Winter is FINALLY settling itself in, here in my beautiful Aotearoa. I think NZ is actually a bit worse than Utah sometimes - in the sense of being one season one day and then another the next! We've jumped from about 20 degrees to .... less than that - basically overnight! So... pretty cold. But it could also be the fact that I think my body has just acclamated nicely to the tropical weather. So....winter when I get back may be a struggle. Ha.
Anyhoo. The PLUS side to the winter settling in is the fact that it's been RAINING ALL THE TIME. And therefore, there are BEAUTIFUL RAINBOWS! Sister Gila and I, on our way down this morning were literally chasing rainbows—MASSIVE AND VIBRANT RAINBOWS!! Let's be real. It'll never get old.
I LOVED HEARING ANGELINE'S VOICE. Allllll the happy :) And I have indeed received my package now. So, THANK YOU! It's definitely a beautiful little package of sunshine and happiness! It was so sad to hear about her car though :( I felt so bad! And I'm pretty sure the missionaries she met were actually my Sister Training Leaders, O'Reilly and Anderson! Haha. So - small world!
It's been a good week :) Things always look up. The work is still a bit slow, but we're getting to know our members better and better each day, and I know that the investigators WILL COME. Just lots of searching and finding those beautiful prepared souls :) Also, I realized that since I've been in this area I really haven't done many crafty/arty things, other than putting together the map on our wall of the area. So....that's something I'm trying to put in a little more of in the week—my little outlet to bring out my happy creative side! :)
After our brilliant Zone P-day last MONDAY—Laser tag running around, excitement—I was ready to go. So apparently I just need more laser tag in my life. We met some members we hadn't met before (after getting lost on the way to their house....we reallyyyyyy need to get a new map. Ha. #OutDated And we had a FHE/birthday celebration with the Niu family. Love them so much. I also learned a little more POI. I'm obsessed with the Poi life. I just wish I was better at it. Ha. It'll come. I'm learning how to do a butterfly poi! It's exciting :) (Thank you, my dear Aejah Masiasomua for teaching me my first few things.) (Whanau: I can't remember if I've explained Poi....but I'm sure if you YouTube "New Zealand Kapahaka" you'll come up with HEAPS of dances with poi.) [Although Poi is a wallpaper paste-like food in Polynesian cultures, Poi is also a form of dance where weights on the ends of tethers are swung through rhythmical patterns. It is rooted in the culture of the Maori people of Aotearoa, a.k.a. New Zealand, who dance with poi poi in traditional ceremonies.]
OH. Also: Sister Taylor, in all her brilliance, came up with making zone/MISSION hoodies. And I love it. SO MUCH. We're going to see if she has enough fabric to put our names on the bottom as well—but for now it's "NZAM" (New Zealand Auckland Mission) on the back and the pocket on the front—made in "SWEET AS" MAORI FABRIC. Love. All the love!
TUESDAY we got some BRILLIANT news. Elder Jackson called as we were leaving the flat for District Meeting saying, "So, I'm retiring some of the cars in the mission, and yours is due to be retired! So after district meeting, we got a NEW CAR!! District Meeting was also exciting with a little surprise party for Elder Summers at the end for his birthday! Woo! #20 #SoLittle ;)
I had a headache for...most of this day. The struggle is real lately with the headache life. But... we're all goods! No worries. Life moves on. We also met another member family that we hadn't officially met yet and had the most DELICIOUS dinner with them. And then we dropped in to visit our dear Elli Duncan. I love her to pieces. Everyone is easy to love here though, so...there's that :) Ha.
WEDNESDAY was a blessing. Our Zone (or most of them) gathered together in Hibiscus to "blitz" our area. Aka: they came to our area and we split them into different areas to tract and help us find potentials! Each set of missionaries came away with at least one potential, so that was SUPER exciting :) We're going to be going back to contact them again this week to see where we can be of help. So...life is good. Blessings! That night we also had an exciting Relief Society activity in Hibiscus with the theme—"In Her Shoes." It was based on the scripture of D&C 18:10 ..."For the worth of SOLES is great in the sight of God." HaHaHa....I cracked up ;) Also, there was a story shared (not sure if it came from a talk or an Ensign or what?) called, "DROPS of AWESOME." ...And man, did I need it!! The activity was a blessing in SO many ways—also because we were able to help the sisters set up beforehand—which allowed us to get to know a LOT more of the ward as well as meet one of the potentials that we've been trying to track down for a while! (Still have yet to find her actual house - but it was exciting to meet her.)
Ward Activities. They're a blessing! :)
THURSDAY. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!!!! I hope you had a most BEAUTIFUL day and that people spoiled you senseless ;) Haha. I was thinking about you all day long. Also: You'll be proud, because I taught Emma a bit more about oils. 'Cause...her email has apparently been struggling and she hasn't been able to look up your email yet. But soon. Or I may just print it off and give it to her so she can at least read the info she needs. Every Thursday is dinner at the Rapata's in Torbay which is LOVELY, and then MCM [Missionary Committee Meeting] with our wonderful WML [Ward Mission Leader] and Ward missionaries. Just love 'em all.
FRIDAY. Weekly planning, visited Emma and GAVE her a few oils... (so...I no longer have peppermint. But she needed it more than I do. And I also gave her my little bottle of wild orange.) It was quite hilarious to watch someone trying oils for the first time. She was so excited and felt like she was on a different kind of high! Haha. Love Emma so much :) We also tried to catch a few people at home, to no avail, but we were able to meet more members again. So it's just been a wonderful week of meeting members, showing them our love, and showing them WE ARE HERE. And also a member lesson with our dear Alesha and Aalyana Losefa. LOVE THEM.
SATURDAY. We had a MEAN lesson with Philip - and Maggie came. (He's our investigator that's been investigating since...2007 I think? Something forever like that.) And another Ward Activity helped us, once again, get to know more of the ward and meeting the people who could have some potentials to be taught! Aka: This week we've learned there are great amounts of potentials that fall within our areas. It's just about seeking them out and ...patiently looking for those that are ready. :)
SUNDAY Ssiter Gila and I Spoke in Torbay Ward, "introducing" ourselves....even though we've been here for 4 weeks and know....a good portion of the people in Torbay already. Haha. (Torbay's the smaller ward.) But it was good. And two former missionaries came to Sacrament meeting as well! Sister Dixon (Tammy) and Elder Manarangi (Gabriel)—and news: They're dating. Precious! Haaaaa.... Mission Love.
Anyhoo. Life is good. The rainbow always comes after the storm, and looking for the sunshine always brings about those that are prepared – or at least the finding of new little things we can do in the area to help!! I love it all :) New Zealand is beautiful, and I'm grateful to be here :)
Love you all, and hope you have a most beautiful week! —As you go into your spring/summer-ness.....and I go into freezing weather! Haha.
Ofa lahi atu
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Friday, May 27, 2016
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Faith
FAITH is a funny concept. "Believing in things that we can't see," but which we KNOW to be true.
It's something I've never really struggled with in my life, 'cause...I'm just like that? Ha. I don't know. But it's interesting. I never knew that there would be MORE things in life that would help me build faith. Well - I guess I knew that, but... didn't expect it because faith has always come so easily to me.
Sorry, I'm rambling. My Point: It's been a FAITH BUILDING WEEK! And I'm okay. Ha. Living, breathing, still standing. It's just been a struggle week :P
Our week began with getting to know a few members—some that we had already met—getting to know them better, and others we met for the first time.
Then TUESDAY hit, and I was suddenly....just very sad. :( And I couldn't figure out why. We had district meeting and I made it through, but I knew that everyone knew something was wrong, by the amount of times people asked me, "Are you okay?" or "Are you sisters happy?" I felt bad. But I sucked it up. Then we went to visit Sister Rapata ahd help her sort through some old family documents for family history purposes, but it turned into more of a "Sister Ottley is stressing out and all I want to do is cry" session instead. So Sister Rapata just talked with us and helped me calm down. We ended up going to the Sunset Sister's flat after that, 'cause, well I didn't want to scare people away with all the tears, and we weren't far from their flat. We stayed there a bit, and the Zone Leaders, Elders Summers and Cowley, came to give me a blessing (talking all about having faith and that my Heavenly Father loves me). We stayed at the Sister's flat for a bit after that, and Sister Taylor brought over a jar of Nutella and a spoon for me to make things better (ha) —and then we had a BRILLIANT call from Gina (a recent convert) saying, "I'm home alone tonight! Come over!" Blessing of a girl!
...And I'm sadly going to cut you off there in the way of details, 'cause... today's been a crazy day with everything that we've needed to accomplish. Ha.
WEDNESDAY was trade-offs and I went to Panmure again, but this time with Sister Anderson :) Lovely times. And ...just a blessing to get away from my area so I could stop stressing for 24 hours. It's not the area really, it's just...my head. My perfectionist side struggling because I don't know how to please everyone and because we don't have anyone to teach and I MISS THAT SO MUCH. Basically... There was a lot of crying this week. Mum, remember the night before I left and I was all packed (thanks to the girls) and all that jazz - and I just started bawling for no apparent reason? Yup. Very similar.
So SUNDAY I was just....struggling. Because Saturday we had spent most of the day tracting and i learned that rich people just scare me. Ha. And that Orewa (Hibiscus area) is just...FULL of very rich people! (I'm convinced that this area is to help me get used to what's considered a "normal-size" house back home. Haha.) And It was just hard. Good, but hard. And Sunday I just wanted to cry all day, bascially. It's like I'm slowly coming to realize that it's just not possible to fully please everyone. And I know that it's part of the mission life and part of life in general - it's just....hard for me to accept. I even got to a point on Sunday when I texted Sister Taylor (in Sunset Ward) asking what it was like to have depression. 'Cause.... I just couldn't make myself stop crying. Ridiculous. I just felt silly. And then Elder Summers called and I cried more 'cause we weren't going to the "come and see" - ha. [You can't go without an investigator.] But then he made me laugh-cry - so, better? improvement? Ha. Anyhoo. We were able to go to dinner at the Maire's home Sunday night, and then over to Brother and Sister Niu to do a member lesson with them. And THAT was just a blessing from above, 'cause it....was needed. It was a HIGH that I needed! A teaching high. And I was HAPPY.
So.... happiness overcomes all things. It's true. This is just my time to learn about faith and how to balance woring with everyone and all the things :)
Life is good. Things move on :) We'll find someone to teach soon :) I know that even within these crazy rich-people places, there ARE SOFT HEARTS.
It has been a fun P-day today, a nice outlet and just... time to be with the Zone. We went lazer tagging :) So tell the peeps I'm sorry for not replying to emails. I've printed some that I didn't get to read for later. I've only glanced through your email mum, but basically you're always in tune with the things I need. Don't worry. I'm good. I have HEAPS of missionaries around me that are...very supportive of the Sad-Sister-Ottley whenever she shows up ;) Haha. And PRIESTHOOD BLESSINGS. They're just wonderful!!
Also, a talk EVERYONE should listen to that Sister Gila and I have been listening to today... It's by Brad Wilcox, and ...i'm not sure what it's called. But he talks about "hanging around with the Book of Mormon" and tis' hilarious!!
LOVES! I love you all, and I hope you have a most beautiful week :)
Ofa Atu,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
It's something I've never really struggled with in my life, 'cause...I'm just like that? Ha. I don't know. But it's interesting. I never knew that there would be MORE things in life that would help me build faith. Well - I guess I knew that, but... didn't expect it because faith has always come so easily to me.
Sorry, I'm rambling. My Point: It's been a FAITH BUILDING WEEK! And I'm okay. Ha. Living, breathing, still standing. It's just been a struggle week :P
Our week began with getting to know a few members—some that we had already met—getting to know them better, and others we met for the first time.
Then TUESDAY hit, and I was suddenly....just very sad. :( And I couldn't figure out why. We had district meeting and I made it through, but I knew that everyone knew something was wrong, by the amount of times people asked me, "Are you okay?" or "Are you sisters happy?" I felt bad. But I sucked it up. Then we went to visit Sister Rapata ahd help her sort through some old family documents for family history purposes, but it turned into more of a "Sister Ottley is stressing out and all I want to do is cry" session instead. So Sister Rapata just talked with us and helped me calm down. We ended up going to the Sunset Sister's flat after that, 'cause, well I didn't want to scare people away with all the tears, and we weren't far from their flat. We stayed there a bit, and the Zone Leaders, Elders Summers and Cowley, came to give me a blessing (talking all about having faith and that my Heavenly Father loves me). We stayed at the Sister's flat for a bit after that, and Sister Taylor brought over a jar of Nutella and a spoon for me to make things better (ha) —and then we had a BRILLIANT call from Gina (a recent convert) saying, "I'm home alone tonight! Come over!" Blessing of a girl!
...And I'm sadly going to cut you off there in the way of details, 'cause... today's been a crazy day with everything that we've needed to accomplish. Ha.
WEDNESDAY was trade-offs and I went to Panmure again, but this time with Sister Anderson :) Lovely times. And ...just a blessing to get away from my area so I could stop stressing for 24 hours. It's not the area really, it's just...my head. My perfectionist side struggling because I don't know how to please everyone and because we don't have anyone to teach and I MISS THAT SO MUCH. Basically... There was a lot of crying this week. Mum, remember the night before I left and I was all packed (thanks to the girls) and all that jazz - and I just started bawling for no apparent reason? Yup. Very similar.
So SUNDAY I was just....struggling. Because Saturday we had spent most of the day tracting and i learned that rich people just scare me. Ha. And that Orewa (Hibiscus area) is just...FULL of very rich people! (I'm convinced that this area is to help me get used to what's considered a "normal-size" house back home. Haha.) And It was just hard. Good, but hard. And Sunday I just wanted to cry all day, bascially. It's like I'm slowly coming to realize that it's just not possible to fully please everyone. And I know that it's part of the mission life and part of life in general - it's just....hard for me to accept. I even got to a point on Sunday when I texted Sister Taylor (in Sunset Ward) asking what it was like to have depression. 'Cause.... I just couldn't make myself stop crying. Ridiculous. I just felt silly. And then Elder Summers called and I cried more 'cause we weren't going to the "come and see" - ha. [You can't go without an investigator.] But then he made me laugh-cry - so, better? improvement? Ha. Anyhoo. We were able to go to dinner at the Maire's home Sunday night, and then over to Brother and Sister Niu to do a member lesson with them. And THAT was just a blessing from above, 'cause it....was needed. It was a HIGH that I needed! A teaching high. And I was HAPPY.
So.... happiness overcomes all things. It's true. This is just my time to learn about faith and how to balance woring with everyone and all the things :)
Life is good. Things move on :) We'll find someone to teach soon :) I know that even within these crazy rich-people places, there ARE SOFT HEARTS.
It has been a fun P-day today, a nice outlet and just... time to be with the Zone. We went lazer tagging :) So tell the peeps I'm sorry for not replying to emails. I've printed some that I didn't get to read for later. I've only glanced through your email mum, but basically you're always in tune with the things I need. Don't worry. I'm good. I have HEAPS of missionaries around me that are...very supportive of the Sad-Sister-Ottley whenever she shows up ;) Haha. And PRIESTHOOD BLESSINGS. They're just wonderful!!
Also, a talk EVERYONE should listen to that Sister Gila and I have been listening to today... It's by Brad Wilcox, and ...i'm not sure what it's called. But he talks about "hanging around with the Book of Mormon" and tis' hilarious!!
LOVES! I love you all, and I hope you have a most beautiful week :)
Ofa Atu,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
In the Lord's Hands
It's interesting how a week can start out ....so difficult, but still end just fine :) I love the little things that I learn on this mission of mine each week, and each day.
This last week started out with Gabby. Our dear, Golden Gabby. We had a BEAUTIFUL LESSON with her last MONDAY night, going over prayer and the Book of Mormon. And she was so EXCITED about the idea that she could actually talk with someone above, and that He would be able to answer her questions and give her peace. We gave her a Book of Mormon and committed her to read the introduction. We explained to her that we would be giving her commitments along the way through lessons, and she was VERY
EXCITED to have a commitment, and said she would do it! So we left in the most excited of ways —Oh, and SHE set our next appointment to be Wednesday. Yup. In the same week!
TUESDAY started out a bit slower, not many (if any at all) were home, and I was...exhausted. (Fun fact: I haven't slept very well in this area. Not sure why. I should really probably get my Serenity back out. It's just been odd.)
And then.... after our lunch break—after we had just gotten to Torbay—we received a text from Gabby, saying she had mentioned to her mum that morning that she was meeting with us.... and well, her mum wasn't happy. So Gabby said she was sad, but wouldn't be able to meet with us anymore because she has to respect her mum's wishes... #AgencyTaken Which, obviously, I get that. But....it was just sad. And hard to hear. And I cried. Mostly on Wednesday – 'cause that's when it actually hit me. However, she thanked us and said we had "already made such an amazing impact on her life" ...and that we'd brought her happiness. So, sadly... we no longer have our Golden Gabby :( It honestly is one of those things that just....sucks as a missionary. (I haven't said that word in a long time. ha.) But it does. When you have someone who's SO KEEN, and then they have a parent who's not, so then they're not allowed to be *keen anymore. (She's 18....but whatevs.) *[Keen is Sister Ottley's New Zealand slang for "interested."]
*Anyhoo. *[Also a commonly used NZ word.] The thing that I've learned from this is that the mission has helped ME to learn to LOVE HARDER AND FASTER. Which is cool! But, also, hard. It results in great heartbreak when you have to stop teaching someone you love so much.
WEDNESDAY – like I said, was a struggle, 'cause that's when it actually hit me that Gabby was gone. But, we kept going – stopping by to visit with a few people, and visited with Robert (a less-active in Hibiscus) and had a little lesson/chat with him on his front porch ('cause we can't go in without another female present). That night we also had a brilliantly lovely member lesson with Sister Matla :) I love Sister Matla. So much. She's a single sister in our ward who has already spoiled us with her love and help. We had half of the first lesson with her that night, and it was just exciting, and good – 'cause I LAUGHED after having been mostly sad. It was also a good night for prayer, 'cause that night (and Thursday morning) I had this wonderful feeling of Heavenly Father saying, "Don't worry, Gabby's in my hands. It'll all be okay." So.... I know she'll be able to learn about the gospel again one day. And I'm grateful we got to talk to her about prayer and the Book of Mormon at least, because, with those two things you can begin to start a pretty solid love for the Gospel :) And... one day, she'll be able to learn more :)
THURSDAY got better, because: SERVICE! We were able to do some gardening/weeding for Sister Dwerryhouse in Hibiscus. Love. (Well, aside from the spiders.) LOVE! We finally met a few of the previous investigators that have been taught that we haven't been able to catch at home, and we had a lovely dinner at the Rapata's :) Love their family. Bishop Rapata (Torbay) helped us by giving us more info on some of the members so we can visit with a bit more background. And then – Missionary Committee Meeting. Love Brother and Sister Wharamate (our Ward Mission Leader and his wife, who is one of the ward missionaries). Note: They're also the house we Skyped from yesterday. :) Oh! And I met one of the members in our ward who's last name is Mckenzie! :) #Best Love her.
FRIDAY was interviews with President and Sister Balli. I love how I now have this relationship with them where it's like – we just talk. It doesn't feel like a formal "interview" anymore – just talking and sharing. Really comforting, actually. It was good. And we had a lovely training from Elder Summers and Elder Maxfield (one of the assistants). It was all about planning and the use of area books. I definitely have a testimony of why AREA BOOKS need to be used.... 'cause, well, after being double-shifted/white-washed into TWO different areas with... not so helpful area books – I want ours to be SIGNIFICANTLY better than when we got here!
Friday night we had dinner at a members and another member lesson with Brother and Sister Niu :) Love them. —Ah, and they also followed us on our way home after the lesson to a service station to help us put air into our tires, 'cause.... they were... well, low. Ha. And we now have an appointment to get our car serviced this week. So... that'll be good :) ('Cause the poor thing definitely needs some help.)
Oh! And President Balli gave us more *Km's :) [*Gas mileage.] Yay!
SATURDAY was our weekly planning meeting, since Friday we were in interviews, plus we visited with Gina and some other potential investigartors, ate fish 'n chips at Waiake Beach, and presented the second part of our member lesson with Sister Matla. Really love her.
Then, my dear Mother's Day SUNDAY was a BLESSING from on high — 'cause, well – I got to see your lovely faces :) It's amazing how such a simple thing can make alllllllll the difference. I still can't even believe how fast time flies though. —Even with Liz's sarcastic, "Yeah, Kenz. It's gone so fast without you here..." Hahaha. But I've almost been out a YEAR! What is this?! Anyhoo. SEEING your faces and HEARING your voices was brilliant! And after seeing your faces and hearing your voices, we went on another trade-off with Sisters Taylor and Rarawa – after they'd had the most amazing miracle! I just love hearing miracle stories from other missionaries, because it reminds you of happy things again, and of the prepared souls that the Lord has in store for each of us. The Miracle? One of their investigators SET HIMSELF for Baptism!! THIS MONTH. They had a dinner that he was invited to at a member's house, and he was saying, "Yeah, I want to get baptised. And I'm thinking it'll be at the end of this month. Maybe the 28th?" And that's when someone pointed out that there was something else on that day that would conflict – so his response was, "Oh- well, then the 21st!" ...Miracles!! Sometimes it makes you a little jealous. Ha. But I know that there are prepared souls in this area too. We just have to find them.
I went on the trade-off with Sister Taylor this time, and she's just lovely. We had a meal/lesson with the Young Single Adult's ward's bishop and the Zone Leaders ('cause they cover the YSA ward). And it was exciting :) And their kids are adorable. It was also just really fun teaching with Sister Taylor :)
Have I also mentioned that ALL of these sisters I've been talking about, including my companion, are LEAVING me in the next two transfers? They are ALL going home. #Crazy
So.... everything is in the Lord's hands. I just need to have that faith. And to keep moving forward! It's all good :) Love it.
Thank you, my dear whanau, for all you do :) For your beautiful smiles, your constant support, and your "you can do it" cheerleader attitudes! Haha.
You're all brilliant! I hope you have a most beautiful week and that all your wishes come true :)
Ofa lahi atu,
Sister Ottley
P.S. "Ofa Lahi Atu" is what I was trying to teach Ashley yesterday. Haha
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
This last week started out with Gabby. Our dear, Golden Gabby. We had a BEAUTIFUL LESSON with her last MONDAY night, going over prayer and the Book of Mormon. And she was so EXCITED about the idea that she could actually talk with someone above, and that He would be able to answer her questions and give her peace. We gave her a Book of Mormon and committed her to read the introduction. We explained to her that we would be giving her commitments along the way through lessons, and she was VERY
EXCITED to have a commitment, and said she would do it! So we left in the most excited of ways —Oh, and SHE set our next appointment to be Wednesday. Yup. In the same week!
TUESDAY started out a bit slower, not many (if any at all) were home, and I was...exhausted. (Fun fact: I haven't slept very well in this area. Not sure why. I should really probably get my Serenity back out. It's just been odd.)
And then.... after our lunch break—after we had just gotten to Torbay—we received a text from Gabby, saying she had mentioned to her mum that morning that she was meeting with us.... and well, her mum wasn't happy. So Gabby said she was sad, but wouldn't be able to meet with us anymore because she has to respect her mum's wishes... #AgencyTaken Which, obviously, I get that. But....it was just sad. And hard to hear. And I cried. Mostly on Wednesday – 'cause that's when it actually hit me. However, she thanked us and said we had "already made such an amazing impact on her life" ...and that we'd brought her happiness. So, sadly... we no longer have our Golden Gabby :( It honestly is one of those things that just....sucks as a missionary. (I haven't said that word in a long time. ha.) But it does. When you have someone who's SO KEEN, and then they have a parent who's not, so then they're not allowed to be *keen anymore. (She's 18....but whatevs.) *[Keen is Sister Ottley's New Zealand slang for "interested."]
*Anyhoo. *[Also a commonly used NZ word.] The thing that I've learned from this is that the mission has helped ME to learn to LOVE HARDER AND FASTER. Which is cool! But, also, hard. It results in great heartbreak when you have to stop teaching someone you love so much.
WEDNESDAY – like I said, was a struggle, 'cause that's when it actually hit me that Gabby was gone. But, we kept going – stopping by to visit with a few people, and visited with Robert (a less-active in Hibiscus) and had a little lesson/chat with him on his front porch ('cause we can't go in without another female present). That night we also had a brilliantly lovely member lesson with Sister Matla :) I love Sister Matla. So much. She's a single sister in our ward who has already spoiled us with her love and help. We had half of the first lesson with her that night, and it was just exciting, and good – 'cause I LAUGHED after having been mostly sad. It was also a good night for prayer, 'cause that night (and Thursday morning) I had this wonderful feeling of Heavenly Father saying, "Don't worry, Gabby's in my hands. It'll all be okay." So.... I know she'll be able to learn about the gospel again one day. And I'm grateful we got to talk to her about prayer and the Book of Mormon at least, because, with those two things you can begin to start a pretty solid love for the Gospel :) And... one day, she'll be able to learn more :)
THURSDAY got better, because: SERVICE! We were able to do some gardening/weeding for Sister Dwerryhouse in Hibiscus. Love. (Well, aside from the spiders.) LOVE! We finally met a few of the previous investigators that have been taught that we haven't been able to catch at home, and we had a lovely dinner at the Rapata's :) Love their family. Bishop Rapata (Torbay) helped us by giving us more info on some of the members so we can visit with a bit more background. And then – Missionary Committee Meeting. Love Brother and Sister Wharamate (our Ward Mission Leader and his wife, who is one of the ward missionaries). Note: They're also the house we Skyped from yesterday. :) Oh! And I met one of the members in our ward who's last name is Mckenzie! :) #Best Love her.
FRIDAY was interviews with President and Sister Balli. I love how I now have this relationship with them where it's like – we just talk. It doesn't feel like a formal "interview" anymore – just talking and sharing. Really comforting, actually. It was good. And we had a lovely training from Elder Summers and Elder Maxfield (one of the assistants). It was all about planning and the use of area books. I definitely have a testimony of why AREA BOOKS need to be used.... 'cause, well, after being double-shifted/white-washed into TWO different areas with... not so helpful area books – I want ours to be SIGNIFICANTLY better than when we got here!
Friday night we had dinner at a members and another member lesson with Brother and Sister Niu :) Love them. —Ah, and they also followed us on our way home after the lesson to a service station to help us put air into our tires, 'cause.... they were... well, low. Ha. And we now have an appointment to get our car serviced this week. So... that'll be good :) ('Cause the poor thing definitely needs some help.)
Oh! And President Balli gave us more *Km's :) [*Gas mileage.] Yay!
SATURDAY was our weekly planning meeting, since Friday we were in interviews, plus we visited with Gina and some other potential investigartors, ate fish 'n chips at Waiake Beach, and presented the second part of our member lesson with Sister Matla. Really love her.
Then, my dear Mother's Day SUNDAY was a BLESSING from on high — 'cause, well – I got to see your lovely faces :) It's amazing how such a simple thing can make alllllllll the difference. I still can't even believe how fast time flies though. —Even with Liz's sarcastic, "Yeah, Kenz. It's gone so fast without you here..." Hahaha. But I've almost been out a YEAR! What is this?! Anyhoo. SEEING your faces and HEARING your voices was brilliant! And after seeing your faces and hearing your voices, we went on another trade-off with Sisters Taylor and Rarawa – after they'd had the most amazing miracle! I just love hearing miracle stories from other missionaries, because it reminds you of happy things again, and of the prepared souls that the Lord has in store for each of us. The Miracle? One of their investigators SET HIMSELF for Baptism!! THIS MONTH. They had a dinner that he was invited to at a member's house, and he was saying, "Yeah, I want to get baptised. And I'm thinking it'll be at the end of this month. Maybe the 28th?" And that's when someone pointed out that there was something else on that day that would conflict – so his response was, "Oh- well, then the 21st!" ...Miracles!! Sometimes it makes you a little jealous. Ha. But I know that there are prepared souls in this area too. We just have to find them.
I went on the trade-off with Sister Taylor this time, and she's just lovely. We had a meal/lesson with the Young Single Adult's ward's bishop and the Zone Leaders ('cause they cover the YSA ward). And it was exciting :) And their kids are adorable. It was also just really fun teaching with Sister Taylor :)
Have I also mentioned that ALL of these sisters I've been talking about, including my companion, are LEAVING me in the next two transfers? They are ALL going home. #Crazy
So.... everything is in the Lord's hands. I just need to have that faith. And to keep moving forward! It's all good :) Love it.
Thank you, my dear whanau, for all you do :) For your beautiful smiles, your constant support, and your "you can do it" cheerleader attitudes! Haha.
You're all brilliant! I hope you have a most beautiful week and that all your wishes come true :)
Ofa lahi atu,
Sister Ottley
P.S. "Ofa Lahi Atu" is what I was trying to teach Ashley yesterday. Haha
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Thursday, May 5, 2016
May of Miracles!
Kia ora!
Yes, I'm much later today than usual....the power was out this morning in our area! Ha. Luckily it's back now :) I'm doing splendid! Love all the things about my new area :) Love my Sister Gila :)
MAY OF MIRACLES. This is our "Theme" for the month of May in our mission. We're reaching for "100% baptizing!" – Aka: Every companionship having a baptism! I have to admit when they first proposed it to us, Sister Gila and I were like, "....um...we just got double-shifted in." But: The Lord provides miracles, and we have to have FAITH in HIM. Because... with HIM, "ALL THINGS are possible!" —Mark 10:27
PONDERIZE:
"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of MIRACLES; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their FAITH." —2 Nephi 27:23
EVERYTHING is according to our FAITH. Have you realized that? Reading this scripture this week was kind of like a, "Come on Sister Ottley - you can FIND the miracles, because you have me!" from Heavenly Father. So.... Miracles WILL happen. And Sister Gila and I are excited :)
And a miracle we have FOUND already :) ...To come. On Thursday night :)
TUESDAY was a bit more...slowish, in the way of actually seeing people that is. But, that happens during holidays. People go away. But all's good :) We still had a lovely MCM meeting with our Torbay WML and ward missionaries, and it was all very exciting :) One of the many things Sister Gila and I are LOVING about these areas is how INTO MISSIONARY WORK they all are. They're so keen - and Hibiscus is just constantly more and more excited to have us (as....the previous sisters definitely favored going to Torbay to work, apparently. There's been a lot of people in the Hibiscus Ward that have said, "Oh! We have sisters again!???" ...Sad. Just sad. They've had sisters for the last 6 months. But apparently quite a few of them didn't even know!) Anyhoo. Good things happening :)
Oh. Also: I found out the RS President in Hibiscus is a hair dresser..... #Win #HairNeedsACut #It'sBeenAlmost11Months
WEDNESDAY. Fun fact: Hibiscus ward does a volleyball night every Wednesday night. And NON-MEMBERS COME. Recently, apparently, HEAPS of them have been coming (non-members) and we got to meet some of them this week :) One who's name is TeAroha, and she's adorable, and has lived more places than me in her short 15 years of life. She's from the Solomon Islands, but has lived in New Zealand, America and....somewhere else. She's adorable. And I'm hoping she comes again this week, 'cause even though she wasn't keen on the playing volleyball part (like me!) I told her that I could teach her a little bit of piano if she'd like! So....here's to crossing fingers :)
THURSDAY. We had the most BRILLIANT Zone Training of my life. Sister Balli apparently suggested to President that we all "climb a mountain" - like, PHYSICALLY, actually climb a mountain. (Eh - well, as "mountain" as you can get here....haha.) Because this year we've had this ongoing "theme" of sorts of things we're focusing on that will help us achieve our goal of 950 souls being baptised in the year of 2016. It's all about increasing our four "pillars"—our FAITH, OBEDIENCE, PMG (Preach My Gospel) SKILLS, and VISION.
So - we climbed a mountain for zone training! And had little stops along the way with different questions to write down in our journals to help us reflect on how we can be better, and then with our brilliant zone leaders (Elder Summers and Cowley) we also had object lessons to go with each pillar. And it was exciting :)
FAITH: "Faith can move mountains. Doubt can create them."
OBEDIENCE: "Stop talking about your mountains and start climbing."
PMG SKILLS: "Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing."
VISION: "Keep climbing...the view is amazing!"
And the view from the top was definitely beautiful!! I love my Aotearoa Home :)
That afternoon, we met with a few different people that we had put into our plans from the area book – one being Brendon Thomas. Fun fact: He has a BAND. Anyone wanna look him up for me and tell me if they're any good? Haha. Apparently his band came in third place on X-Factor a while ago! Sweet things! They're called, "Brendon Thomas & the Vibes." We're excited to get to know him better! He's possibly the most CHILL person we've EVER met—Sister Gila and I both agreed on that. And you meet some pretty chill/relaxed people in New Zealand. But we're excited to get to know him.
Then – THURSDAY NIGHT, our little miracle :) We were searching for someone to visit after our plans hadn't really worked out. So, we opened up the Torbay household records to look at which members lived around where we were sitting in the car. We found the name of a less-active and said, "Sure! Why not?" Then we went to said house, and came to find out it wasn't actually the right one (Ha). But we started talking with the guy who answered—who said he wasn't particularly interested—but his other flat mates might be! He said, "Just a minute!" and stepped back inside to ask others. And then our little miracle :) Her name is Gabbie, and we have our first lesson with her TONIGHT! SO super stoked. She seemed pretty keen on learning - so those are the best kind :)
FRIDAY. Planning. ULTIMATE PLANNING. I WISH I had pictures of the nearly-finished product of the map on our wall that's helping us plan so much more effectively each night. Haha. Organization. It's also helping us to SEE the area(s) and have that visual of where we go for people.... that was really repetitive. Sorry 'bout that. Anyhoo. (Gilmore Girl reference "repetitive - and redundant! Repetitive - and redundant!") We also had a lovely dinner with Sister McIver in Torbay, and met Sister Landeg who lives above Sister McIver. And fun fact: They have a TARDIS MAILBOX. But, sad thing about having the COOLEST mailbox around? Someone had recently tried to STEAL it. So it was kind of broken and torn up a bit. So there's pictures of the part they had put back together. It used to have the whole top that says "Police Box" and it had a light and everything! They're trying to repair it now.
SATURDAY. We had a Zone Service project! But - I didn't go :) Sister Gila and I did a trade-off with Sister Taylor and Sister Rarawa, because Sister Rarawa wasn't well - and it was someone in their ward that we were doing service for. Apparently they helped in stripping and sanding paint off walls in prep for new paint! Exciting things! Haha. But it was good - it gave me some time to finish setting the goals for things I want to do/finish before I come home at the end of the year.
The rest of the day was a bit slow as well, helping out the other sisters however we could. Sister Taylor had basically been in the flat alone for the last couple days with Sister Rarawa just sleeping.
And SUNDAY :) Hibiscus Ward Day. And the classic "before we start off our testimony meeting, we'll invite our new sisters to come up and introduce themselves and bear their testimonies." Haha. Classic. #NewWard But I love them all already. It's just grand. :) We had dinner at Bishop Rapata's, even though he was sick (sad face), but we love their family (Torbay bishop). They're just lovely. And so into missionary work! It's so exciting!
So...the miracles are to come. And it'll be grand :)
Tell my little nieces I'm so proud of all of them ;) I so wish I could have been there to see them perform! But I'm so proud of Acacia, the little show-stopper ;) And her adorable Alice in Wonderland mock-turtle self! Ohhh and my little Madds ;) THANK YOU for learning to email! What I would have GIVEN to see you as one of the screaming, fainting Birdie girls!
Love you all. Hope all is well back home. And I hope ALL your dreams and wishes come true :) And yes, we get to SKYPE AGAIN!I love you and I can't wait to SEE YOU SUNDAY! (Your Saturday.) Hopefully I can show off my accent to you all ;) 😁😂😘😘😘
Ofa lahi atu,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Yes, I'm much later today than usual....the power was out this morning in our area! Ha. Luckily it's back now :) I'm doing splendid! Love all the things about my new area :) Love my Sister Gila :)
MAY OF MIRACLES. This is our "Theme" for the month of May in our mission. We're reaching for "100% baptizing!" – Aka: Every companionship having a baptism! I have to admit when they first proposed it to us, Sister Gila and I were like, "....um...we just got double-shifted in." But: The Lord provides miracles, and we have to have FAITH in HIM. Because... with HIM, "ALL THINGS are possible!" —Mark 10:27
PONDERIZE:
"For behold, I am God; and I am a God of MIRACLES; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their FAITH." —2 Nephi 27:23
EVERYTHING is according to our FAITH. Have you realized that? Reading this scripture this week was kind of like a, "Come on Sister Ottley - you can FIND the miracles, because you have me!" from Heavenly Father. So.... Miracles WILL happen. And Sister Gila and I are excited :)
And a miracle we have FOUND already :) ...To come. On Thursday night :)
TUESDAY was a bit more...slowish, in the way of actually seeing people that is. But, that happens during holidays. People go away. But all's good :) We still had a lovely MCM meeting with our Torbay WML and ward missionaries, and it was all very exciting :) One of the many things Sister Gila and I are LOVING about these areas is how INTO MISSIONARY WORK they all are. They're so keen - and Hibiscus is just constantly more and more excited to have us (as....the previous sisters definitely favored going to Torbay to work, apparently. There's been a lot of people in the Hibiscus Ward that have said, "Oh! We have sisters again!???" ...Sad. Just sad. They've had sisters for the last 6 months. But apparently quite a few of them didn't even know!) Anyhoo. Good things happening :)
Oh. Also: I found out the RS President in Hibiscus is a hair dresser..... #Win #HairNeedsACut #It'sBeenAlmost11Months
WEDNESDAY. Fun fact: Hibiscus ward does a volleyball night every Wednesday night. And NON-MEMBERS COME. Recently, apparently, HEAPS of them have been coming (non-members) and we got to meet some of them this week :) One who's name is TeAroha, and she's adorable, and has lived more places than me in her short 15 years of life. She's from the Solomon Islands, but has lived in New Zealand, America and....somewhere else. She's adorable. And I'm hoping she comes again this week, 'cause even though she wasn't keen on the playing volleyball part (like me!) I told her that I could teach her a little bit of piano if she'd like! So....here's to crossing fingers :)
THURSDAY. We had the most BRILLIANT Zone Training of my life. Sister Balli apparently suggested to President that we all "climb a mountain" - like, PHYSICALLY, actually climb a mountain. (Eh - well, as "mountain" as you can get here....haha.) Because this year we've had this ongoing "theme" of sorts of things we're focusing on that will help us achieve our goal of 950 souls being baptised in the year of 2016. It's all about increasing our four "pillars"—our FAITH, OBEDIENCE, PMG (Preach My Gospel) SKILLS, and VISION.
So - we climbed a mountain for zone training! And had little stops along the way with different questions to write down in our journals to help us reflect on how we can be better, and then with our brilliant zone leaders (Elder Summers and Cowley) we also had object lessons to go with each pillar. And it was exciting :)
FAITH: "Faith can move mountains. Doubt can create them."
OBEDIENCE: "Stop talking about your mountains and start climbing."
PMG SKILLS: "Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing."
VISION: "Keep climbing...the view is amazing!"
And the view from the top was definitely beautiful!! I love my Aotearoa Home :)
That afternoon, we met with a few different people that we had put into our plans from the area book – one being Brendon Thomas. Fun fact: He has a BAND. Anyone wanna look him up for me and tell me if they're any good? Haha. Apparently his band came in third place on X-Factor a while ago! Sweet things! They're called, "Brendon Thomas & the Vibes." We're excited to get to know him better! He's possibly the most CHILL person we've EVER met—Sister Gila and I both agreed on that. And you meet some pretty chill/relaxed people in New Zealand. But we're excited to get to know him.
Then – THURSDAY NIGHT, our little miracle :) We were searching for someone to visit after our plans hadn't really worked out. So, we opened up the Torbay household records to look at which members lived around where we were sitting in the car. We found the name of a less-active and said, "Sure! Why not?" Then we went to said house, and came to find out it wasn't actually the right one (Ha). But we started talking with the guy who answered—who said he wasn't particularly interested—but his other flat mates might be! He said, "Just a minute!" and stepped back inside to ask others. And then our little miracle :) Her name is Gabbie, and we have our first lesson with her TONIGHT! SO super stoked. She seemed pretty keen on learning - so those are the best kind :)
FRIDAY. Planning. ULTIMATE PLANNING. I WISH I had pictures of the nearly-finished product of the map on our wall that's helping us plan so much more effectively each night. Haha. Organization. It's also helping us to SEE the area(s) and have that visual of where we go for people.... that was really repetitive. Sorry 'bout that. Anyhoo. (Gilmore Girl reference "repetitive - and redundant! Repetitive - and redundant!") We also had a lovely dinner with Sister McIver in Torbay, and met Sister Landeg who lives above Sister McIver. And fun fact: They have a TARDIS MAILBOX. But, sad thing about having the COOLEST mailbox around? Someone had recently tried to STEAL it. So it was kind of broken and torn up a bit. So there's pictures of the part they had put back together. It used to have the whole top that says "Police Box" and it had a light and everything! They're trying to repair it now.
SATURDAY. We had a Zone Service project! But - I didn't go :) Sister Gila and I did a trade-off with Sister Taylor and Sister Rarawa, because Sister Rarawa wasn't well - and it was someone in their ward that we were doing service for. Apparently they helped in stripping and sanding paint off walls in prep for new paint! Exciting things! Haha. But it was good - it gave me some time to finish setting the goals for things I want to do/finish before I come home at the end of the year.
The rest of the day was a bit slow as well, helping out the other sisters however we could. Sister Taylor had basically been in the flat alone for the last couple days with Sister Rarawa just sleeping.
And SUNDAY :) Hibiscus Ward Day. And the classic "before we start off our testimony meeting, we'll invite our new sisters to come up and introduce themselves and bear their testimonies." Haha. Classic. #NewWard But I love them all already. It's just grand. :) We had dinner at Bishop Rapata's, even though he was sick (sad face), but we love their family (Torbay bishop). They're just lovely. And so into missionary work! It's so exciting!
So...the miracles are to come. And it'll be grand :)
Tell my little nieces I'm so proud of all of them ;) I so wish I could have been there to see them perform! But I'm so proud of Acacia, the little show-stopper ;) And her adorable Alice in Wonderland mock-turtle self! Ohhh and my little Madds ;) THANK YOU for learning to email! What I would have GIVEN to see you as one of the screaming, fainting Birdie girls!
Love you all. Hope all is well back home. And I hope ALL your dreams and wishes come true :) And yes, we get to SKYPE AGAIN!I love you and I can't wait to SEE YOU SUNDAY! (Your Saturday.) Hopefully I can show off my accent to you all ;) 😁😂😘😘😘
Ofa lahi atu,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)