I am SPOILED! Spoiled In BLESSINGS, in LEARNING, and ... most definitely in LOVE!! on my Birthday. :)
Ponderize this week on Divine Nature: "...Be partakers of the divine nature... And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." —2 Peter 1:4-8
It's been a good, sad, and long, but also short week, all at the same time. Ha. It's funny how things can happen like that at times! But I'll explain further.
Last MONDAY on P-day, Sister Pointer and I made a TEMPLE COUNTDOWN white paper chain — because, yes, we're 5-years-old, and also really excited to go to the Temple again in a few weeks! We also found out for us in the north our official Temple day is the 8th of December :) Party on! #Excitement #RoadTripToHamilton
TUESDAY this week resulted in ALL the walking. But hey – we talked to more people than we normally do in a day, so it was nice! We walked from back behind the chapel, over to Waitangi, made a few visits, and walked back. It really isn't all that long – just not something we always do. But – we've now done it a few times, and it's really quite nice. We also got to catch our dear James Puru at home for a minute to share a message with him – and set for SURE with him that we would be having a lesson with him the next day. (He said yes. Brilliant!) Another win for the day! AND I GOT KATRINA'S CHOCOLATE AFGHAN COOKIE RECIPE. #Excitement. I just hope I can make them as good as her one day. She's adorable. And then our dear Kresta. We missed her. (She's a Less Active in Paihia.) And fun fact Mum, you're now being followed by New Zealanders!! Haha. Kresta was telling us how she's OBSESSED with quotes – so I had her look you up on Instagram. Fun fact: I didn't think it would be filled with ME! Ha. You're hilarious. But we laughed, and she was excited to go on and read quotes. So you'll have to keep an eye out for her. Kresta Park. I'm not sure what her insta-name is...
And then came WEDNESDAY.... We'll come back :)
THURSDAY was a day of sickness for Sister Pointer, as was half of FRIDAY: (Sister Pointer wasn't feeling well.) But we still made the best of it and decorated for Christmas – because the $2 shop is our FRIEND. And we found a mini Christmas tree for $4. His name is Douglas. (Ha.)
SATURDAY we finally made it out to Matauri Bay for the week, and dropped in to see our dear Eddy Jones at his Nursery (as in a garden nursery). And he spoiled us – giving us Silver Beet, Kale, and Cauliflower. #HealthyThings #Excitement
Dropping into see Uncle Hohepa again was a treat as well — he generally always brings out some sort of food for us. #ClassicMaori This time he even included fancy "wine" – aka: Sparkling grape juice. Ha. He's a crack-up! With him this time we jumped into a discussion of Maori culture and Genesis. "I am the land and the land is me." "I am the earth and the earth is me." "I am the water and the water is me." ...I actually really truly enjoy learning about Maori culture. It's interesting. And it goes along with gospel principles (especially the Plan of Salvation) really quite nicely. We've just gotta find more ways of making them realize that ;)
Saturday we also dropped into see the Himiona's (as in President Himiona and Laura) – which ended up being a night they all needed an uplifting message for some things they are going through. We always love seeing our dear Himionas :)
But: Another big thing of the night: I'm OFFICIALLY becoming friends with Te Manakau! ("Hope" in Maori – I'm not entirely positive on the spelling of her name...) She's their little baby girl, and VERY partial to her parents – rather shy around the missionaries. But, we found a common ground. BIG HERO 6. *Fist-bump* "Ba-la-la-la-la!" THAT'S RIGHT. Disney, if only you knew how much you've truly done for me in my life! Haha... Good times :) I then spent the night playing with Hope and Bishop (youngest son – 3 years old) – having them show all their toys to me, reading books, and all that jazz :) #FUNNEST #MissedIt
SUNDAY, our dear Camilla Going gave a BEAUTIFUL talk on "Creating a Home of Conversion" – apparently based on a talk that's in the "New Zealand Local Section" of March's Ensign earlier this year. A talk by Rosemary M. Wixom. I'm gonna see if I can still find it! But it was brilliant. Placing the words creating, home, and conversion, all together just makes for a lovely visual for me :)
Anyhoo. BACK to WEDNESDAY. I don't want to make it sound like I'm all prideful of my birthday. Ha. But it was just a really fun day – I was spoiled in SO many ways. We woke up, opened presents – the theme this year was apparently "Stickers" Haha. #LoveIt Sister Pointer made me pancakes, we had personal study, and then the Elders came over for companion study – and at the end the other Sisters showed up with chocolate chip pancakes, strawberries, cupcakes, and juice! And a balloon! (Just one – because they were too sick to blow up anymore than that... ha. So sad.) #SPOILED. So we had a mini party all together.
We then ran on our way to BayCare for singing. We sang and Arthur, once again, cried at the end of "God Be With You" and shaking my hand. It breaks my heart, and makes me happy at the same time every week – just because I know he feels what we feel! Then, one of the careworkers had mentioned to us that Geoff wanted to come in to hear us, but was stuck in bed — so we jumped down the hall to give him his own song :) We sang "Be Still My Soul" — and I almost started crying when we were 10 seconds in. I just LOVE the people there so much. They're the CUTEST and most brilliant people, and it makes me so happy to go and sing to/with them :) It makes me wish I would have thought to sing at Grandma's care center!
Birthday Present Lesson: James Puru. Normally, with James, if he hasn't done his reading he just sends us away – but this day: He did not! He said "Ah — I haven't done my reading. What if we read it together?" So we did :) And had a great discussion. #BestBirthdayPresent
Our dear Sister Pam and Brother Aubry White then had us over for lunch, after which Camilla and the kids (Ezekiel, Sarai, Xavier, and Kayla) came over and put together an "ice-cream cake" for me! — Different from the type of ice-cream cake we have. Literally just ice-cream from the square container on a plate and decorated with Lollies and 100's & 1000's of sprinkles. :) CUTEST. Sarai also brought me A PRESENT. It was a muscle shell, and 2 little other ones that she gathered from the beach for me. Cutest? Cutest :)
Later that night we were able to spend time with Camilla and the kids again - as they had signed up to feed us/teach a lesson for the night. Great thing about this – Kayla, the little baby girl who's very similar to Hope Himiona and attached to her mum and shy with missionaries — became better friends with me! At one point in the night they were playing with hotwheels cars. I was giving Kayla her's back and pushed it across the floor to her with my foot. Ha – Children learn by example. And... the rest of the night she continued to push the car around with her foot! Hahaha... Camilla realized this at one point and said, "I wonder where she got that from?" And Sister Pointer and I started laughing and told her the story. But – Kayla and I became friends over a car, so that was happiness :)
We made a couple more visits, had a meeting with the Clements and Boss Going (our Branch Mission Leader) and had a lovely night. When we got to the flat, the Zone Leaders (Elder Chong-nee and Cunningham) had DECORATED OUR DOOR. #Spoiled With cake and cookies and balloons and all. #BestDistrictEver
Then, to top the insanely packed Sundae off with a cherry – President and Sister Balli called to say Happy Birthday! :) #Joys #LoveIt They're the best.
The BIRTHDAY MESSAGES. I cried. But tears of joy! That morning I asked Sister Pointer if we could play Cayden's songs in the car – 'cause I knew they were on the flashdrive, and she said yes. Unfortunately –there's only one that would actually play in the car. But they're good! Different from what I was expecting, but impressive! But then, because the flashdrive automatically jumps into "alphabetical order," it jumped to Acacia's message suddenly – and I was in shock. ALL THE SURPRISE!!! And then when Aleesha's voice came up next I started bawling. Lost it completely. But seriously tears of joy. I wasn't expecting the audio messages of all of your voices!!! So, Sister Pointer kindly let me listen to the flashdrive nearly all day. Whenever we were in the car. I had to skip a few (yours and dad's the first time it came up) because I didn't know if I would be able to drive and see through the tears. It's amazing how hearing voices touched every part of me. We also stopped by the Clement's that night so I could watch Brother Hilmo's flashmob!!!! He's IMPRESSIVE!
So. To sum it up: It was a BRILLIANT WEEK. The slow moments were obviously within the sickness, but there were many blessings that helped us to overcome that. We're excited for a week of.... hopefully no sickness now :) Haha.
MUCH joy, blessings and THANKS for ALL the birthday wishes and mail and all the things. :D LOVE YOU HEAPS!!! And I couldn't be more grateful to have a family worth missing! (This is something that Melissa pointed out to me this week... a way she got over homesickness.) Because – I definitely am lucky to have such a brilliantly wonderful family that I'm able to miss! :)
I miss your faces, and I hope all is well and that you have a most lovely week and Thanksgiving :D Eat a little pumpkin pie for me – as most people here think it's weird.
Wise words in a closing prayer this week from my dear Sister Pam White. I can't express to you how much I love all my New Zealand parents. They're all too good to me! Yes, my legs still itch like no other – but there's little miracles that have come away from it, which you'll hear soon. And luckily – I think the garlic (and maybe B-vitamins too?) do indeed help with the bug bites. 'Cause I haven't noticed as many bites lately – and summer is supposedly supposed to be "worse" for getting bitten. Definitely haven't found that to be true. Definitely got attacked in winter.
It's been a good week :) Learned many new things – starting with "humid + hot and 'dry' (for New Zealand) = resulting in just really really HOT." Ha. I know. Profound. (We have also never been so excited for ice-cream... and it also melted! Really quite fast! Haha) But that's how last Monday's P-day was. Today's a little less-so, hot wise, because it's been raining like crazy all morning!!
This week has been filled with little miracles throughout. A few of which have to do with less-active members coming to different realizations of what the gospel really is in life. And we're excited. We love seeing them coming to church – even if just for a bit, and things continue to look up with them each and every day :)
TUESDAY somehow resulted in a theme of "prayer" – no matter where we went or what we were teaching. Ha. So it was really quite lovely. We got to teach Charmayne and her kiddo's (love them dearly) and we played a little game of "hot and cold" relating it to prayer and how sometimes we need help to find answers – we used my handy-dandy Lego-missionary self as the hidden object ;) Haha. It's come in handy many places on the mission! And the girls, Rapika (Rae-pick-a) and Jenny and Tiakina (Tee-ah-key-nah), loved playing – so that was wonderful :)
We were also able to visit with Sister Bignell (Brother Bignell was out at work late) and her daughters, Ameila and Arianna, for dinner — they're just the loveliest of families :) (Also: Members of the Paihia branch.) Sister Bignell actually has quite an amazing story. She went on a mission when she was young, came home, and never really found the chance to get married – until she was 44, when she met Malcom Bignell, who she hated at first (ha) – but he still managed to sweep her off her feet ;). And the other miracle in this? The two daughters are theirs. She was able to have two kids! And they're the cutest. I get along with them quite well – as they're crazy shy. Haha. Anyhoo. Miracles in life :)
WEDNESDAY was the marker for SISTER POINTER'S HALF-WAY MARK! Weird things, right? Also: I hit 5 months this week! It will be on my birthday actually, so that's cool. This was also the day of miracles among a less-active family – who when we went to visit, told us about different things they're now doing to better themselves, because they've decided they have to be "all in" or "all out" of the church — luckily they're choosing "all in" ;)
THURSDAY. Ha. It's now in the books of having "one of the funniest lessons of my mission" – and it will probably continue to be in the books for a long time. It's "what happens when the person you teach is really really tired." We were in Matauri Bay, making a few visits around, and decided to stop in to see Flo. She's one that I was originally told was a less-active (or so I thought?) Nope. Jk. She's not a member at all. But it's been hard to actually get into her house. However, over the last few weeks we've seen her outside her home and talked to her and gotten to know her a bit. So – guess what? She let us in! And we talked and got to know her and shared a little message of family. And then we asked if we could sing a song. She said yes. So we sang "Count your Blessings" – pretty up-beat, yeah? Yes. So we sang. And she seemed a bit tired – but still okay. I asked after the song if we could share a scripture as well. She responded, and said, "Yes, sure! So I read Mark 11:24 – about prayer. You can look it up. It's not that long of a scripture (really). But when I looked up after reading, starting into "why I'm sharing this scripture" – she was ASLEEP! FAST asleep. I paused. Sister Pointer and I looked at each other and started laughing – silently of course, but hysterically! What DO you do when that happens??? We don't know. Luckily after a couple minutes of trying to decipher what to do, she coughed – waking herself up, and I continued on as if nothing had happened. Haha. #NewAdventures #TiredLady
We were also able to visit with our dear Uncle Hohepa Thursday afternoon – and we sang many wonderful songs of joy with him. Including "his version" of Amazing Grace. He's actually got a pretty good voice and he enjoys singing gospel-ish songs with us. So he also taught us "Wha Kari A Mai" (aka: How Great Thou Art in Maori) *Videos in dropbox – hopefully. They're struggling in uploading.* I also made friends with a new little one :) Aunty Gloria's moko (grandchild), Ezra. Her daughter, Tracy, was up from Whangarei for the week/last couple weeks and DANG he's a cute little kid. We had fun with big foam puzzles and Sister Pointer talked with Gloria. Ha — no worries. I was paying attention there too. But I miss having little child friends around :P
Also: Fun fact: Thursday was the one year mark from when I officially decided to serve a mission! Crazy, right??? (Which makes today – the 16th for me – the one year of when I met with bishop!)
FRIDAY. "We just got a letter, we just got a letter, we just got a letter – wonder who it's from??" AND "A brown paper package, all tied up with strings — this is one of my favourite things." (Blue's Clues phrases that will always be ingrained in my mind.) Haha. But I got my mail!!! And the packages and happiness! Also: lucky things: The birthday package was at it's end. As I cut open the tape, the side completely died. Haha. But it all made it! I'm also impressed with the amount that was strategically arranged in the package!!! Thank you for the garments (the DryLux garments are great for the heat btw), and the soap, powder, deodorant (which – btw – that was Heaven sent.) 'Cause I keep forgetting to tell you "I strongly dislike New Zealand deodorant. It's all weird-roll-on-ness. Also: DoTerra deodorant? WIN! The presents I have yet to open on Wednesday.... and all the things. AND THE ALEESHA CARAMEL. Oh the happiness in me! I'm also excited to try the oil diffuser necklace! Sounds fun and it's cute too!
SATURDAY was filled with not as much productiveness – per-se, but we did find a few new people that said they wouldn't mind us coming by! So.... all the miracles. And one man who enjoys talking ALL religions and not dissing any of them. So that's cool. We're excited to go back and talk with him :)
Also Saturday. In the area book there's been this name, "Robyn" – a lady who lives up in Opua as a potential investigator. We've tried to find her house a couple times and weren't successful. Saturday, however, we FOUND IT! (It was down a hidden driveway, of course.) We met her son, Liam, and her mother, Lynne – who was up from Hamilton for the weekend. She knew who we were, as she lives by Templeview (aka: where the Temple is). We got talking with her for a bit and she was lovely. She then had to go in the house for a bit and we got chatting with Liam (7-year-old boy), and man is he a FIREBALL of information!! Haha. He made us laugh, and taught us many things, Ie. the difference between a "bus" and a "coach," all about certain plants around their yard, what their house used to be like before they fixed it up, all about his trip to America that he went on this year... it was a BRILILIANT converstaion! We became quick frieinds with him. Alas though – his mother wasn't home. But: I'm hopeful. We're going to return soon to meet her, and hopefully the rest of the family as well. (It's indeed a family of 4 –mum-Robyn, dad-Charles, sister-Ella (9-years-old) and brother-Liam (7), as a friend of mine recently predicted I would soon meet.) All the excitement!! :) Life is grand! :)
But: the MAIN MIRACLE from Saturday was in the PRIESTHOOD. Sister Pointer and I stopped by Elder and Sister Clements for dinner (mostly because the chapel was occupied by men in a meeting of some sort... and no women, so we're technically not allowed in.) But then – it ended up being more of a blessing, partially because they fed us salad *choir angels sing* I miss salad. And then – Elder Clements looked at me itching my legs and asked, "Have you had a priesthood blessing for that yet?" —No, not specifically. So, he called Brother Aubry White over (and of course our dear Pam came too) and they gave me a blessing. (Also cool because these two couples are the ones I consider as my "New Zealand Northland parents"). I think I've had more blessings in the last 5 months on my mission than I have in the last 5 years of life! But it's DEFINITELY a testimony builder in the Priesthood. Because I can't express how BRILLIANT it is and how much I've gained in knowledge of it through these experiences. The main miracle from this? I slept through that night. (It's been difficult lately –always waking up itching) and then Sunday morning I wasn't as itchy as I have been! (Wha???) #PriesthoodBlessings. #Miracles. The itching is definitely still there – but more controllable than it has been. I'm also thinking of getting and trying a new laundry detergent this week.... ('cause we just buy what's cheapest at the market at the time!) And my skin is probably too used to all of your organic things! So we'll see if that helps at all. 'Cause the itch-creams really don't do much. Silver gel? YES. That helps – but also partially dries it out, so it makes it more itchy. So I've been switching between putting on gel and lotion. It's good.
Anyhoo. Little miracles. And goodness. Prayer is definitely real :) I can feel yours each and every day and I thank you dearly for them :) Ah – and side note? Within the next 23-26 days I'll be GOING TO THE TEMPLE. Merry Christmas to us! :D
So it's been a lovely week. We weren't able to catch Kayla or James this week, but we're still praying for them and hoping all is well with them always. We're excited to continue in the work and find new people!
I love all the little grandkid stories. They make me so happy! I can tell those littles are still just little peas in a pod – making trouble wherever they go ;) I can also hear the classic line of, "What are you doing!??" As I read about them! Haha.
I hope you have a most lovely week! And I'm excited for the continuing of family history stories from you. It's so fun to hear about little things like that!!
And your stake conference with President Bailey?? When did that happen? #OutOfTheLoop Love President Bailey! Making a personal and family "Mission Statement!" That's so great! Ha. Having a "Family Mission Statement" is actually something that our stake here in Kaikohe is REALLY starting to push. So: Challenge to all at home: Come up with a family mission statement! I also love that about creating a personal mission statement!
The gospel is true. It helps me gain faith and strength daily, and I couldn't be more grateful for the chance I have to be a missionary! :)
I hope all is well at home and that your'e enjoying the snow! Haha.
And: PONDERIZE SCRIPTURE of the week: Psalms 37:3-5
3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
4 Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
MY WHANAU! I miss you all dearly. But I hope you're enjoying life in the states! It's slowly getting warmer and warmer here each day. It's actually quite similar to home in the way of there being sudden days of coldness, then jumping back into hotness. So that's fun. The only difference is the humidity – obviously. Today's CRAZY humid. It's definitely gonna be raining at some point here.
It's been a good/weird week. Mostly because Sister Pointer and I keep switching off between who's sick and who's stressing and whatever. But – it started with me on Monday, sick from the medication I was taking for my "UTI" (Still don't believe I actually had an infection.) But when all was done with P-day, right before we were supposed to go out to Paihia, I was just ill. So we called our dear Sister Bath, and stayed in. Because –the stomach was just a struggle of life. No worries though! I'M DONE WITH THE MEDICATION! Aka: I don't feel like there's a KNOT in my stomach anymore. Wooooo! *Choirs cheering*
Anyhoo. Monday/this last week/the week before has also been a bit of a struggle for Sister Pointer, with her sister, Annie, having just returned home from her mission. I think that's honestly the thing that sets us off into homesickness –watching others go home. Because, watching Elder Crane die last week ("die" – meaning: leaving. Going home from his mission. Not in the literal sense) was hard. Also because he's just a wonderful missionary, and he's helped me through a lot. He's one of those people that seemed to see into what I was struggling with more than I did at times. But no worries – it's not getting me down. I've overcome the homesickness, and I will continue to do so in future struggles with it. Because I feel like I've realized this week more than ever that this really is just a short time of life. – I mean, in another month I'll have been here for SIX. MONTHS. What IS that? It's a THIRD OF MY MISSION. #craziness #canthandleit
Oh. And if you haven't guessed yet – I'm still in the North :) AND with my dear Sister Pointer as well. My dear Paihia and Matauri Bay get to have me for yet ANOTHER transfer. And I'm SO excited. The Lord grants wishes – because I honestly may have prayed that I could be with my whanau here for my birthday..... #selfish. But – I'm excited for SO many other reasons.
OH. But OTHER fun news about transfers – Sister Tapuala has left us. That's not the exciting part. But the person who's taken her place? Sister Christiansen :) Aka: As in the Sister Christiansen that I very FIRST met at the AIRPORT and started my mission journey with in the first place :) So it's been SUPER lovely to see her again. She's Sister Boiteux's companion in the Waihau Branch. #districtbuddies
Anyhoo. Continuing on. Tuesday was a struggle day. But okay. ...That's really all we need to say about that. Other than we got to have dinner at the Armstrong's. And they perked us up for the rest of the night. So that's good :) They're the sweetest couple. They both served missions – And Sister Jacinda just talks to us all the time about how lucky we are and how jealous she is of us. Haha. She's the most adorable. Hopefully I'll get pictures with all these people soon. :P
Wednesday was our DAY OF MIRACLES. It started out as a struggle – me still feeling sick from the lame medication. (But – no worries, this was also my last day of having to take the blasted stuff.) And I could tell Sister Pointer was also not 100%. But we pressed forward – as the Clements had invited our district over for breakfast before we were split apart in transfers on Thursday. So it was good to see everyone one more time. Sister Tapuala and Elder Blandford have both left us now to more southern areas. (Elder Blandford has been in the north/Kawakawa for.... 5 transfers I think? So I think he was excited to see other people, and other missionaries. Ha) We then stopped by the chapel to do a bit of study, as we didn't get any that morning – which turned into Sister Pointer crying. I knew she wasn't feeling 100%. So we took a minute. We figured a few things out, and we continued on. This is where the miracles were made... We actually got to TEACH James Puru. (Miracle #1 of the day.) James has been a sort of potential for quite a few weeks now. He has a daughter that's a member in the Waihau branch, and another who's also investigating (Sister Pointer taught both of them). He's sent us away a couple weeks – because he doesn't like it when he hasn't done the reading we give him. Or he's had work. But this week we got to teach the restoration to him, and it was BRILLIANT. He kept saying that he's ready for this – and sharing that he really means it because normally he wouldn't let us just teach him on his porch where his neighbors and others can see us. He "just doesn't care who sees he's visiting with us" now! Haha. He's wonderful, and we're excited to continue teaching him. We were then running late (cause, James has a lot of words) for our appointment with KAYLA. But as we were rushing to the car, I looked at the phone – and: Miracle #2: a text from Kayla saying she was running a little late and wouldn't be there until 2:30. *Perfection!* We then got to teach Kayla :) The Plan of Salvation. And then at one point her sons came home from school, Kingston came over (age 6) and she asked if he'd like to hear the story of the Plan of Salvation. He said, "Yes please!" So we shared it with him as well. ...The best part of it all? Kayla hepled us in teaching it to him! CAN WE SAY GOLDEN? #golden. He then bounded off to go play and we continued talking with Kayla. During this lesson she was talking about always getting this "tingly feeling" when we're around or during certain things she's done in the week to do with service or bettering herself. *DING DING DING!* So I asked her if she knew what the Holy Ghost was. We taught her. And she recognized that IT WAS THE SPIRIT SHE WAS FEELING! (Once again: golden.) I just love her so much. And we're excited for continuing lessons. Hopefully tomorrow? If not – then on Wednesday :)
Then – (Yes, Wednesday was FULL-ON). We were almost late to our meeting with the Cunninghams (a family referral from President Going). But, once again – Miracle #3. Brendon texted us asking if we could come a bit later – cause he was running late. We couldn't stay at their house long, but we got to be there long enough to meet Brendon, his partner, Dana (not married – most people in New Zealand aren't it seems like), and their boys – Mason (well, he was asleep), Taquin, and Andrew. And they want to know more. WE HAVE A FAMILY TO TEACH! The only hard thing is going to be working with their schedules. They both work at a restaurant – he's the head chef, and she's a manager. But: We have FAITH. Because FAMILIES ARE FOREVER :)
Ah - and we had dinner at the Ngakuru's :) Love them. So much.
Anyhoo. Thursday was "Guy Fox Day" (which apparently they celebrate here with lots of "fire and fireworks." Ha). A day of a man who burnt down Parliament – and it's celebrated with fire! #loveit
A bit slower in comparison, Wednesday – but we got to visit Daniel and the Himionas, and teach lessons with both of them —we're starting to teach lessons to member families, to not only help us, but to teach them that they can be missionaries too!
Friday and Saturday both became struggle days. Friday – a lot of people not really being home, but we did get to talk to people on the streets, as well as visit with our dear Marion :) It's been a while since I've talked about her – she's not really one we've taught a lot. And right before Sister O'Reilly left the area, she kind of crushed us and told us that she "wasn't reading the Book of Mormon anymore!" – and put it away on her shelf (after trying to give it back to us). But: This week she took it back out. And read a scripture we had left for her on her door one day. Soooo once again: little miracles! We'll probably be thinking of small things to teach her here and there again. We talked with her about "time" this week – and there being a time for everything. (And yes, I thank "Footloose" for helping me in remembering that the scripture about there being "a time to dance" is in Ephesians 4. :) ) It was good.
Saturday morning we went to a mini "Time Out For Women" that the Stake Relief Society put on – all about Family History. And it was wonderful. And our dear Sister Pam White (who was teaching one of the workshops) did a little missionary work and invited one of her friends along. And so we got to have a bit of an investigator with us as we went through different workshops and talked to her about the temple and different reasons we do family history. Her name is Angie, and she LOVES Family History (thus, how she and Pam became friends). She's lovely, and I'm hoping we get to see her again one day. ...Even though she technically lives in Kaikohe. :P All good though. We have hope. Or – maybe the Elders there will meet her one day and teach her ;) We're also helping Pam in new steps to take with her, so it's pretty exciting :)
The rest of Saturday was spent at the flat, Sister Pointer not feeling well — and I put together a little care package for the other sisters, because Sister Boiteux is struggling not being with Sister Tapuala anymore :( I gave her lots of hugs at the TOFW.
Sunday — the Sabbath is just always wonderful. And our members spoil us. We had lunch at the Whites with the Clements along as well (fresh smoked fish —caught Saturday night! SO GOOD. And Brother White Smokes it himself as well :D) Dinner at the Going's (mostly just with Mel, as President Going went with Trey to a YM fireside) and a few visits to some people that night. Just... lovely :)
And the lady with me and the picture of the boat last week? She is my dear Rozanne. She's one of our investigators – or, kind of as they get called "eterni-gators" – because she likes learning things, but is not necessarily interested in joining the church. But we love visiting her because she's just a lovely lovely person :) She makes me SO happy. And that's her and her husband, Peter's boat behind us :) They were getting her ready to sail and invited us to the club to see her! Isn't she pretty!?? I'm hoping to get a real picture of her actually on the water at some point.
So life is grand in Kaikohe :) I'm excited and spoiled here in the north. I'm excited about the continuing stories of our new investigators, and the fact that we now actually have a branch mission leader to work with in Paihia! It makes things a little better – gettng to talk with Brother Boss Going (President's brother) about things we're working on and how to better help the branch and whatnot. It's wonderful :)
Anyhoo. LOTS of words this week. Maybe a few too many. But I'm realizing more and more each day all the things that this mission is helping me with for my future life. I hope all is well at home — even with the colder weather settling in. Ha. And here it's getting more hot and humid. Definitely weird, and definitely throwing me off that it's almost Christmas. Just doesn't quite feel like it.
PONDERIZE SCRIPTURE: "Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. ... The Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead..." —2 Nephi 2: 6,8
*Sister Ottley's Mum Request: I invite anyone reading these weekly letters to send snail mail postal letters when you are able. Mckenzie can handle the rejection and naysayers, but the "fleas and rashes" are starting to get her down! She could use a little love from home!! Having grown up in an era of texting and social media, she now cherishes the written words in a letter you can actually hold!!
LETTER MAIL: Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley PO Box 33-840 Takapuna 0740 Auckland New Zealand
MY WHANAU! [Family]
Hello! I miss your faces, and hope you're having a wonderful day! And also: Happy Birthday to little Daxton! (In your time, that is!)
The weeks just keep FLYING by. I can't even believe it's Monday again! It feels like I was just emailing yesterday. The ups and downs of this week have been intense in all honesty. But – before I get into it, I want you to know that I truly am wonderful. Because I've grown closer to my Father in Heaven and Saviour. And because they have blessed me through all trials, emotions and PHYSICAL STRUGGLES this week.
Ha. I'm making it sound worse than it is. I just had a mini breakdown again. It's fine. :)
Ah: Also, BIG news of the week: I've finished my first journal. I don't know if I've mentioned this – but I made a goal from the very beginning that I was going to write in my journal EVERY DAY of my ENTIRE mission. #goingstrong. And I'm loving it. It helps me to reflect at the end of each day, and it's lovely. So yes. I've made it through an entire journal thus far. And I've added pictures in it, which is kind of fun. :) ....And also makes it a little difficult to close. But whatevs. #happymemories.
The week started with a BANG though. We got to teach Kayla! :) Kayla's a young mum with a partner and 2 boys. And they're adorable. She's SO ready to hear the gospel, and the Lord's timing is brilliant. We were able to teach the first lesson to her this last week, and we have another appointment set with her tomorrow! Woooooo! PARTY! Total excitement! :)
Wednesday we were able to sing at BayCare (as we do every Wednesday morning), and it was wonderful. There's an old man there who's one of our constants – always there, engaged in our singing, and always makes us feel just grand about ourselves. His name is Arthur. And this week his son, Bruce, was there with him. After a couple songs, Bruce asked if he could record us... Haha. Weird things. But we said yes. And sang "Be Still My Soul" – because I'm a little more confident in the alto of that song (being my favourite and whatnot!). He was a lovely man, and made us very happy. Bruce then left, and we continued singing. Arthur this week seemed to be more engaged than normal, listening and always smiling when I looked at him. But then, there was a moment as we sang our last song, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" (its tradition at the end of each week now), that he was very focused, and almost sad. And it almost made me tear up. And then as I went to tell him goodbye – he actually started tearing up and crying. This man has the Spirit so strongly about him, and I don't even know if he knows it! But I felt it that morning. All the residents there are just so loving and happy to see us, and watching him in this moment just made singing there that much more special. :) I'm always excited to go back and see our dear Arthur. :)
We were also able to help one of our members in Paihia in their adventure of moving to Whangarei – and helped to clean their little house they're moving out of. Because, we love them, and we're going to miss them DEARLY. And also because Marie is very pregnant. It was exciting to get to pitch in a bit. And I MISS CLEANING – I mean, we clean our flat every Monday, but it's different when it's for someone else.
And then – James and Taylar Hartley, and their daughter Sophie. They're recent converts who just moved to Waitangi from Whangarei, so we stop in to visit with them every so often, and we're hoping to make Peach Cobbler with them soon! (Ha. James has heard about it and is DYING to try it!) Exciting thing this week is that I became GREAT friends with Sophie. She's almost 3, and has seemed a bit shy until now.... so I was excited when playing catch with her pink Disney princess ball pulled us together a bit more! Visits are always exciting with them. Love them dearly!
Following these days of being in the CLOUDS where we were so happy – came the day of Sister Ottley finally crashing. I'm honestly still not entirely sure why (this seems to be a trend among my mini breakdowns), but Thursday I was just ridiculously emotional. All. Day. #soannoying. I was tired of my stupid bug bites/rash thing and I think I was just straight up tired. And then – by the end of the day, I admited to myself that I think I was just a little homesick. So we ended up going to the flat a bit early, I slept forever, and talked with Sister Bath and Sister Balli that night. All is well. And it led to the next day of a doctor appointment.... I swear, I've been to the doctor more in the last 4 months than in the last 4 years of my life!! #newplaceprobs
Oh. Also: Sister Pointer shared with me that my "release of emotions" could have possibly been due to the fact that I was using Lavender so much... because apparently it does that to you? I was putting it on my rash on my legs, cause it was helping to calm it.... but I think it may have been too much too? Who knows.
Anyhoo. Friday resulted in finally perking up a bit, planning for the upcoming week, and then – Sister Bath called. She had a doctor appointment for me. So we went. I told the doctor about my back. They had me take a urine test ('cause it's apparently protocol here? ....first time I've done that), and what do they find out? Apparently I have a UTI.... ? Still not entirely sure that's true, because: there were/still are no symptoms of it. Other than apparently the rash on my legs could be linked to it? And the lower back pain? What? So.... now I'm on a perscription for that! And it makes me ill. #nosurprise! All medication makes me ill. But – all is well. We're trying new things. I do think the rash might be starting to go away? A little? ....Or I"m just getting used to it. Like everything else. (Haha.... my life.)
So – life moves on. Friday we also finally got to catch up with one of our Less Actives who's NEVER HOME. So that was exciting. She's lovely. Aunty Kahe is her name, and she showed us a bunch of books her daughter had brought back for her from Salt Lake when she visited. And she had us sign in the one with temple pictures next to our temple! Ha. She's so cute. Also: She had a hymn book that had pictures in it. GORGEOUS THINGS.
And Saturday was spent in Russell. :) We love Russell. And we met some lovely people there this week. We also met with one of Clive's friends (Clive = member in Paihia Branch). Her name is Helen. (See picture in my dropbox of me and her.) Can't miss her! She's got BRIGHT RED HAIR! :) ) She's an artist, and wonderful and SO lovely. She shared some of her art with us, as well as her daughters/sons – they're all artists in their family. Ha. — You should also see if you can look them up! Helen Pick and Seraphine Pick. Some fun stuff. Helen did a chair series that's actually kind of fun, and has some cool stories behind the paintings...
Sunday is always lovely, and testimony meeting makes it even lovlier.
And this morning we had Zone Devotional, as it's the end of the transfer (what??!) and our dear Elder Crane is leaving us. Coming back home to the Utah land! — It's really true that Utah's just taking over the NZ Auckland Mission! Haha.
Life is beautiful, the work keeps moving on, and I learn HEAPS each and every week — even if sometimes I don't realize it until I write out this email. Sometimes I just feel inadequate, and like I don't know what I'm doing. But: I do. I just have to gain that faith and confidence in myself that I know my Saviour has in me. "I can do hard things!" — As our dear Bishop Fitzgerald told me to repeat to myself as we were beginning the mission papers process. That came to me this last week, and in a moment of truly needing it too! Because, I can!! We can ALL do hard things — and what is does is makes us all stronger, and to become the people that our Father and Saviour want us to be. Life is grand, the work continues, and I learn more and more each day about how this experience is helping me more than I realize at times.
This gospel is true, folks. It will ALWAYS be true, and we learn that by having FAITH. By reading the SCRIPTURES – The Book of Mormon – and by listening to the counsel given to us by our prophets and apostles that lead and guide us all in this Church today. Joseph Smith gave his ALL to help in the restoration of this Church, and we need to help in CONTINUING IT ON! Life is beautiful. :) Keep on keepin' on!
I hope you have a most lovely week, and that all continues in greatness and happiness!
