEAUTIFUL. Paihia is quiet, but Russell is even MORE so. Gorgeous views, and lots of lookouts to see beautiful views. (See pictures of a flag memorial, a large sundial, and just...beautiful things.)We were able to meet a girl named Faith here who apparently attended Seminary with her friends in high school—true dedication and friends she really must have been fond of to go to early morning seminary when you're not even a member! But she's super sweet, and I'm hoping to see her again one day! We also met an 85 year old man named Peter, who referred to himself as a "Bush Baptist" - aka: A "nothing," but he still took our Book of Mormon when he found out it was free and told us he would read it for more knowledge!

FRIDAY. Here's the real exciting stuff. A day that I kind of ...really disliked. Because it was much too focused on me. This morning we called Sister Beckstead (our mission medical "mom" of sorts) and told her about my bites — because after asking quite a few locals, and ALL of them saying, "That's no flea bite," - I started getting a little annoyed with the things. And paranoid. Let's be real. So, she told us to head to the Chemist (aka: pharmacist) to see if they could look and determine what kind of bites they were. Nope. (Mysteries of my life.) But they said it "could be an allergic reaction to having Strep..." So we called Sister Beckstead again, she said, "Let's go to the doctor just in case." ...And she got me an appointment at an impressively quick speed at Kerikeri Medical Centre. So we went. They said, "It could be chickenpox...?" and then, "But it didn't come with a fever... and didn't go all over your body," and then "Your throat looks fine — not strep" ... and then, "Well, we'll give you a prescription for calamine lotion and an antihistamine." Because the only thing they could think it would be is an allergic reaction from something else that bit me.#thisismylife#nooneknowswhatswrong#ever. Hahaha... I laughed.
But all is well. The bites are still annoying - and they look more like tiny blisters than bites. Fun times! They'll go away though. :) And I'm getting over the cold. Slowly but surely. — Did I ever tell you I found something similar to Airborne? It's called "Berocca" - and has Vitamin B, Zinc, Magnesium and... something else. It's actually quite nice!
Saturday was a struggle - as Sister O'Reilly became a little sicker. So, we spent a bit of the day resting, trying to get over the exhaustion that came over life. But: This was truly great, because we felt better Sunday and were able to go to church, have a wonderful lesson with our dear Jemeeka (I believe I spelled her name wrong last week...) and then to dinner at the Tua's!  — Because, fun fact: It was BROTHER TUA'S BIRTHDAY! — And we made him a cake. Which was also an adventure in and of itself, because well.... lets just put it: We're glad our flat is still standing. Haha.  Dodgy oven, that doesn't so much have any indication on it as to "what temperature the oven is at in this current moment." .... But we got the cake cooked! And it was delicious. :)
NOW. (Goodness - I'm sorry I'm insanely wordy today.)
LAST NIGHT (Sunday). Well - preface: Sister O'Reilly had told me that, "If you're getting transferred, President calls Wednesday, and we leave Thursday for the transfer meeting in Auckland. But if you're becoming a trainer, he'll call Monday." ...So - SUNDAY night: We're planning for what we're doing today, yes? And "PRESIDENT BALLI" pops up on the phone. My stomach jumped and Sister O'Reilly's face LIT UP.  I was just thinking, "But - wait! It's not Monday OR Wednesday!"
"Sisters! I have new assignments for both of you! You'll BOTH be training again!  - Sister Ottley, for the first time of course."
WAIT NOW. WHAT??
Family and friends, I'm going to be TRAINING a new missionary by the end of this week! WHAT IS THIS LIFE.
I have no more words for this moment.
Sister O'Reilly is being transferred to Papatoetoe - the farthest SOUTH you can go in our mission (haha), and I will be staying in the Kaikohe zone, but training a new sister. Life is exciting. And terrifying. And so great. And weird. ALL THE EMOTIONS!!
And... Will someone also update me on Rach and Gordon and Cord and Janine?
I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!!
(Many prayers appreciated. ;)...)
I'm excited to report how the rest of the week goes — Oh, and also: I may be seeing David Archuleta. :)   haha... life is great.

ALL THE LOVE!!! <>  — (That's a hug, by the way)  <> <> <> <> XOXO
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley

Fleas are the DEVIL!!

Yup. Pretty sums up how I feel about the little buggers (ha "bug"-gers). They're quite similar to mosquito bites, but possibly a little more annoying because they bite you multiple times. Yay fun! But no worries, I've pulled out the TerraShield and Lavendar, and they seem to help - and I'm sure they'll soon be working miracles! :) 

First, to get a few things out of the way and out of my head:
My blue [lightweight travel] towel — I keep forgetting to mention this. Fun fact, it's actually great. At first I kept thinking "yeah...I may be getting something that will dry me off a bit faster" - but then I realize how lucky I am to have a towel that DRIES SO FAST.  So... winner winner!

That leads me to: "I solemnly swear I will never again complain about something 'taking too long to dry in the dryer." Why?  Because we don't have one. Haha. We hang dry all our clothes. Which also brings me to: "I AM SO GRATEFUL WE HAVE A WASHING MACHINE!" Oh goodness me. 

THIS WEEK. I have become better friends with the members of our branches - particularly with the kids. Haha. The Matauri Bay Branch is half made up of two families, lets be real - the Branch President's and Brother Tua's family (which, by the way - you can see the BEAUTIFUL hand-crafted necklace he made for me and Sister O'Reilly). And they are all wonderful.  This week on Monday, we were able to be part of a FHE with the Himiona (President of Matauri) family and the Nordstrom family (another family in the branch). And between the two families, there's 12 kids! I felt right at home! Haha.  We played a few games and had a message and it was grand ol' fun! :)  

Handcrafted Necklaces

That night, the STL's (Sister Training Leaders) also joined us in our area, for the beginning of.... TRADE-OFFS! Can you believe it? I've been out long enough to have done trade-offs! (Aka: When Sister O'Reilly and I trade companions with the STL's for a day.) So, on Tuesday, Sister Hauglid (from Sandy, Utah) was my companion. And she's wonderful, and so happy, and uplifting, and my age. :)

Honestly, before the day came, I was terrified to be away from Sister O'Reilly, because I've gotten so used to how we teach together, and also because: my knowledge of the area and my sense of direction? Haha....I think if you know me, you know why I laugh at this. :) But it turned out JUST fine. I know where things are in Paihia better than I think - and it was also helpful being with Sister Hauglid because of the fact that my area is also where she started her mission off a year and a half ago. :)  — Yes, she goes home NEXT WEEK. Insane. So she was able to help me decipher where to go and the best way to go about it. 

She also helped me so much. We all know I struggle with confidence - just in the way of talking to people and such. But one thing that she would say to me all day was, "Give yourself permission to be confident," and Sister Heal, who is Sister Hauglid's "normal" companion, always says, "Fake it till you make it" - something that I've always had a negative feeling toward of sorts. But, thinking of it in the way of making yourself have that confidence, even if you don't feel it's completely there —that's when I've realized I actually can SPEAK WORDS. Ha.  I don't know if that actually makes sense — but it's true. I keep giving myself permission, and I know it will keep working within me! 

Sister O'Reilly, Me, Sister Heal, & Sister Hauglid on Trade-offs

This week we also had the pleasure of meeting with a new investigator, Rozanne.  She's an older lady (73-ish) and wasn't, before now, open to learning much about the church - but we're working on her.  This week we told her we sang at the resthome, and she came to listen and sing with us! And after - she invited us to lunch at her house with her and her husband, Peter. They're so lovely. And just happy and have had SUCH COOL LIVES. They've literally traveled the world - partly by boat, and lived out on the sea for what sounds like quite a few years.  Peter was part of a big sea voyage, and is even in a book!  They're just incredible, and we love hearing their stories and great things each time we meet. Another fun thing: Sister O'Reilly mentioned she played guitar back home, to which Rozanne said "Oh! I have one - would you like to take it while you're here and play it? I never play it anymore and it should be used.."  Sooooo we have a guitar now :) HAPPY DAY! And we're planning on jamming today for P-day with Elder Reinen. :) Elder Reinen LEAVES NEXT WEEK. :( Sad face. (Our little Texan Zone Leader.) :)

Sister O'Reilly and I have come up with chords and a few different ways of playing some hymns, and Elder Reinen is going to bring his Children's songbook today (which has chords) and we're going to sing and play together, and we're just so excited. It's been a while since I've picked up a guitar, but I've missed it, and I've already learned a few cool picking things from Sister O'Reilly! 

Other things this week = Tracting adventures. Tracting, in all honesty, isn't always super effective. It works out better when people have referrals for you - but all is well! The work must go on. (Aw... just like in Theatre!) So, this week we started off tracting along Matauri Bay road, down by the actual bay. (Matauri Bay road is...really long.) Here we found many long and steep driveways.  Haha. But all is good.  We made it into an adventure - and even though we found "no one" interested there, it was fun to get to know each other a bit more, and also: an opportunity to find SHELLS. Because, see, we're not allowed on the beaches... so where I find shells is along roadsides. And I've found some pretty great ones. ALL the excitement. You've never seen a shell until you've seen New Zealand shells. The "smallest" one I've found is the equivilant of a "HUGE" one in Bear Lake. It's great.  And also 10x thicker!

Now, for successful tracting: In Paihia we met a new potential investigator this week! Her name is Halisa, and she just had a new little baby, and was waiting for her partner to get back from his training this week - he's in the army, and hadn't met his new little girl yet!  We were so excited for him! Aaaand - we became friends! Hopefully more to come next week on her and her little ones.  :) 

Interesting thing of the week: Chris. Ha.  Ahhhh Chris. He's a man we met after getting some ice cream Friday night last week. While Sister O'Reilly was waiting for me to get my ice cream, she had started talking to him- by the time I got there, he had found out we were missionaries and began lecturing us about religion. (Yay!)  All the good times. He's a very strong man of "fact" - and went on a SUPER CRAZY LONG SCHPEAL about how our "beliefs have no fact or evidence to them" and  how "the only fact there is, is on the walls of Luxor" where something is inscribed about the "original Christ-figure" - and how there's been "so many different Christ-figures after this original one" ...and then continued to tell us that he believes in Santa Clause more than Jesus Christ.  ...Also: He believed in God - but also science - but thinks Darwin is crazy. And continued to explain to us the why of all the things. ...Yes, thank you. (We want to leave.) We started to ask if he'd ever read the Book of Mormon, to which he responded "Oh, I speak 22 different languages and  I've read over 50 different bibles, including yours, and there's no evidence to any of them." Dear sir, CLEARLY you weren't reading ANY of them for the right reason.  And how do you know that your "FACTS" you get from the INTERNET *cough* are "correct" ???? ... *sigh* LIFE. So....To sum it up, we were rather EXHAUSTED after talking to him this night. EXHAUSTED. 

But: We learned from this man. When we got back to the car, we realized how much our faith had been strengthened because NONE of what he said mattered. We KNOW what we believe, and we KNOW that Jesus Christ died for our sins - that He IS the Saviour, and that He lives and loves each one of us. We know that the message we share, and religion in anyone's life is important - because it gives us all something to work toward.  Living by the facts of man alone isn't going to get you anywhere - because what's the point if you don't pay gratitude to the one who STARTED IT ALL?  

Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways :) And sometimes those ways are just what we need. Really and truly.  It's just great. :) 

I have also officially hit ONE MONTH of being IN THE FIELD.  WHAAAA? Crazy things. :) And exciting things. And just plain weird. Haha. 

And then...this brings us to yesterday. 
Sunday is always a wonderfully special day. I've always loved it (okay - maybe not always... there was a point in life that church was just boring) but I enjoy it even more now. It's just uplifting and great - and especially Fast and Testimony meeting. There's a boy named Ezra in the Paihia Branch who is preparing to leave on his mission later on this month, and he went to the temple this past weekend. Goodness seeing this boy grow week by week is crazy cool. He's going to be SUCH an amazing missionary, and we're just SO excited for him. Like - over the moon excited!!

After church, we were able to stop in and see a few people including Tunisia (Ta-nee-see-ah)! She's adorable. And still very pregnant. But due this week! And we got to actually talk with her Partner, Tim, too! We have SO MUCH HOPE in this couple. Because we started off teaching her about the Plan of Salvation my FIRST week here - and because of the whole thing of this is their first child (a little girl!) we know that she's going to read more in the pamphlet we gave her and just look at her little girl and just want it all. We're SO KEEN. 

Life is great.  But also hard. Ha. This is why I love emailing, Cause I see how great our weeks really are. We actually struggled quite a bit this week, having moments of not knowing where to go or what to do again - thus, resulting in the final bit of our night last night. 

Our DEAR Sister Pamela White. At the end of church, I think she could tell we were a bit run down, and she invited us over for dinner to break our fast. After dinner, we wanted to help her clean up - but she said "oh, no no - it's the sabbath. It's all fine." And then, upon finding out we had no set appointments last night, she asked if we would like to watch a movie. 

So - lets be real for a minute here, this may not have been the most effective use of our time as missionaries.  However, I truly know it was something we needed. Pamela White is most definitely our angel of the week (...also every week). So, we watched 17 Miracles. And it boosted our spirits and made us realize, "Dang. We have it easy. Lets get to work!" 

Side note... I ATE FISH (flounder) FROM THE BONE YESTERDAY. And dang. It was good.

I also ATE MUSCLES.   (Like - the seafood kind.) Kind of salty - kind of slimy, but oddly enough I liked it. Haha. Good times. 

Life is just wonderful, and the work keeps moving - but only if we all do our part to keep it going that way. 

I TRULY know that we have a loving Heavenly Father who leads and guides us in every which way we need to go. I know he listens to our questions and pleadings, and blesses us with angels along the way. I also know that ALL of you are those angels for me. Though I struggle with confidence in talking with people that I don't know, I know the Lord has helped me in so many ways and will continue to help me build that confidence and motivate me as I become more diligent. Life is beautiful, the gospel is a BLESSING, and even though I really truly and honestly miss home a lot right now - I know this is where I need to be. I know there are people to find, and I know, more than ever, that I WANT THEM TO HAVE WHAT I HAVE.  The thing that I have been blessed with my entire life, and honestly have taken for granted for most of it.  

I love you all. :)  

MUCH AROHA,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
"Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on yourself."
—President Dieter F. Uchtdorf