It's funny sometimes how in one week, and even one day, I can experience so many different emotions—feeling like a failure of a missionary, then like we did something helpful, and not so helpful, and then.....suddenly you're uplifted again, and you see miracles and beauty all around! And it's ALL because of our Saviour that we're able to feel and experience ups and downs and all that jazz - so... I'm continuously becoming more and more grateful for my Saviour. He's wonderful and my life would be ..... nowhere without this gospel. Life is grand :)
First: Ponderise. Because I've been failing at actually for real ponderising a scripture a week for a couple weeks now. But we're coming back again!
"And to LOVE him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." —Mark 12:33
So. MONDAY - simple p-day, but also crazy. And then chaotic trying to find a way to get to the Papali'i's quickly for our FHE with the family! But, luckily our dear Donnaldson's saved us and gave us a ride - 'cause...there wasn't any way we would have made it to their house in the amount of time we had to get there...on foot OR bike! HaHa. So - blessings. We had a wonderful time getting to know Bishop, his wife, and most of their boys a bit better, and teaching the restoration to their family. They're wonderful, so fun, and just brightened our day. Oh - and Sister Papali'i helped us out by giving us a recipe for Banana bread....'cause we had a million bananas that NEEDED to be used. (Really though. Like 12 bananas.) Oh, and also for P-day activities, I started teaching Sister Anitema how to crochet. At first she was convinced she would never get it and was frustrated because things usually just come extremely easy to her... And now... she's pro. Ha. Patience ;) And I also don't know what I've created by teaching her this skill. Ha. More examples of what I mean by that to come. ;)
TUESDAY was District Meeting! And we prepared for and taught Grace. GRACE! She's definitely our little SHINING LIGHT. She was our main happiness of Tuesday. We went to the Gaitau's for dinner, and then taught a lesson before we had MCM (Missionary Committee Meeting) and Grace had youth at the chapel. How do we know Grace is ready? She started crying before we even officially started into the lesson.... She's just... so in tune with the Spirit and beautiful and we're so lucky to be teaching her and to be friends with her :) We shared the message of the Restoration, and then invited her to be baptised. Both Sister Anitema and i were SO sure before this moment that she would just say "yes, yes, yes!" But we were talking about it after, and even though we were SO SURE about it before the lesson, we both felt that something was different now. So - when we invited, she said "probably" and neither of us were surprised. Her parents ....aren't very supportive of the gospel, as far as we've heard, we've never actually personally met them. But they're also fine with her talking with us and going to seminary and to church. Grace said she had mentioned baptism to her mum — who instantly just said "No" and, well, obviously she needs that support being 16. But - it's okay. Because she still wants to learn. She still is so excited about everything within the gospel, and she's already started realizing all the different miracles that come from living in this new way ... ie: grades going up, even though she's getting up EARLIER to go to seminary every day. We love her. She just brings so much joy to us.
Also: Soon to come: The "Cupstoration." Sister Anitema and I haven't recorded it yet - due to the fact that I haven't practiced it enough yet.....but picture the Cups song (like in the movie, Pitch Perfect) but - Restoration style! Ha. It's great. All the excitement. Next week :)
And - the Elders (well, a few of them) have started a "biggest loser" for the remainder of their missions. —And it so happens to be some of the elders that will be returning home at the same time as me! So I'll get to see the full results. But - thing is: They have a money pot, and whoever loses the most - gets the money, obvi. Ha. So....we're helping out some of the elders to get healthier and it's grand fun :) We're going shopping with them today to teach them about healthy foods.
WEDNESDAY. The day of the "happiest news" of all time, and the "sorest arm" of all time!! Wednesday morning we called Elder Garth because.... last week our washing machine ....spazzed. And got water everywhere. So...the little portion of carpet that got wet was....still wet. And turning a funny color.#ExcitingThings #Mold #Bad But - he helped us figure out ways to help it dry better (we had tried many, many, many things) AND my dear Sister Anitema also mentioned, while we were on the phone, that we didn't have a car and our area was big..... He said, "There's still no cars right now...but I'll let you know."
Welp!! — About 10 minutes later, as we were getting ready to leave the flat, we got a call from Elder Garth again. "YOU GET A CAR!" (Picture this moment with Oprah's voice—YOU get a car, and you...) Haha. And he said he would be dropping it off to us that night! :) Whaaaaa? #SisterHobbsWouldDie #SheDoesn'tKnow #ProbablyShouldn'tFindOut But.... until then, we went out on foot. Visiting VALE and actually catching her at home. (Fun fact, that's the first time I've walked to her house - on Bedford Road - and..... it takes like 4 times the amount of time to get there on foot as it does to bike it..... ha. Seriously. 10 minutes vs. 40.) But we got to share a little Easter message with her and it was exciting :) She's still keen to learn, we just have to figure out better ways to get her to open up more and explain to us what we can do to make our teaching more applicable to her learning. Slowly but surely. Gonna be great :)
And then - that afternoon, we had a Dr. appointment for Sister Anitema down in Manukau, ...but no car, so... our STL's came and pickd us up! (Well, Sister O'Reilly.... they were on tradeoffs, so she was with Sister Owhiler for the day.) And then....we spent most of the rest of the day at the doctor. Waiting, and waiting..... and also: the fun thing when we all arrived, there was Sister Bath also there saying "You're all getting your flu shot while you're here!" ...Sigh. And my arm did not agree with whatever was in this year's vaccine here. Ha. It kept twitching for the rest of the day.....fun times! But it's fine. And now I won't get sick....hopefully Faith. We'll just have faith.
Oh. And there was a lot of crocheting in mine and Sister Anitema's life while we waited for the doctor. (I'm making a scarf.) :) But we still got home in time to grab a bite to eat before rushing off to ward council with Sister Gaitau. Brilliant. Love our ward. And they're all getting more into missionary work. So.... baby steps :)
And then. That night. After we had planned.....what showed up at our door? Sister and Elder Garth! With our NEW CAR!! It's a 2013 blue Holden Cruze, and we love her. Sorry - no pictures of her.... nor do we have a name for her yet. But that's 'cause she's not beautifully clean yet, due to whatever set of Elders last had her in Whangarei... All goods though. We're cleaning her up today and I'll give you a further update as to what we decide to name her. #Excitement. Love it!
THURSDAY. We got to see Ivan! It's been much too long. We put together little Easter presents for him and Grace, and went to visit for a bit. Also for Sister Anitema to get to know him. And... sports are a blessing. Bet you never would have seen that statement coming from me! Ha. But...Ivan connected with Sister Anitema instantly - via them, both having strong loves for AFL (Australian Football League). It's different from American football.... kind of like football, soccer and basketball all mixed in one....sort of. Ha. But it was exciting. And Ivan's just wonderful.
This is the night where stress hit me hard, 'cause....I started feeling like a failure, and like I knew nothing.... because our numbers for the week were just struggling. And I couldnt' figure it out. I just wanted to see miracles and teach and all the things again. But I felt like it wasn't happening. And ....I was just frustrated. So....after our plans for the night didn't work, we ended up going to visit the Masiasomua's ... because we had a car and we could! :) And it made all the things better. Not all the family was home, but President talked with us for a bit, asking about the people we're working with and whatnot.....and it made me realise how grateful I am for the people that we have met, and the blessing that the people we are working with ARE. And I felt better. 'Cause.... President seems to always have a way of sharing things that make everything better. #Parents #Best
FRIDAY. Weekly planning! And then TRADEOFFS! Ha. I still think back to the first time I went on tradeoffs and I was terrified! Now I love them. :) And..... I got to go to PANMURE. (Aka: SOUTH AUCKLAND!) And WITH MY MUM. I've missed being with Sister O'Reilly. How lucky am I that I get her as an STL now!?? Love. All the love. We had an appointment at a resthome to visit some people - yes, I got to go to a resthome again with Sister O'Reilly. And it was exciting. 'Cause we also got to sing a bit again together. I'VE MISSED IT. For some reason I have more confidence singing and harmonizing with her than other people. It's just....comfortable. Love.
We also taught one of her investigators that night named Ronald. MAN, I wish my investigators had as many questiosn as he did! Haha. He's hilarious, and it was just an exciting time to teach with Sister O'Reilly again.
SATURDAY. The tradeoff continued, tracting a bit, finding some less-actives, and just trying to find people on the streets. When we came up to a little couple cleaning up a tree that had snapped and fallen down in the recent (CRAZY) windstorm, we offered and were able to help them in cleaning up branches and whatnot. So....we also got to tell them a bit about what we do as missionaries, and invite them to church. They said they'd try to come sometime, or at least for a chapel tour to see what it was like. ...After we left, I told Sister O'Reilly she had to keep me updated on them. Because.....golden potentials, right there :) Service softens hearts, and it's brilliant.
After tradeoffs we were able to go out a bit, have some dinner, and visit the Butlers. A beautiful night and exciting to see the Butler's beautiful faces again. Love them, HEAPS. Forever and always.
EASTER SUNDAY! Miracles!! We visited a less-active, and continued down her street to visit some others from our "potentials" list. And then....we were walking past a house of a lady named Angel. I've stopped by her house.....many times. And she's never been in. But this time, she was! We talked to her a bit and invited her to Easter Sunday services. Aaaaaand.... more on her later :)
We continued on down the road, finding not many home - but still loving our time out. And: We found FEJOIAS. Aka: A New Zealand fruit that I've been DYING to try. They're nearly ripe, and you can find trees... a lot of places. Happiness. We met some lovely people, then made it back to the car to get some lunch at home and to the chapel for church. As we drove up to the chapel and parked, who did we see getting out of her car? ANGEL!! She came! :) Easter Miracles! She came to sacrament meeting, sang songs, and asked questions about the sacrament. Sadly, part way through she started not feeling too well, so she left a bit early, but...we're excited to go back and visit her again. :)
And then the blessings of having a car came in handy again. Because in between church, instead of just scrambling to find a way to our dinner appointment, we went to visit Dora and Sia. And they were HOME. And another plot twist: THE FATHER OF THE HOME IS A MEMBER. Less-active, but a member. Whaaaa? So - we invited Dora and Sia to the Women's Broadcast next week, and told them about conference the following week. [NZ sees everything a week later than the US.] #Beautiful. Love.
We had a beautiful and ....FILLING (Samoan) dinner at the Tailiavao's, and then found a miracle in NOT finding someone to go with us to a Family History Fireside.... 'Cause, see, in order to go to firesides and things like that in the stake, we have to have someone with us. But... no one was available. So instead, we stopped by Birgette's. She's a less-active in the ward, and ...just brilliant. She came to church a couple weeks ago, along with her partner, kids and their exchange student. Her partner and student aren't members....nor is her 9-year-old daughter baptised. And what did we do after getting to know them all a bit this night? Set up appointments to teach the family :) Another fun thing? Birgette is a HAIRDRESSER. And so....hipster. Haha. LOVE. And so excited to get to know them all better :)
And, of course, the nightly crocheting obsession "best quote ever" that took place after I took Sister Anitema's crocheting from her to help her finish off her hair band was:
"Wait. But now I can't crochet... No, wait. Watch. I bet I can crochet this electrical cord." *Then she picks up the phone charger cord* "Look! See?! CROCHET!" She's obsessed. Haha.
And then further evidence of the psycho I've created - This morning:
"I'm making boxes for my scriptures. ... WAIT. I could CROCHET A CASE—and there could be a cute little button flap." (Her word choice, not mine, as we all know how I feel about the word flap.) Yes, yes she has actually started crocheting a case for her scriptures! This is why I'm not sure what I've created by teaching her to crochet. Hahahaha. Love her.
So.... Life is grand. I can't even believe it's been 9 months!! What? I don't even know how that happened. And that RIAH IS HOME!! OH MY RIAH. I listened to the song and testimony Leesh sent, and she's just a beautiful shining light of happiness and joy! I can't even believe she's home. It's amazing how QUICKLY a year and a half goes! And only 9 more months until I get to see my cute little girl again too ;) Ha. Little. My spiritually GIANT little girl ;) WELCOME HOME MY DEAREST RIAH!! I'LL SEE YOU IN ANOTHER 9!
I hope you're all having a most brilliant Easter weekend back home. I know that Heavenly Father and our Saviour watches over each and every one of us each day. They help us in every possible way they can — all we have to do is BELIEVE in them and TURN to them. They help us through struggles and joys, and always will :) I love Easter. It's just exciting. Oh - and my dear whanau, thank you for the package :) I love little bits of home. Happiness.
Have a most splendid week, and I hope to see all the pranks that go on now that we're going into April! ;) ...Weird, right?
A Slow week. And a week (again) of Sister Anitema and I switching off between being ill and/or in pain. Ha. But all is well :) I promise. Nothing a little sleep, ice packs, and hot water bottles couldn't fix!
But, the THEME of the week is this: PRAYER WORKS :)
MONDAY was simple - Zone Devotional, P-day, shopping, nap time, and visiting potentials and families around our area. :) Oh - and we met a nice man on the street named Chino! He told us he'd bring us Kebab's sometime. Haha. [Like our Shish Kebabs.) Hopefully we catch him again and exchange kebabs for a lesson ;)
TUESDAY we had ZONE CONFERENCE. I love Zone Conference. Even though it's kind of a long time of sitting and listening - it's good. It gives us guidance, and helps us to figure out how we can be better teachers :) We had MCM Tuesday night, and we're just so grateful for a Ward Mission Leader. He keeps us even MORE organised, and helps us figure out ways we can work more effectively in this area.
WEDNESDAY we had a comp study with Elders Hunter and Raymer - they're just hilarious. Elder Raymer is a very....straight-faced and somewhat emotion-less Elder. Which makes things funny. He also has much more of a deep and rustic voice than you'd expect would come out of him. Anyhoo. They're both wonderful and we had a nice comp study - talking about things we learned from our Zone Conference, and how we've decided to "up" our game! The rest of the morning was spent visiting a lovely old lady named Crysta Bell - who I probably said a bit about last week. Ha. She, sadly, was still locked in her house and couldn't let us in...but we still said hello and left her a little note and passalong card in the door for when her daughter got home. One day we'll catch her when the key is in the house!
After lunch, we were off biking! And finding new ways to get to the opposite side of our area. And through Henderson Valley Park. Adventures :) I love it. But...this also resulted in us realising there's different trails on different sides of the river....so the trail we THOUGHT would lead to Rhinevale Close, definitely did not. And we ended up in a part of the park just under Garelja. Ha. So Sister Anitema collapsed on the ground to look at the map. I parked my bike and joined her. And then - we learned that miracles come from exhaustion as well! Haha. As we sat looking at the map, trying to figure out the best way to get to where we were going, a man named Raymond came walking up the path. We said "hello," he said "hello" back, and walked over to the benches not too far away from us, to put his groceries down. He asked what we were up to - so we told him we were just trying to figure out the best way to get to a street we were going to. He came over and asked who we were - so we introduced ourselves as the missionaries, and he said, "Ooh! I'll come over here and we can have a chat." He came over, and we talked about LOTS of things. We got to know him a bit - and we had mini lessons with him about... many things. Haha. We talked a bit about Joseph Smith, about Christ and His teachings, and what we do as missionaries. We gave him a Restoration pamphlet, and he told us we could come around to his house "anytime!!" He also told us that we were especially to come over if we were ever in trouble. And we definitely felt he would beat up whoever bothered us. So...it's nice to have friends like that. Ha. Not that I've ever needed that kind of help....but ya know. Not bad to have ;) So...he was a little LIGHT in our afternoon.
We continued around, visiting a few people and sharing messages to go with Easter. (Because Easter is Brilliant.) We returned to the flat for dinner, slept - because, I think I was killing Sister Anitema with the biking life a bit... and then we were off again! —On the bikes :) Ha.
We tried to visit a family we've been given as a referral, but sadly...they weren't home. But there was another little miracle of a kitten at their home for us to cuddle for a minute and feel better about life. Tender mercies :) We visited the Taumafai's, and after a little message, they took pitty on us, shoved our bikes into the back of one of their cars, and drove us home :) LOVE. Also because Sister Anitema was just...exhausted.
THURSDAY! Happy St. Patricks day! ...Mine was spent in the flat. Ha. Sister Anitema woke up around 6 having a petite seizure. (So.... we didn't go out, for many reasons.) She slept for...the majority of the day. Really, all but about 3 hours. 1 hour in the morning when she and I talked a bit so I could know how to best help her, and 2 hours in the afternoon when she came out to eat something and whatnot. But she really doesn't remember much of that 2 hours. Haha. Ooooh my dear Sister. I love her :) But by the end of her sleep day she felt better. I was a little worried I'd just killed her off with the amount of biking we did. I also throughout the day sat staring at her to make sure she was breathing. Because... man. I've NEVER met anyone who breathes SO SLOWLY when they sleep. And also never moves. There was parts of me that wanted to be like Ashley when Acacia was a baby and kick her bed to make her wake up! Or at least move! Hahaha. But no worries. She's alive and well ;)
FRIDAY we had a comp study with the Zone Leaders—Elders Saulo and Nielsen—weekly planning, andddd Lunch with the Gaitau's :) Sister Gaitau is our Relief Society president, and her daughter, Alisha, just got back from her mission, and Grace - who is Sister Gaitau's niece and Alisha's cousin (obviously), came along as well. Grace is our MIRACLE of miracles for the week :) —Why? To come :) But we had a lovely time getting to know her a bit better, and a lovely time with our dear members. Members who are KEEN for the missionary work life. We've just gotta find ways of how to better involve them. And it's going to be grand :)
The rest of the afternoon was spent meeting a few new people, along with a less-active who is one of the sweetest people I've ever met. I've met her husband once before - who's apparently "anti" mormon. But with Sister Hobbs and me, he seemed rather nice! — Reason why I bring this up, is because as Sister Anitema and I were standing at the door talking to Coralie, her sister drove up to drop something off to her. We waved and she gave us a somewhat disapproving look, beckoned for us to come to her and then told us how "Coralie wouldn't tell us, but her husband is anti and wouldn't be happy that we were there, and would probably be rather abusive to her later for us being there." .... Her sister is an active member. Where is your FAITH, my dear? And where is this coming from? we wondered. Because... last time, when we met Coralie's husband, he actually told us how Elders used to come around to teach his son, and see Coralie. And he told us that we were welcome to come back and visit them - just that he would never be interested. So.... we left, with a realization of how grateful we are to have members in our ward that are supportive of missionary work and not just trying to scare people away.... or at least, that's how it felt.
Anyhoo. That night we had a member lesson with the Leato family, and I just love them. Forever and always :) So sweet. But...sadly, their house, which they've been renting, has just been sold. And the buyer doesn't want to rent it out to people, but instead is moving in. So.... they have to find a new home, hopefully still in our area!!!
SATURDAY morning we got out, attempted to visit a few people, but only one was home. Our dear Abou. One day he'll come back to church. ;) That afternoon I ....was in pain. Sick. Whatever you want to call it. Basically I've never had to deal with monthly pain in my entire life, right? Right. Even when living with different girls in University —but I think the CONSTANT changing between companions that DO.... has thrown me off! And so I couldn't move. And I hated it. Ha. So I slept that afternoon. We still made it out for dinner at the Pattersons, we talked with people on the street as we walked home, and then.... I just couldn't stand anymore. Thus: The Hot Water Bottle life, and it's comforting qualities :) Happiness :) But: Brilliant miracle of that night, was actually getting to meet one of our neighbors. From what we can tell she doesn't live there all of the time, but sometimes. She brought us into her house to meet her boys, and it was nice to make another friend right next to us :)
SUNDAY was the main day of MIRACLES. I got to see my dear AUNTY KATHY. As in: Kathy from Matauri Bay Kathy. She has a son and her dad who live here in our ward boundaries, and she's been up here again helping her dad who's been in and out of hospital (sad face). But I caught her this time, and then she came to our ward which was just lovely. She even came to our Gospel Principles class with Sister Samuelu, which we were grateful for, otherwise it would have just been Sister Tuatonga teaching with us and Ivan there. Haha. Following church we had a "linger longer" with soup and bread, which was lovely. We tried to get a few people to come, but alas. However, Julie - the lady we met who makes Mosaic pots for plants - called us! We had left a note on her door saying we missed her and that Sister Anitema wanted to meet her. She called and politely declined coming to eat soup and bread - but she's wonderful.
During church there was also this sad moment of us finding out that Grace could no longer come with us to the Come and See Fireside. ("Come and See" is basically a musical fireside for investigators and less-actives where they have people sharing their conversion stories and lots of music to invite the Spirit and happiness. I've never been to one yet because in Kaikohe you're too far away to go, and the last 2 that have happened we didn't have anyone to bring.... or they couldn't come at the last minute :P ) Now: Let me tell you just a bit about Grace. She's brilliant. She's 16, she's not a member, but SO IN TUNE. When Sister Gaitau was on her trip in Euorpe to pick up Alisha from her mission, Grace was staying with Sister Gaitau Sr. so Sister Gaitau's mother wouldn't be alone. Grace started going to SEMINARY (aka: early morning seminary, because we're not in Utah Valley where you have it in school.... haha). She's been coming to our ward for probably about a month now, and loves everyone in the ward. Last Sunday she even came up to Ssiter Anitema and me after church saying, "What did YOU learn today? I learned about the Atonement and..." etc etc. She's just.... perfect. But....the stumbling block: Her parents are kind of anti. So - Sunday, regardless of how KEEN Grace is to learn about the gospel and all the excitement, her parents told her she was to come home straight from church. :( So... Sister Anitema prayed, we scrambled calling a bunch of others to find someone else to come - but, alas. No one else was answering their phones... or available to come. But: Prayer works :) At 5:30, when we were supposed to leave, we got a text from Sister Gaitau saying that Grace could come now!! We still don't know WHY or HOW she was able to come, but.... The Lord softens hearts I suppose :) And Prayer is wonderful. We all went to Come and See, and there were beautiful experiences and songs shared that touched all of us. Grace was able to meet some of the other missionaries, some of Sister Anitema's converts, and President and Sister Balli. And not only did she meet these people — all night she was talking to us and telling everyone "when I get baptised...." or "when I joined the church....ok...when I started coming to church" hahaha. She's talking as if she's already a member! So...MIRACLES. BLESSINGS. HAPPINESS. HOPE and FAITH result in great things my friends!
We've already planned our lesson with her on Tuesday night, and we're just ecstatic! So...stay in tune for next week when we have the date set ;)
I LOVE MISSIONARY WORK. It's just ...brilliant. And, I've officially had the "half way" dream that most missionaries have about being back home.... so that's weird. Ha. I still can't really believe It's been 9-months. I've also come across those moments of wondering what I've done and if it's been enough and what more I can do.... And that's also why Come and See was wonderful....'cause I had a peace, that as long as I continue learning and moving forward and helping in the best way I know — everything will go how it needs to :)
Our Gospel is just brilliant. I'm the luckiest girl in the world to get to serve and share things I love with other people, even when it's hard because people reject the things that make you happy. But it just makes you realise the amount of love our Father in Heaven and our Saviour truly have for us. Because...we all deserve a kingdom better than what we experience in this life, and for that I'm grateful. But... I do also want all my brothers and sisters in the Celestial kingdom with me ;)
And to answer your question, my new companion, Sister Anitema, does speaks a little Tongan....but only things she's learned on the mission ;) Haha. She DEFINITELY sings. She actually studied MUSIC in school before she came out, and has taught a bit of piano, violin, and voice. So she's got a brialliant voice :) She's 22, 23 in June :)
I'm not going to say Sister Anitema's my favourite companion, 'cause...I don't choose favourites. And ALL my companions are my favourite for different reasons. But... she's wonderful. And it feels lovely to laugh as much as we do together.
New Zealand is beautiful, although I'm also worried it's made me a little wussy....'cause it's just warm. And I'm terrified to come back to winter in Utah. Ha. But it's okay. I've still got 9 months ;)
LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL...and I hope you have a beautiful and miracle-filled week :)
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley "Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on yourself." —President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
My dear Whanau : ) ...One day I really will start learning Samoan and Tongan. Ha.
First: I'm going to apologise, because you get no pictures because I forgot to bring my SD card converter...thing. :P Which also makes me sad, 'cause I had pictures of me with the Samoan version of our family (the Masiasomua's) and I was excited for you all to see them. Next week :)
It's been a week of....many emotions. Ha. Happy, sad, exciting, boring, relaxed, and stressed. All from many different things, and many experiences (obviously).
To begin: Wanna know about transfer news? Ha.... you're cute for thinking I'll tell you this early on ;)
MONDAY! Last week Sister Hobbs and I had a brilliant day with the Masiasomua family :) For the "p-day" side of things, President and Sister Masiasomua and Kahlii brought us out to lunch - delicious Mango curry :]. Fun fact: I think because I haven't had as many spicy things here as I do back home, I get more daring than I normally would... which results in my sinuses being very clear after eating insanely spicy things. (Okay. Not insanely. But... still more spicy than I'm used to.) But: Moral - apparently I miss spicy food. Anyhoo. Tangents. We had then planned to go out to Crystal Mountain! However, when we got there....there was a sign that said, "Open Tues-Sun, and on public holiday Monday." Well, that's sad. Ha. But - all goods, 'cause we went out to Arataki. And.... it's just beautiful :) There's a cultural center that we went to, which has look-out spots showing you all over Auckland, and a little historical "museum" type thing in the center, along with a little video (basically about saving the land). Beautiful though, and so fun :) I also got my first KIWI CHILDREN'S BOOK. ALL the happy. It's about a little kiwi bird whose mum tells him to watch over the egg for a few hours while she goes out, because it will soon become either his little brother or sister! When she leaves, the egg begins hatching, and 2 feet pop out - which results in the kiwi chasing the egg all around, until they finally end up back in their little cave, and the mum returns. SO DANG CUTE. All the happy!
That night we also had a Family Home Evening with the Masiasomua's, which was fun because....we also received transfer news while we were at their house. Aka: They got to see the nervous-wreck-anxious side of me! Woo! Ha.
So..... guesses? Ha. Jk...
I'm still in my dear Henderson :) But.... dear Sister Hobbs has now run off to Whangarei! She's finally up north! Haha. And finally getting to experience "what people think New Zealand actually looks like" rather than ...being in South Auckland. Which, I've heard, is pretty much just opposite of what everyone pictures New Zealand to be. Haha.
My new companion?
SISTER ANITEMA. Ohhhhhhhh how I love her. She came out the same time as Sister Hobbs, so they hit their one year mark at the end of this month (Dad's birthday, actually!). It's crazy how fast things go. But she's lovely. She's 1/2 Tongan, and from Melbourne Australia. —So, my first non-white companion! And from the sounds of it, I'm her first "white companion that actually understands her humor, instead of islander humor which can be rather different." Haha. Once again, I'm sorry for there being ....no picture. But... next week :)
So - TUESDAY was my last day with Sister Hobbs. We dropped by the Masiasomua's to FINALLY pick up our bikes...and for Sister Hobbs to say goodbye to Jason and Jayla (because they were already in bed when we got the news). We visited the Gaitaus, met a new lady who likes the idea of Bible study, and had dinner with Ivan. He had a really hard time with the idea of Sister Hobbs leaving :( But...I guess that's why we're also switched around so that people aren't allowed to get attached to us. :P Ha.
This night we also had our FIRST meeting with our new Ward Mission Leader!!! Ha. During which we had to tell Bishop and Brother Tuatonga that Sister Hobbs would now be leaving ;) Lols. We also had the fun challenge of figuring out how to get Sister Hobbs all PACKED. Why? Well, because rules have now changed.... so, missionaries going up north now take the bus. And you're only allowed 2 bags, and the 3rd you (or the mission) has to pay for. Well...there's a lot of things we collect for purposes of study and whatnot, yeah? Yeah. So..... that was an adventure in packing :) Haha. But we did it, and by the end of the night Sister Hobbs kept saying, "I'm going to have to request you to come help me pack when I go home...so I can fit everything in!" (Thank you my Ottley sisters, for helping me learn to pack things tightly, and ROLLED!!)
WEDNESDAY was.... Transfers! I got to go up with the sisters and help meet with my dear Sister Anitema, AND I got to see my first MTC companion (Sister Lott), my mum trainer (Sister O'Reilly), AND my daughter trainee (Sister Boiteux) :) OH how I've missed all of them. So... it was nice.
We headed back to the area, got Sister Anitema settled in, and basically I just showed her around a bit. We had Ward Council that night, which was perfect - getting to introduce her to all the main peeps from the get go!
THURSDAY started with a lot of people ...not being home, but also resulted in a blessing of meeting a little man named Ron. In the end he really wasn't super ineterested, but we did have a lovely conversation with him and we hope to see him again one day. Basically...this day was filled with just meeting people on the street because they were the main ones that were actually around! We dropped by the mall on our way home for dinner, so that Ssiter Anitema could fill a perscription she needed... only to find that they wouldn't, because it was for a "repeat" perscription, and it wasn't the same pharmacy.... but - probs being: She couldn't go to the old pharmacy anymore, 'cause, well ...it's now in a different zone! Ha. Anyhoo. So that took a bit of sorting out, and resulted in a bit of stress (for mum/ family. Not so fun fact: Sister Anitema deals with minor seizures and many different... hormonal imbalance type things in her life. So, she HAS to have this specific medication to take at certain times during each month so she doesn't have seizures! Fun times!And, well, she was out of this medication... and needed to be taking it that day. So... the stress was REAL, and I asked her if there was something at Warehouse we could get to help her calm down. We purchased some chocolate (Kinder surprise!) and a scale.... #Ironic #WeKnow Haha. Sister Anitema had a glass scale in her last area, left it on accident, and doesn't think the sisters there will be ....willing enough to actually send it back to her this way. Ha..... #Struggles WithPreviousCompanions #GladICanMakeHerHappyAgain
We made our way home, and began to have a little dinner. Sister Anitema then went to open her scale, having propped it up on the couch as she looked at something else. Well..... the scale then fell. On her foot. Corner down. Heavy glass, corner down on a foot... let's just say, it's not plesant. So to say the least she couldn't super walk on her foot without wanting to scream the rest of the night. So we stayed in and started organising ourselves a bit better in the area and getting to know each other.
FRIDAY, we were grateful for weekly planning - as sister Anitema could walk on her foot, but.... really couldn't put a shoe on. :P #ImportantThings And then - well, it became even more of a blessing, because... since she didn't have that medication yet (which is like a "preventative" medication), she started seizing a bit. And it ended up getting to the point that she instead had to take the heavier version of her medication ....and just sleep. Not gonna lie - its a little terrifying when your companion seizes and you don't super know what to do! Also when she then starts getting tired from said medication and ...just sleeps. ...So peacefully that you constantly look at her to make sure she's still breathing! (I assume that's what it's like when you're a mum and your kid is sick. And you constantly make sure they're actually breathing. Granted - I know I've done that with probably all the grandkids at some point or another too. So.... ya know. Whatevs. Terrifying. Haha.) But our dear Zone Leaders (now Elders Saulo and Nielsen) are wonderful. They came and picked up Sister Anitema's perscription paper and her insurance card, and got permission to go pick up her medicine from the other zone. Brilliant. When they returned, Sister Anitema perked up a bit with the new one, and we continued planning for the week on how to better organize our area.
So - fun fact. Sister Anitema is a PLANNER. She makes lists, she sets goals, and she COLOR CODES THINGS. (Also like me, she stress cleans!) We're going to get along nicely :) #WeAlreadyAre #BCF (Best Companions Forever). Why is this so exciting to me, you ask? Well.... it's helping the BOTH of us to get to know the area better - because, we all know how great I am with directions. Haaaaaa. #Wyoming #Audrey #AllTheLove
SO - our area is now split into sections on the map, each one has it's own color and area name, and we're making lists of all the people that live in each area that we visit. Once again - pictures next week. Ha. 'Cause it's going to be BEAUTIFUL once we get it all up on our wall :D Yes, we're printing out a large map today to see it all out visually. #VisualLearnerProblems #SuperExcited
SATURDAY was spent mostly in the flat as well — other than a dinner appointment at our WML''s house - and they so lovingly came and picked us up, because, well, Sister Anitema wouldn't have to wear shoes at their house! A nice night, and a good time outside the flat. (It's funny how you don't realise truly how exciting it is to be outside the flat until... you can't be.) #OppositionInAllThings
And SUNDAY. Sunday was an interesting day. Really, quite lovely at the beginning - visiting the little old lady Sister Hobbs and I had met Tuesday (her name is Crysta Bell) –unfortunately, her daughter ...locks her into her house so she "can't leave without someone knowing" – so sad, really. Ha. But we're hoping to go by again soon when her daughter actually is home so we can get to know her better and do a little Bible study :)
We had church, and Sister Tuatonga taught our gospel principles class. OH. And we had three non-members come to church! Two of them with a returning less-active, and the third being one of our member's nieces (her name is Grace... I think I've probably mentioned her before....) :) OH the brilliance. We're excited to get to know them all a bit better, as well as meeting MORE people to teach and bring with us in continuing weeks :)
We had dinner this night at Sister Wati's. She lives out on Mountain Road (aka: out in the "Henderson Valley" part of our area we don't get to go to very often, 'cause... it would kind of require a car, or insanely strong leg muscles and a lot of patience in biking forever. It's basically like what up north looked like. And it made me happy to be in the bush again :D !)
We had a lovely dinner with Sister Lauren Wati, her and her cousin Sharon, and a friend she invited over named, Emmaline. *A private discussion in the other room afterwards left my companion and I washing dishes together, which gave us the opportunity to get to know each other even better. And I can tell you that even though I've only been with her a few days, she's one of the BEST SISTERS I'VE MET. TRUTH. I'm SO excited to be working with her. Also, fun fact: Sister Anitema is an ACTRESS. Yup :) I love my little theatre people I keep running into here. Blessings. #WeUnderstandEachOther
So, new experiences, new things to learn. By listening to what the spirit tells us to do, we KNOW we can strengthen this area.
The SHINNING MOMENT on Sunday night? A lesson with the Donnaldson's. And: While we were there, they had a cousin(?) stop in who wasn't a member... and she actually sat in on our lesson. #Blessings #Miracles #SunAfterTheStorm#HappinessAfterTheCrazy
I also laugh, because this night the Donnaldson's got to see the OCD side of me when I layed out the cards for the matching game we were playing with them. They didn't lay out how I wanted them to (with an even number in the rows!), so... Sister Anitema helped me fix it to work, and Brother Donnaldson just laughed at this crazy side of me. Haha.
So it's been a good week. Slow in some ways, but also good. Sister Anitema's foot is on the mend - she can officially wear a shoe now without wanting to cry in pain. Her foot is still... rather bruised, but not as bad as it was ;) ...Ice packs, Elevation Oil, Redmond Clay, and Silver Gel work miracles ;) Haha. Yes, I've already converted her to all the crazy things. And I love it. She's just wonderful. This transfer is going to be a TRANSFER OF MIRACLES. I can FEEL it :) Ah - and another fun fact: Elder Garth (in charge of flats and bikes and whatnot) stopped by our flat a couple nights ago to drop by Sister Anitema's bike — and he saw how BIG our area really is.... from our map that doesn't actually even show all the way out to the edge of our boundary. Ha. So we'll see if we get a car? He did say there was an extra car in Whangarei now... so... we'll see ;) It would be nice. Not for everyday - but just at least for rainy days. And when we don't have enough time to get from one side of the area to the other....
OH! AND WE GOT THE MARCH ENSIGN! And I read your little contribution in the marriage article mum, and it made me really happy :) And everyone in my zone was like, "Woah!! you're mum's in the Ensign?" And I said, "Yes, yes she is!" I'm a very proud little daughter ;)
Life is grand. The mission is insanely wonderful, and.... I hit my 9-months this week. Wha? And RIAH only has a week left! WHAT IS THIS INSANITY!???Give her an extra few hugs from me, Loni! Tell her I miss her and I'll see her in 9-months ;)
All the LOVE. And the HAPPINESS. JOY, PEACE and LOVE :)
I'll send pictures next week. FOR REALS.
Arohanui, Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley "Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on yourself." —President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Can you believe it's transfers this week again already?! 'Cause...I definitely can't. We'll find out tonight if we're being transferred or not! Any guesses?
I'm going to ATTEMPT to keep this email a bit more ...brief than usual. Ha. Just because we're going out with the Masiasomua's today! Yay! They're going to bring us around to a few places in the Zone, including "Crystal Mountain" and Arataki.:) So...we're excited.
It's been a good week. Along with a bit of sickness again for me. I had the beginnings of a cold last week Monday... mid-day-ish, which I was thinking was just allergies. But then by that night I could just tell it was there. So I took a bunch of things, apparently not enough. Ha. So... the struggle was real. All goods though. We're on the mend :)
So last MONDAY was fairly relaxed. Just hung. Shopped. The usual. That night we had dinner and a lesson with the Masiasomua's. Oh how wonderful their family is :) Funny side note about dinner: We were having burgers, and I decided I wanted another small one - but...without the bread life. So I put it between two pieces of lettuce, and brought it to the table. ...And that's when I got "the look" from President. You know- that "look" of "please don't tell me you're one of THOSE girls." Haaaa. I started laughing and Sister Hobbs lovingly seconded (is that a word?) my need for less gluten sometimes. Haha. The look he gave me though. Priceless. :) We had put together a "Jeopardy" version of the Plan of Salvation for the family that night. So they split into teams — Team Moroni: Sister Masiasomua, Tanner and Kahlii. Team Ammon: President, Aejah, and Kira. Even though we ended up having to cut the lesson short we had a good time with the family, laughing hysterically at the end when the points were tallied up to find that team Mornoi had won by 100 points, regardless of President and his SURETY that their team had taken it by a long shot. A testimony that cockiness gets you nowhere ;) —Until you're humbled at the end of your cockiness. Haha. #CheekyMan
So, like I said, by the time I got home Monday night, I suddenly had a cold. It kind of felt like it came out of nowhere, 'cause it honestly did feel like allergies at the beginning of the day. But oh well. Life moves on.
By TUESDAY I was exhausted. #ColdLife. But we had district meeting, then met with Aroha Henare, and then over to Marion's to help her in the beginnings of cleaning out her humble abode more. (Once again. Liz, can you just come help us clean her house? Haha.) Luckily she decided she wanted to start with the kitchen, which was much better than jumping into the rest of the house, not having a clue where to put anything. The kitchen is at least a contained area. (But please, my dear family. If I ever seem to be going in the ways of becoming a hoarder, please tell me to stop!) We had dinner at the Haeata's, and then visited Ivan that night. Miracle of the day? The amount of members that LOVINGLY gave us rides... pretty much everywhere. #Grateful #LoveThemAll — Sister Joseph, Sister Leato, and Sister Haeata. 'Cause I couldn't move very fast, and... there wasn't any way I was biking without being able to breathe. It's hard enough up some of those hills when you DO have the ability of breathing out your nose, let alone when you don't.
WEDNESDAY. #Sickness. But we still had a comp study with Elder Hunter and Gulliver. I just probably looked like I was going to fall over a little. Okay. I really wasn't that bad. But you all know what it's like when you have a cold. I also didn't sleep much the night before, so I was zombie like. Anyhoo. We still made it out that morning, I forced myself to bike, otherwise we wouldn't have made it to and back from where we wanted to go before lunchtime. But...alas. All the people we planned were not home. So we tracted. And met one lovely man – who's super Muslim, but also stopped to talk with us! He's the first super Kiwi man I've met that's muslim. Aka: He married into the religion. But he taught us some fun things! So that was good. We had our lunch break — I slept. We had dinner with our dear Emere Joseph at Pita Pit (have I mentioned that they have that here too?) and...we had some lovely conversation :)
Comp study with the Zone Leader (Elder Saulo, and his comp/trainee, Elder Vaioa Salanoa) began the day THURSDAY. Fun times there, as they also came over partially to try and steal the Samoan potentials from our area book. Ha. We gave them quite a few to contact, but...there's also a few that they're not allowed to have. Namely: Dora, her mum, Sia, and Vale........ Nope. All ours! Sorry! Also, Dora doesn't even speak Samoan, so, it wouldn't really work for her to go to the Samoan ward. We then had to rush on over to our lesson with Vale – and we taught her the Plan of Salvation! Fun things :) She seemed to enjoy it.
We stopped back by the flat for lunch after our lesson with her, and then out to visit Ivan and tract a bit. And...here's where Ivan surprised us. He told us the week before that he had gotten us a gift, yeah? Yup. He was going to wait, but then decided to give it to us before we left before it was too late. HE GOT US GREENSTONES! Or "Pounamu" in Maori.
Here's a little background of why this is a SWEET AS gift. Not only is it a crazy cool necklace, but greenstones are technically not meant to be bought for yourself, but rather - gifted to you by someone else. Ivan had ours carved by a man in his hometown up North, (Karetu) then they were washed in HIS river (the Taumarere River) and BLESSED on HIS Marae grounds (the Ngati Manu Marae). So: the significance in this is the fact that because it's been washed and blessed in his land and marae, the Ponamu has his ancestors with it. So - we carry Ivan's ancestry wherever we go now, 'cause... both Sister Hobbs and I have been wearing them since he gave them to us. He spoils us. He said he wanted "to thank us for all we've done." ...Oh, Ivan. It's WAY more than we deserve, but we are grateful - because, he's just brilliant. #BestConvertEver Love him to pieces.
We went to the Frost's for dinner and a lesson that night. They're just wonderful. It's still funny to me sometimes that David is my same age. Not sure why it's so funny to me... but it is. Anyhoo. We taught the Restoration to them, and had a lovely night. They just spoil us with smiles and greatness. And little Avery, man, It's like I'm getting a chance to watch Brody grow up - but... not, obviously. Ha. 'Cause Avery's now 8 months old? Almost. So... ya know, a few of the months I've missed with Brody. ;)
FRIDAY was weekly planning, lunch, walking and talking with people around the mall and down the rest of Great North Road to the "Manna Christian Store." We've been wanting to go in ...the entire time we've been here - but alas. So finally it happened! And we found REAL JOURNALS!! I've been struggling with this - 'cause...I've liked my nice actual journal-like journals, rather than just... notebooks. The journal I"m currently finishing up is kind of a journal, but more note-book-ey to me. Anyhoo. We found pretty and, ya know, Christian-themed journals. So I have one with lyrics to Amazing Grace on the front, and another with Phil. 4:6 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." And that one is pretty, embossed leather. And, yes, I know I'll fill up both of these journals before I come home! #AllTheWriting
We visited with Aroha Levi and the kids - it went... alright. Ha. We're still struggling to figure out how to bring her kids to a level of focus. We had them for a bit - teaching faith with "growing animal capsules" but... we're not sure how much they actually got the gospel relation to the lesson. We just need to get them to church, and all will be well :) Just making that step will be good for the family. It's amazing watching how something as little as going to church helps in peoples lives.
Our night was filled with tracting on Pakira Ave (Ivan's street) and finding a couple of little miracles. Anita and Poonam. Both lovely and willing to talk to us. Poonam is Hindu, and helped us in understanding the symbol they have that goes along with Ganesh (Hindu deity) that looks a little bit like a swastika. ...And I'm assuming this is actually where Hitler got his symbol of "good luck" or whatever. Anyhoo. It was fun to talk with her, and she gave us tips on if we ever go to India - where to go and when to go (not during the summer apparently...haha). Anita was...insanely excited to see us though. She's recently become Christian, and said she wants help in Bible studies! - As, with her job(s) she struggles to find a bible study class that works with her different hours. So she said, "Oh, it's like you've been sent to me!" Haha. #Blessings. Excited to go back and visit her :)
SATURDAY I was just sick of being sick. But we still got out, talked with people, then came back for a lunch break - which I slept during again. The afternoon resulted in ...all our plans not working out, but then finding the blessings in visiting the Josephs instead :) We got to spend time with Arihia, and...we just love her to pieces. We talked books and movies and just got to know her a bit more. We love the friendship life. We all also decided to compile movie/book lists for each other, so that was pretty exciting. I'm still working on Arihia's... I'm slow. Ha. Love her. So much.
We then dropped by the Masiasomua's for a "toilet break" as Sister Hobbs called it (ha) — but really we were just too tired to be bothered to go back to the flat for dinner (and I didn't really care, as I didn't have that strong of a desire to eat anyhow), and because our dinner hour was even technically over at this point. But the Masiasomua's were home (miracle) and took us in, let us stay and fed me salad. We planned our p-day together (today! woot!), and they drove us home, lovingly letting us store our bikes at their house.... to be picked up at some point. Ha. We were going to pick them up last night. And then maybe tonight, but... that just doesn't seem like it's going to happen. So Tuesday then. ;)
SUNDAY. SISTER GAITAU HAS RETURNED! Both Ramona, and her beautiful daughter, Alisha, who's just returned from the England, Manchester mission :) She's the cutest of all cute, and we're excited to get to work with her in all of her returned-missionary glory. There was a GIANT feast after church Sunday, and poor Alisha was just... exhausted from all the travel and jet-lag-ness. Ha. But she seemed happy, and then told us later that night that she "hadn't broke down yet" — but that she probably would soon. Poor girl ;) We're ready and excited to help her adjust by throwing her into more missionary work with us though :) It'll be grand.
OH! And: OTHER exciting news about Sunday: We HAVE A WARD MISSION LEADER! Now that we've been here for 12 weeks, they've found someone to fill the calling. Brother Tuatonga - their family has just moved here from Christchurch (city), and he's super excited to work with us, and we're super excited too! :D
So... there's the week. Slow at times, and I"m sick of being sick, but... "It will all work out" :) (Thank you President Hinckley - and then Sister Marriott.)
Life is grand. Henderson is beautiful. And.... we'll see if I'm sitll here next week at this time :) Or - even in 2 days time! #Weird. I definitely feel like I'm not ready to leave yet, but I keep having this feeling that SOMETHING is going to change.... so, we'll see.
A scripture for the week:
"And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another." —Mosiah 18:21
*And here is now my "not amused face" with myself* as, the WRONG SD CARD is in my camera at the moment... so you don't get a picture of my greenstone (sad face). But... next week. We'll make it happen.
Funny story: Sister Hobbs knows all our family by name...for the most part, and I'm just barely learning her siblings names. Why? 'Cause I've actually seen pictures now of them all separately and I can put a face to the name. When she was showing me pictures last week our convo went like this:
Hobbs: How is it that I know all YOUR sister's names and you don't know any of mine yet? Me: Once again, I'm a VISUAL person. You know this now. Hobbs: ...Yeah. Okay. #ThingsNotEveryoneUnderstands
And, I saw the Leap Year bunny on Google too! When I got on the computer last week! (The Internet opens to the Google page.) It made me super happy :) I realized AFTER i got off the computer that I had forgotten to wish you guys an early happy Leap Day! Haha.
And it's good to hear about Sister Hatch news :) I totally understand her, "Where did my mission go?" 'Cause... I was just thinking about that last night. I'm almost to 9 months! Crazy! Sad about her comp though :( But lil' Ri's got a good positive head on her, doesn't she? So excited for her :) You'll have to give her a BIG hug from me and tell her how much I miss her, and how grateful I am for her example to me in going on a mission!
Oh. And RANDOM QUESTION for the day: Why do we have basements in America? I get asked this quite often... people think I'm crazy for living in the BASEMENT. Haha! #ThingsIveNeverThoughtAbout
LOVE AND MISS YOU ALL HEAPS! ;) Hope you have a brilliant week!!!
It's been a good week :) Lots of things happening. And ....lots of words to explain it all! Haha.
THE WEEK BEGAN with the usual –MONDAY emails, printing photos, and shopping. However, we did get some news to "mix up" our week a bit! "Stern talkings" from President Balli. Not directly to us, but we got a text from our District Leader with the hashtag of #PresidentJustRebukedUsInDistrict LOLs. So... He apparently "firmly" but "lovingly" came down on our District and Zone Leaders about how our Zone could be "doing much better" at "talking with everyone" on the street, and actually REACHING our goal of 140 TWE a WEEK. So... this motivated us a little more to try even harder to talk with more people and pray for experiences to be able to do so. 'Cause... poor Elder Hunter. Haha.
Anyhoo. Monday night we had a visit with I. :) It had been a bit since we had seen him, so it was good. Really good, 'cause we had received a message from him the previous Saturday, basically saying he wouldn't be at church because of some disturbing things he'd found out about the church and he couldn't bring himself to come. — Aka, these are the moments where you just want to yell at Satan for pulling out stupid things to throw off the minds of the people you love so much! Anyhoo. We visited, and he shared with us what was going on. Apparently there was a man up north somewhere that was caught and is being put on trial for... attacking 13 young girls. :( But - the part about it that really threw Ivan through a loop (and is once again a good reminder that "satan can get into the mind of ANYONE") is that this man was associated with the Church – some sort of higher leader, like a bishop or something I believe. Either way, I just came to us saying, "How could this man go and do something like THAT, when he's a MEMBER OF THE CHURCH, and supposed to be leading these people around him and representing this gospel?"
Honestly, I don't remember much about what we said. But - I DO know that the ponderise scripture I had chosen last week was TRULY sent from Heavenly Father—along with the verse before—both which I'd actually chosen to write down as my personal ponderize scripture.
34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
35 Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss; therefore I will lift up my voice until thee; yea I will cry unto thee, my God, the rock of my righteousness. Behold, my voice shall forever ascend up unto thee, my rock and mine everlasting God. Amen. —2 Nephi 4:34-35
I shared that with I, and Sister Hobbs and I talked with him about how Satan can truly get to anyone, and that's why we have to continually be building ourselves up. I also shared with him that I know it can be hard to get through times like that when people know you're associated with the Church and so they judge you, based on the actions of other people (relating it to the Seminary principal at LP that was discovered to be having an affair with a student when I was in high school). So... it's interesting how puzzle pieces of life continually fit into place of "why I experienced that one event at that particular time" — so that it could come into play in my life NOW, and I'd be able to share it with someone else in need. – If that makes sense at all. I just LOVE that everything happens for a reason! Even if that thing doesn't really make sense until 5 or 6 years later! All the experiences and challenges we have help us so we can become stronger and help others along our way!
The other brilliant thing about this night with I? Our Sister Training Leaders had just returned from South Auckland, and brought with them a letter that Sister Gila had written to Ivan. Thank goodness we remembered and brought it to his house that night, because when we got back home Ivan texted saying that Sister Gila (she was one of the original Sisters that started teaching Ivan) had given him this KILLER quote....
"When Satan reminds you of your past, remind him of his future, because he has none!" —Author Unkniwn
So... The Holy Ghost works in miraculous ways. :) There's no way Sister Gila could have known what was going on in Ivan's life to know that he would have needed that letter from her and that little quote at that EXACT MOMENT. It's just brilliant! I love it :)
After Monday night with Ivan and the Spirit that testified to us all that we can overcome anger and be comforted by the Spirit, TUESDAY was filled with MIRACLES!! We stuck to our plans that we had made Monday night, as close as we could ('cause, sometimes it's difficult without a car), and even though most of the actual people we had down to visit weren't home, there were OTHER PEOPLE placed in our path around the areas we were sent to. Therefore, we not only met, but surpassed the goals we had set for ourselves that day! #Brilliant #FeltSoGood
Mainly, I think the "sweet-AS" part of the day began with the fact that we thought we had District Meeting, when in reality.... we apparently didn't. HaHa. So... therefore we had nothing planned for the morning! But –blessings come through the Spirit to those that want to teach! Sister Hobbs texted one of our potentials, Vale (Vah-lay), who we've been trying to meet with for a while now. And: Miracle – she was FREE! So, we rushed our little selves over to her house, met her and 2 of her children, and were able to teach the Restoration to her. She's super keen and open and it's just brilliant. I honestly think that if we hadn't THOUGHT there was District Meeting, that we wouldn't have ended up at her house! And: She's now officially a new investigator for us!! So... the Lord blesses us with new investigators when we're seeking! :)
The day continued with some tracting around different areas, and meeting Sue, Yaman, and Lina. :) (Who's name instead turns into "Linda" every. single. time. I write it down. Haha.) We met Sue in the afternoon, and she told us we could come back later, as she was busy making dinner for her husband. Yaman invited us in for a cool drink (it was a crazy hot day), and ALSO told us we could come back. And then Lina :) - was our last full visit of the night. We knocked on her door around...7:30ish? Originally looking for someone else – but she came to the door, invited us in, and gave us watermelon and a cool drink. We found out she goes to the AOG (Assembly of God) church, but... also seems rather open to other faiths. She said her dad (?) was Mormon when she lived back in Samoa, and, well... that just helped us in realising we could go back. I don't think either of us felt it was the right time to share a lesson or even bring out any pamphlets, but we did say a prayer, which touched her in some way that we're not certain. The Spirit was definitely present, and she gave us hugs with tears in her eyes as we left :)
So... a miracle day. The Lord places people in our paths that need uplifting with the Spirit, and... we're excited to return and see them all again. :)
WEDNESDAY: Service at the Frosts :) #NewTools We've purchased our OWN gardening tools now, 'cause there's been a few people that have mentioned maybe letting us come help in their gardens! So... we decided it was a worthy investment – no longer having to rely on other people having tools for us to use :) The rest of the day resulted in biking a lot of places, and dropping by to visit Ester & Jader & their daughter... who's name I sadly can't remember right now. But they're the cute little Brasillian family in our ward. It was definitely a message sent from God to visit them, 'cause... they have now moved away :( Down to Gisbon. LUCKILY it wasn't until yesterday (Sunday) that they actually moved, so we got to see them a few days before their new adventure more "South" begins! Jader got a job down there, so... there they go :) But we got to have a last conversation, a little message, and a picture :) Good times! We're sad to be losing our way of learning some Portugese though!
The night then followed with going to Ward Council, and then some walking through neighborhoods to talk with people. The thing that kind of ...saddened me, and definitely Sister Hobbs was a little miscommunication that I think went on between us and Brother Tu'tai (the 2nd counselor in the bishopric). During Ward Council, the question was brought up: If we were bringing members with us to visit people like Ivan and the Burgess boys, now that they're baptized? Alas - we haven't been. So, we took that into our notes, and brother Manukia piped up saying he'd come to Ivan. Then - because we had also mentioned we used to bring the Elders along with us before his baptism, they questioned why we brought the Elders instead of someone from the ward. We explained (or tried) that it was because when we got here —being double shifted in—we were given a note from Sister Blanchard that the Sunnyvale Elders came to lessons with Ivan - so Elder Christiansen KNEW Ivan. We didn't yet know him. We also didn't know the Ward yet. So when we got here, we continued bringing the Elders so Ivan would feel comfortable with someone he knew while he got to know us. Makes sense, right? Yes. However, like I said, there must have been a miscommunication somewhere along the line, because Wednesday night we got a call from our dear Elder Saulo (Zone Leader) asking if there was a reason "why we were bringing the Elders to lessons instead of ward members." Again, we explained to him what it was like in the beginning before we knew people, and that it's different now. Then we asked where he got this information, and apparently Brother Tu'tai had CALLED our Zone Leaders. So... here's the thing that was confusing to me about this. Obviously not the fact that Brother Tu'tai was concerned about things in the ward and he wanted something to change ... But the fact that at the end of Ward Council he shook both mine and Sister Hobbs' hands and didn't mention anything to us!
So... we suddenly felt like we'd somehow lost Brother Tu'tai's trust. We don't know how, exactly, but he's been rather "off-ish" with us lately - "correcting" us for things we're not PERFECT at, but... also in not coming straight to us with his concerns.
Anyhoo. So... any ideas/suggestions on how we can better become friends with and build a better trust relationship with Brother Tu'tai again (even though we're not sure where we lost it?) would be greatly appreciated! :) Happily, his wife seems to be just fine with us! In fact, she talks to us more than she used to! So, I don't know where we lost trust with him.
And then - to top off Wednesday night, I learned a great lesson of patience and humbling myself to deal with .... disorganization. Haha. The STL's called, asking if we could go on Trade-offs!...... The next day. #LastMinute #WeHadPlans #IWasExcitedForThatNextDay #IWouldBeLeavingOurArea #IGotFrustrated
Honestly, this was sadly the first time I've lost my patience that fast. And I realised (again) how much I don't like change. But... prayer is beautiful, and Heavenly Father helped me calm down and to love the STL's, despite the last-minute-ness of EVERY TIME they want to do a tradeoff.
THURSDAY began with Zone Training! And it was good. We talked about lesson plans, study plans, and keeping to a study plan in order to accomplish reading and studying certain things throughout the mission. This... was very good for me. Ha. As I now have an idea of how long it's going to take me to read all the things I want to this year :)
After Zone Training, because the sisters were already driving us around and we were about to start our tradeoff anyway, we went out to lunch – they all went to KFC, but I said, "Nah" cause... I'm just done with eating out in general... but whatevs. So they told me about this place called "Tank" which was across the car park – aka: kind of like a super posh version of Zupas. Ha. It was really nice actually, and my stomach appreciated the cleanness of a salad again. :)
My Trade-off was with Sister Fornaro in their area (again). (Sister Fornaro is my "grandma" - aka: my trainer's trainer. So it was fun to actually spend some time with her.) Aaaaaand... I got to drive! 'Cause, see - there's something with Austrailian's and their drivers licenses — they "expire" after a year of being in NZ, and therefore, they can't drive anymore. Whereas - Americans, we're able to get a New Zealand license after so long of being here! Woot! Still don't really understand why, but, hey, I'm not complaining!
My day with Sister Fornaro was filled with learning about how to make TWE more effective, how to gain more confidence, and staying motivated - even when my companion isn't. So... it was a good day. Regardless of the mini "fit" I threw the night before (seriously though - I wasn't happy at the last-minute-ness. Ha.) It turned out to be a blessing of a day. And I honestly know that came through the power of the prayers I kept saying that I"d be able to calm down, humble myself, find my level of patience I KNOW I have, and learn the things I needed to learn. It worked! And it was grand! :)
Ah, and the fun TWE moment of the day? Meeting Craig, whose main question not only humored me, but took me by surprise: "If there's a God, why would He create Dinosaurs? When were they here? And why would He choose to create big monsters to roam the earth?" LOLsss... Things I've never thought about. Or- not in that way at least. #AlwaysJustThoughtTheyWereCool #DinoLove
FRIDAY morning was the usual. Planning for the week. Lunch. And then out! And we got to see SENTOSA again! (Bahai faith family.) And this time we got to meet her 18-year-old daughter, JASMINE. We found some similarities within our beliefs (like... everyting, really), which helped us to build a stronger relationship with them. And a funny thing, apparently last week Sentosa's girls saw us walking down the street and when they got home they said, "Mum! We saw your friends walking down the street today!" Haha. So we told them that next time they should yell out to us! Love them. So much. Ah, and a fun thing we learned... Jasmine IS SEARCHING. She's not yet actually "declared" herself as a Bahai yet. So... we taught them a bit more about the Book of Mormon, and gave Jasmine her own. And she started reading it - literally right in front of us!! Haha. #Excitement :)
We visited the Burgess/Fiatau. (Did I ever mention that we found out the boys last name isn't actually Burgess?) Ha. They're under their dad's last name - Fiatau. Confusing things. #PartnerLife We just love seeing them. They're so excited no matter what lesson we're teaching, and they're ....so keen to learn. They'll truly be a grand part of helping their family come back to Church :)
We also got to see Michelle & Chanel Harder, and met a man named MARCUS. A YOUNG father - who was straight up with us, saying he was going down the street to sit on the corner and try and make some money for his family for the weekend before he starts his new job...today! ( Monday). He shared with us how much he LOVES his family and how he's intending to raise his children in a good way, away from the crazy things in this world. Soo... we asked if they were people he would want to be with forever. He said, "yes." We gave him a pamphlet. And we will probably now be tracting the street he said he lives on... or just praying he actually calls us. Haha. Love this work :)
And - a little funny thing from the night to show the cuteness and goofy-ness of my very British companion. As we were walking home (we walk through a petrol station, instead of going around - 'cause, well, it's faster), the music from One Direction - "What Makes You Beautiful" - was playing above our heads, and in my head I thought, "Ah - I have a very happy companion right now" - and SURE ENOUGH. When I looked over at her, she was staring at me with this goofy-looking smile and wide eyes of excitement! Hahahahaha! #British #Obsessed #OneDirection Love it :)
Ah. And one more. HaHa moment. As we continued walking down the street, there were two guys across from us getting out of their car. We waved and said, "hello!" One guy popped his head out of the car and said, "Hey! Where are you girls off to tonight?" Then, as we answered, I heard his friend mumble, "Dude, they're Mormons," after which the guy takling to us said, "Oh, uh... well, we're just going here to drink some beers!" Haaaaaaaa.... #ChangeOfThought. But whatevs. It brought another laugh to the night for both of us. #LongEmail #IWriteTooMuch #IDon'tKnowWhat'sUpWithAllTheHashtagsToday
SATURDAY started as a beautiful, sunny morning - so we biked out to Garelja. Our appointment unfortunately... got cancelled. Aka: She wasn't home. So, instead we dropped by Marion's. And we finally caught her at a good time to help her put together some shelves (I GOT TO USE TOOLS AGAIN!). HAPPINESS. And we started helping her clean her house... Welp. That was a feat. Ha. 'Cause... Who's a hoarder? Ohhhh yup. Marion's a hoarder. Didn't know that until we saw ALL of her house (well... most of it). And it's really not even that big of a house. But... she's got a LOT of stuff. So we're going back this week to help out again... and hopefully bring a member to help us make her focus on things while we just attack the house. #CleaningProjectCommence #LizWouldDie ...Also this was the moment I became insanely grateful for all those times when I was little and Liz would help me clean out my room saying, "Do you need this? Okay. Where are you going to put it? You don't have a spot? You can't keep it." Hahaha
Since that took... significantly longer than we had expected, we decided to grab a quick lunch from the Gull petrol station, so that we wouldn't be late for our appointment with Anthony & Kids. Aka: Less-active family - though, we're no longer sure which ones living there are actualy the less actives. We had a fun little lesson with the kids though - while the adults were there, but clearly not interested in joining us. Whatevs. Anthony and Christina enjoy our little gospel games :) And Anthony's cute little "I'll come to church next week, I promise!"
As we left their house it started sprinkling... just a little. But... as we rode (yes, we were indeed still biking) from Imperial Place, to an entirely diferent part of our area - Tirimoana - it definitely decided to RAIN. ALL OF THE RAIN! SOAKED. But... only half of us. 'Cause our backs were covered by our bags, and because we were sitting - our butts didn't get any of the water either! But the front half of us was definitlely more than wet. Haha. By the time we got to our dinner appointment at Sister Jones' we were laughing hysterically at how wet we were, and stood outside for a bit to drip and wring out our skirts. We had a lovely time with Sister Jones, and were also grateful to not be in the buckets of rain pouring outside. Although, as we went to leave her house, the rain picked back up again. Ha. She offered to drive us somewhere, but we decided to just bring our bikes home, dry ourselves off a bit more, and make sure our bikes wouldn't rust and whatnot. #SuperSoaked
And that was the majority of our night. We ended up making phone calls for people who needed rides to church and things - which was good. 'Cause it got both Ivan and Marion to church on Sunday :)
Sunday wasn't a "normal" church day for us — we instead had an Area Conference :) – At least, that's what I'm calling it. Ha. But it was like a little piece of home, because it was a broadcast from Salt Lake! Elder Pearson (South Pacific Area President) spoke to us, as well as Elder Craig Christensen, Tad R. Callister, Cheryl A Esplin, and Elder Quentin L. Cook :) — WE thought it was goign to be Elder Christofferson from certain things he said to us when he came to our mission conference, but... alas. All goods though. It was a lovely meeting - basically talking about going back to the basics and fundamentals of the Gospel. Church, Pray, Read, and allowing the Spirit to work in your life. It was grand. :) And also fun to spend a little time with the Masiasomua's again (they picked us up for the meeting, and we sat with them). We had a lesson with the Donaldson's again this night - and they're just lovely. We're sad that our lessons with them are coming to a close though. So... hopefully we'll find another time we can still visit them on a regular basis.
Summary: This week we worked hard, accomplished and surpassed goals, and got closer to achieving others than we have in the past. Miracles were seen, lovely people were met. And, we have new people to teach :) Love it all. Also - I've been out 8 months. Is that just really weird for anyone else? Haha.
I hope you all have a most brilliant week. Remember to say your prayers and read from the scriptures every day—because I know that as you do, and as you ask for help in specific things in your day Heavenly Father blesses you with that help. And it's truly divine! :)
Much love and happiness and joy! :) I love you all HEAPS!!
Arohanui, Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley "Never give up on anyone. And that includes not giving up on yourself." —President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
