Anyhoo. Conference was brilliant! I think this is literally the most excited I have ever been for General Conference!
Last MONDAY for P-day we went to the Stone Store again. It's beautiful – and we actually got to go into the STORE part this time. Haha. We also had to bring our dear Flo (our car) to the doctor (Ford dealership). Because she's been struggling. But all is well! She just had some rocks and dirt stuck in her – which resulted in making awful grinding noises and struggling up hills. This is more than likely due to our lives on dirt roads and large pot-holes in Matauri Bay. :) We also met up with the district before the Stone Store at this ice-cream place in Waipapa. There's different ice-cream challenges you can do there – and Elder Shannon TOOK ONE ON. 15 (or maybe even 16?) scoops of ice-cream (and the owner of this place – man, his version of a "scoop" is GIANT!). And Elder Shannon ate it in SIXTEEN MINUTES!! He looked like he was going to die afterwards and Sister Pointer was convinced he was going to spew – but, he's strong. And man – I still can't even believe he did it!!
TUESDAY'S wisdom from District Meeting? From Elder Shannon: "Do your best and the Lord will do the rest!" –And then he mentioned that he's heard that quote from someone before, but couldn't remember who – so we could just attribute it to him. Haha. He's a funny one. :) But this came about as we all talked about the TWE goal for the week. (And this is where one of your "Stake President Tips" came into play this week mum!) We were challenged by our Zone/District leaders to "get 700 TWE collectively between the zone for the week." That's 100 TWE per companionship!! What's "TWE" you ask? TWE = "TALK WITH EVERYONE!" Yup. It's a struggle for me. And I was overwhelmed by the idea. And stressing – in all honesty. Not because I'm not getting better at it, but because "100" was a large number! ...But – more to come on this note later. :)
Our dear Zone Leaders, Elder Crane and Chong-nee, came over Wednesday for a companion study – because, lets be real, Elder Crane has an eye and a spiritual talent for "seeing into Sister Ottley's soul and knowing when she's going to break down next." – No worries. There was no breakdown. Ha. But they came over and helped us with ideas of how to TWE. And they even then went out with us to TWE for a bit in Kerikeri. #helpfulthings. It was great.
Anoter great moment with meeting people in Keri this fine morning – Sister Pointer and I helped a couple who were setting up a booth for "Kiwi Awareness Month." AND... I GOT TO SEE A KIWI BIRD!! Granted, it was stuffed – as in taxidermy-style. But, at least I've offically seen what a real Kiwi bird looks like, and how big they are. Now my true search can begin.... And the man we talked to about kiwis and the gospel was really sweet. Not interested right now – but talked with us about a few things. :)
As our WEDNESDAY continued on, and we talked with more people on the streets than we have in a while, (and it's still a trial for me – mostly because I just don't like bugging people that are clearly busy or on their way somewhere). But we took it in stride. And met some lovely people!
We also got to see our dear Stella Kake – a member in Paihia. And we had a great talk with her. And I just love her SO much. Also – side note: She's going to take us and the Clements' POSSUM TRAPPING one P-day in the future. #thingsineverthoughtiwoulddo #especiallyonthemission #what?
We also saw Aunty Apiata (Wednesdays are generally pretty packed for us). And have I ever told you about her crazy cool spiirtual gifts? She's able to see the "pain and inner beauty" of anyone and everyone. Example? I walk into her house, give her a hug, as we sit down on the couch, she looks at me and says, "Is your back sore?" ....I hadn't done anything to make her see that. Haha. But she's sweet – and gave me some new things to make my back not sore. I don't know what I would do without my dear Aunty. :) (She also calls me her niece now. Haha.)
We finally got to see Daniel THURSDAY – it's been a while, sadly. But guess what? He STOPPED SMOKING —— for three days. And started again. BUT it's a start! And we're excited. Because we know he can do it. And his parents are apparently trying to quit as well – *blessings* So, we're hoping that support will help him in the ways of continuously trying to quit as well.
We also visited Daniel's baby LAMBS. Theyre' just too cute. I can't handle it. And I got a picture of them. And a video.
FRIDAY was spent in the flat. :( Sister Pointer's knee was acting up and therefore, we called Sister Bath (our new medical mum!) and she said, "Stay in, and get better!" – But we had to go out to get some ibuprofen and whatnot to make the inflamation go down.... (Fun fact: It's hard to find ice-packs and ace bandages here in the north... not sure about somewhere closer to Auckland. But it was a struggle.) And then we iced, propped up, and rested her knee for the day. Sister Pointer has a knee injury that acts up sometimes...(sad face for her). So - we studied things, and made wall collages out of old Ensign pictures that have been left in the flat. ART. So of course I was in heaven. And my wall is now filled with uplifting pictures that make me happy. Also: This painting I found in an Ensign by Liz Lemon Swindle (SHE'S MY FAVOURITE OF ALL FAVOURITE) of Emma and Joseph. It's called "But In a Small Moment" ...? I think? Something along those lines. It's beautiful. And I hope to actually own a real print of it one day.
Then: SATURDAY and SUNDAY, oh my heart. General Conference. It was brilliant. And I nearly cried watching President Monson – but I was grateful for the warning mum. Because I would have been ONLY panicking, rather than listening to his beautiful words on being a light during that beautiful Sunday morning session. I'm grateful and excited for the new apostles that addressed us, and I'm excited to get to know them by how they speak as I have the others!
Also: PONDERIZING. How BRILLIANT is that? I'm so excited. What's everyone's scriptures going to be this week? I'm still deciding.... But I'm thinking D&C 84:85-86. The Spirit in Missionary work! :)
"Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man. ... Therefore, let no man among you, for this commandment is unto all the faithful who are called of God in the church unto the ministry, from this hour take purse or scrip, that goeth forth to proclaim this gospel of the kingdom." —D&C 84:85-86
We were also very loved by our dear Paihia branch this weekend, and invited for multiple meals! Camilla and Boss Going and Albie and Heather Dixon invited us for both meals Sunday – and it was lovely to get to know them all a bit better. Sister Pointer and I have decided we want to be like Camilla when we grow up. (Ha) — She's Sister and Brother White's daughter. They have 4 ADORABLE children: Ezekiel, Sarai, Xavier, and Kyla. OH the adorableness.
So it's been a wonderful week. And I'm excited for the continuing things that help us along in the future. I was overwhelmed in the beginning with our TWE goals. And in the end, we honestly didn't make it to 100 as a companionship. HOWEVER. One of the things I have gained from this challenge this week is that: THERE ARE BLESSINGS THAT COME FROM TRYING. We tried harder than we have been – and the Lord not only led us to people, but led people to us! Did you CATCH that?? There were actually people that CAME TO US!! (These things almost never happen.) It's been grand though. :) We also found out that there was a CRUISE SHIP that came in on Friday....the day we were in the flat. #sadthings But more people are starting to come out with the LOVERLY and BEAUTIFUL weather we are having. :) (How's your October in Utah? Haha.) It's still weird for me that it's October and going into summer.....
Anyhooo. I'll stop rambling. Each week I tell myself, "Okay – you're going to be better about not talking for ten years." Ha. Fail. But – Mum, I partially blame you for all my words I have to share. ;) (But of course – not a bad blame.) A good one. ;) The writer side of me actually coming through! –Speaking of, there's a poem that's been forming in my mind this week. About happiness. We'll see what comes of it. ;)
And one more thing I i forgot to mention: MIRACLE MUD. TELL EVERYONE THEY SHOULD CONVERT TO REDMOND CLAY! Haha. It takes away the itch of bugs!! There were a few nights last week I couldn't sleep because the flea bites were itching SO MUCH – but then I started putting on mud and washing it off before bed – and no more waking up!! It's amazing stuff! And just brilliant!
Arohanui,
Sister Mckenzie Ottley :)
PS. "Arohanui" is the basically the equivalent of "Love you HEAPS!" ;)
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