I love how by preparing to teach a lesson, you learn more than the ones who are actually being taught. I also wish that it wasn't really that way. But I'm grateful too.
This week has led me to do a lot of reflecting about my mission. I know I say this every week (or...nearly every week?), but I seriously can't believe it's already mid-October. Ha. It feels like I just got here still! I remember my Kaikohe days with Sister O'Reilly like they were yesterday. And I've been thinking about my first days of tracting as I've brought out my new daughter over the last two weeks, and it's just ...weird. Life and time are weird. And they don't really make sense in my brain. Ha.
Anyhoo. It's been a good week.
We'll start with a scripture this time. :)
D&C 18:26-28
"And now, behold, there are others who are called to declare my gospel, both unto Gentile and unto Jew; Yea, even twelve; and the Twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them my name; and the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart. And if they desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature."
Realization with this scripture this week: At baptism, ALL of us take upon us the name of Christ. We ALL become His disciples—the difference is that we have to choose to what extent we take that calling. But every single one of us is CALLED to the work. To bring our brothers and sisters home.
So...this is what my week has come to. I've honestly stressed out a lot coming to this area. Ha. Partially due to the expectations of others and therefore comparison in my life. (Ha) And yes, I realize we just had a conference talk on comparison being awful for all of us. Ha. Life. This transfer has also been all about another form of patience. Ha. 'Cause, well, with my companion not speaking very much English, there's lots of patience. Anyhoo. It's good. We live, we learn, we grow.
MONDAY. FHE with the Talavave family :) Love them heaps. They spoil us with their love.
TUESDAY. Highlight: SO many of our members coming to help out with a service project at an investigator's home :) We got there and the priesthood had already gotten most of the yard work done. It was also a blessing because our investigator had gone into hospital that morning to have her baby! Good timing—and she was glad to come home to a spruced up yard : )
WEDNESDAY. A lesson with our dear Maifala girls :) These are the 4 sisters who are set for baptism, and they're just BRILLIANT! Only 3 of them have been able to be at lessons though, as the oldest works HEAPS. But we'll get her soon :)
We also attended a stake training for "Ward Councils" because our ward wanted us to attend.
Still not sure if it was super worth missionary time, but hopefully we'll be able to figure out how to help the ward with it more. It was on a new section of self reliance called "Success at School Begins at Home." And, in all honesty, I did quite enjoy the things shared!
THURSDAY. We met a lot of people. And a blessing of a returning-member of the ward. Seriously. So sweet.
FRIDAY. Maifala girls again! Love them heaps. And they're GOLDEN AS. Why? 'Cause they keep their commitments! We gave them three things to do on Wednesday:1) to come up with 2 questions, 2) to read the pamphlet we gave them, and 3) to teach their sister that wasn't in the lesson. And they DID ALL OF IT! They're just great. I wish everyone was as keen as they are. But....I guess if everyone was that way they'd all be members. So... there's that. Choice and whatnot. Ha.
SATURDAY. Tracting. Meeting people. We found a lovely member who recently moved into the area. :)
SUNDAY. We gave a talk introducing ourselves and then talked about missionary work! (Surprise!) Ha. Then we taught Gospel Principles. And found great love for our ward :) —It definitely helps actually getting to see your ward all together and speaking to them.
They're all lovely, and give hugs and kisses, and when you give your talk they RESPOND when you say, "Good morning brothers and sisters!" with, "GOOD MORNING!" It's been a while. I loved that about Henderson. Islanders. Ha. Love.
We visited with Skye, now that she's home with baby :) TOO CUTE. And we helped her in cleaning up the house a bit, as they nearly got robbed while she was gone in hospital :( People are lame sometimes.
After we had a lovely dinner with the Vakalahi family (Brother Vakalahi used to be the WML), they lovingly brought us to 'Come and See Fireside' with our cute Kilika :) (One of the 4 girls.) And it was a grand night. Beautiful music. Grand testimonies, and we—as in all the missionaries that were there—got to sing too! We did the EFY Medley. and it was exciitng :)
So... good week.
Lots of learning. Lots of good studies. Lots of patience. Patience is a constant. Ha.
Anyhoo. Many new things to come :) I hope you all have a brilliant week! Much love –
Alofa tele Atu!
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Showing posts with label Sister O'Reilly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sister O'Reilly. Show all posts
Friday, November 4, 2016
Thursday, June 23, 2016
MIRACLES!
I LOVE MIRACLES. How COOL is it that we have SO many little miracles in each day? It's been a GOOD WEEK :) And I know there are many more grand things to come.
We moved to Torbay today! Haha. So I have a new address for Dad to stalk :) We now live in a flat below one of our members. My feet are really cold right now, but that explanation will come later. Haaaaa.
And, my apologies, as this email is probably going to be a bit shorter than usual as well, since we've been moving today and also have an appointment at 5:00pm in Hibiscus, down at the end of the penninsula.
MONDAY we met Kim (a less-active) and her family.
They're wonderful and adorable and we're excited to get to know them all better. She's keen to return to Church, and we're keen to visit with her family more now. Oh - and she gave us a tupperware with loooooots of pasta in it. Blessings, as we didn't really eat Monday, so we were ravenous by the time we got home. Okay. Maybe not ravenous. But definitely hungry!
TUESDAY was District Meeting. Good! But then.... struggly. Some people...weren't in a good mood this day. Which makes it difficult for everyone else to be in a good mood. Whatevs. It got better. "He turned me into a newt! ... But it got better." (Monty Python.) I miss the quoting things life. Haha.
And THEN. I'm getting the best "SOUVENIR" EVER. I went to turn in my paperwork for a NEW ZEALAND DRIVER'S LICENSE. Excitement in this Sister's life!! Haha. I will let you know how the picture actually turns out.... Hopefully I should be getting the license soon! *Side Note: My eyesight has changed. The Lord DEFINITELY helped me in passing that little mini eye exam for the license-ness. Ha. It's really not that bad. I can still see. Just not as well.
We then rushed our way back to Hibiscus, where we met Sister and Brother Manuel. We have LOVELY and amazing members. Have I mentioned that? Haha. Previously we had set up with Brother and Sister Manuel to bring us out to Warkworth on Tuesday :) MAN it's BEAUTIFUL!! And a long-ish drive. But worth it. Why? 'Cause we were able to "resurrect" TWO former investigators! And we have appointments set-up with them for this week and the next! So we're excited. More traveling out into the wop-wops for us! (Wop-wops" - aka: boonies/bush/ages away!)
"Dinner" this night resulted in the Manuels bringing us to Pack n' Save (grocery store) and saying to us, "Fill up the cart!" #Spoiled. Also a blessing with Sister Gila being worried about money with her leaving and all.
I also forgot to tell you that at Tuesday's District Meeting we were trying to come up with a district name for the next transfer. Many ideas were offered. What did we choose? "KMF" for "Keep Moving Forward," which coincidently also works for "Killing My Friends" ...aka: I'm "Killing" all my friends this next transfer.
Have I mentioned that the Sunset Sisters (Taylor and Rarawa) were put in a TRIO this transfer?Sister Hoiesi came to join us, while she Visa waits here for her "real call" to Brisbane Australia. Sooooooo ALL OF THEM ARE LEAVING ME! Sisters Taylor and Rarawa and my Gila are all going home, and Sister Hoiesi out to her actual mission, soon, hopefully for her ;) ;) Sister Gila actually leaves me NEXT WEEK :( Sad face. Can you believe that??? We're almost half way through this transfer already!! And I can't even handle how fast life goes. Note: Just a reminder—to be "killed" or "die" on the mission just means going home or sending your companion home. Haha.
WEDNESDAY we chatted away with Sister Gimblett (an older woman in Hibiscus) and got to know her better. LOVE. We were actually supposed to go over that morning to help her start packing stuff away for her moving day soon, but, she forgot all about it and was waiting for Sister Sheward to come pick her up for her hair appointment. Haha. So we just had a bit of a chat with her instead. (We went back Thursday morning to help again!) After that we went off to Torbay and met one of the referrals we've been given lately—named Elizabeth—and she's beautiful. And she's now become a new investigator! :) THREE THIS WEEK!! We have an appointment with her this coming Wednesday, and we already have a lovely member (Kendall McKenzie) coming out with us to help teach her. :)
Wednesday afternoon, our STL's (Sister O'Reilly and Soderberg now!) came up to have a trade-off with us. So I got to be with my dear mum :) Sister O'Reilly. It's always nice to catch up with her again.
THURSDAY we continued Tradeoffs, helping out Sister Gimblett in packing away her kitchen, and then rushed up to Torbay to help rake some leaves at a potential investigator's home (a friend with one of our members - she's in a wheelchair and has cancer :( (Sad face. Lots of people seem to have cancer here.) But it was a lovely fun time raking leaves again! It's been forever! Haha.
After trading back to being companions with my dear Gila, we had dinner at the Rapata's, and a lovely MCM (Missionary Committee Meeting) with many off-topic moments, including the two of them—our WML (Ward Mission Leader) and his wife, who's a Ward missionary—going off on how they met. Hahaha. I love them. So much. Those MCM's always make our Thursday nights interesting.
OH! And the MIRACLE of Thursday was receiving a referral from the Elders! It was a referral through the Church from a member, Sarah, referring her friend. Fun fact: Sarah is one that we've been trying to FIND lately. She's a less-active, and we DIDN'T KNOW WHERE SHE MOVED TO. So.... BLESSINGS all around!! — More to come on this.
FRIDAY was planning. And then dropping off to the Plaza (mall) to pick up Maggie (one of our BRILLIANT ward missionaries in Hibiscus) to come to a lesson at Philip's with us :) Maggie takes a shift here and there at the mall in an art gallery, trying to get people to buy local artist's paintings and whatnot.... One of the local artist's paintings in this shoppe is our dear Sister Christine Heaps (also a ward missionary in Hibiscus). AND HER PAINTINGS ARE GORGEOUS! When we arrived at the mall to see if Maggie could come with us (we knew she got off at 3), she was there chatting away to one of the other ladies (Trina) that works there (who has also been showing a bit of interest in the Church.... 😄 ). So Maggie introduced us to Trina, and then told us to browse around the shoppe for a minute while she finished her conversation. SISTER HEAPS' PAINTINGS! MAN! I'm in love. I already knew I did from when we had dinner at their house a couple weeks ago, but there's this one specific painting of a red poppy field against mountains, that's done with oils and a pallet knife. BRILLIANT. I actually debated purchasing it right then and there. But... missionary life. Haha. Anyhoo. We stole Maggie away and went off to our lesson with Philip.
Philip is SO GOOD. We just love teaching him. And we got to teach the Plan of Salvation and share more things that he wasn't clear on, even though technically he already knows most things he's been taught for so long. But we'll hopefully be having another lesson with him again this week, so we'll see how things continue :)
The rest of Friday included dinner at the Glover's in Torbay, and an appointment with the Sunset Sisters — "op-shopping" as we helped one of their members with some of her clothes she was packing away to send off to other islands for girls there! But...she let us pick some new clothes for right now, 'cause she knows how boring clothes get after a while.... I can't even understand how the elders wear a suit for 2 years! Bah. So. Lovely night. Lovely day. Lovely fun :)
Ah! And to continue with the referral from Sarah – we had called and texted Sarah that morning, 'cause we wanted to get to know her and ask about her friend before we go meet said friend referral. She called us back just as we were picking up Maggie and said, "Yeah Come over tomorrow!" Love her.
SATURDAY was back to meeting with some former investigators, and meeting some less-actives we haven't been able to yet, ...Including: Sarah! She's adorable btw. A young, single mum with 2 kids. We're having a mini Family Home Evening with them tonight! Excited :)
And then Saturday night was the excitment of all things. LOVE SOUP. That's what we call a Community Night (organized by one of our members) for people to come, have some kai (Maori for food), and watch some entertainment. SO - we went along to help out in the kitchen, dish up food, wash dishes, and meet some people!! Service nights. Gotta love 'em. And we did, indeed, meet some lovely people :) including some that we've...once again, been looking for!
Oh. And we got matching Service T-shirts. Ha. Brilliant :)
SUNDAY was Church at Torbay—a cluster meeting with surrounding stakes —topic MISSIONARY WORK, and then visiting with Gina that night :) And stopping by the Rameka's to see....our new flat!!
So yes, we've moved. That's what today's been about. Ha. Moving out and moving in. I'm not really positive about the reason behind the move - it still doesn't change the fact that we have to travel to Hibiscus and Torbay both all the time. Haha. But we ARE closer to the Stake Center (Torbay Ward Building on Sunset Road) now, which is nice. We love it though. This flat is beautiful. I mean, right now it's all in chaos and boxes, but it'll be grand soon ;) And it has carpet! So our feet will be warmer. I think it's a better neighborhood too? The other one was fine, but I'm feeling more comfortable with this flat. And Sister Gila is grateful 'cause with carpet her feet won't freeze like with the fake wood floor in our other flat. Haha. (The Hibiscus flat had a particle-board like floor throughout the entire thing.)
It's still not really even that cold here, but It is for Sister Gila, because she's from Vanuatu, an island where it's ALWAYS hot. Haha. For me, I really only have to pull out my coat at night sometimes.
FUNNY STORY though about the move this morning, well, a couple of things actually. 1) Our Zone Leaders FORGOT to call us and tell us WHEN we were moving.... Ha. So this morning around 10, we called Elder Garth, asking when we were moving! "A... Didn't your Zone Leaders tell you!?? ...Well, we'll be coming at 11 with a trailer to pick up your stuff!" Haha. Good times! 2) ALL my shoes got packed/taken away......... So Sister Ottley hasn't been wearing shoes this afternoon/most of the day. So yes, my feet are a little cold. If Elder Summers were still here he'd be calling me "Hori as!" Still not sure how that happened. But all is well. I know they're in the Sister's car, which should be here soon, and then I'll be reunited with some shoes for the night. Haha. Btw - "Hori" by definition, or at least the best definition I can give you, is a Maori word/term symbolic of the little kids that run around in the streets with no shoes on, that use all the super New Zealand slang. Saying "hori" out LOUD, it sounds like "whorey," but, ya know, very DIFFERENT meanings!
AH! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! I apologize for having no idea until reading your letter....NO IDEA. Haha. ....Father's Day isn't until September for me.... Hahaha.
Good days. Good weeks. MANY MIRACLES, and many more to come :)
The work is hastening here in beautiful "Torbiscus" (as I've decided to name our two areas together, instead of always saying "Hibiscus and Torbay"). We love it. And we're excited for our new investigators, and the other new ones that WILL COME.
Ofa atu, my dear whanau (ha......all the mixes of languages)!
(I also just realized that this really wasn't that short. Long story, but we ended up having to reschedule our apponitment... Ha. So we got to be on a bit longer :P Details. Details rule my life!! Haha)
AROHANUI,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
We moved to Torbay today! Haha. So I have a new address for Dad to stalk :) We now live in a flat below one of our members. My feet are really cold right now, but that explanation will come later. Haaaaa.
And, my apologies, as this email is probably going to be a bit shorter than usual as well, since we've been moving today and also have an appointment at 5:00pm in Hibiscus, down at the end of the penninsula.
MONDAY we met Kim (a less-active) and her family.
They're wonderful and adorable and we're excited to get to know them all better. She's keen to return to Church, and we're keen to visit with her family more now. Oh - and she gave us a tupperware with loooooots of pasta in it. Blessings, as we didn't really eat Monday, so we were ravenous by the time we got home. Okay. Maybe not ravenous. But definitely hungry!
TUESDAY was District Meeting. Good! But then.... struggly. Some people...weren't in a good mood this day. Which makes it difficult for everyone else to be in a good mood. Whatevs. It got better. "He turned me into a newt! ... But it got better." (Monty Python.) I miss the quoting things life. Haha.
And THEN. I'm getting the best "SOUVENIR" EVER. I went to turn in my paperwork for a NEW ZEALAND DRIVER'S LICENSE. Excitement in this Sister's life!! Haha. I will let you know how the picture actually turns out.... Hopefully I should be getting the license soon! *Side Note: My eyesight has changed. The Lord DEFINITELY helped me in passing that little mini eye exam for the license-ness. Ha. It's really not that bad. I can still see. Just not as well.
"Dinner" this night resulted in the Manuels bringing us to Pack n' Save (grocery store) and saying to us, "Fill up the cart!" #Spoiled. Also a blessing with Sister Gila being worried about money with her leaving and all.
I also forgot to tell you that at Tuesday's District Meeting we were trying to come up with a district name for the next transfer. Many ideas were offered. What did we choose? "KMF" for "Keep Moving Forward," which coincidently also works for "Killing My Friends" ...aka: I'm "Killing" all my friends this next transfer.
Have I mentioned that the Sunset Sisters (Taylor and Rarawa) were put in a TRIO this transfer?Sister Hoiesi came to join us, while she Visa waits here for her "real call" to Brisbane Australia. Sooooooo ALL OF THEM ARE LEAVING ME! Sisters Taylor and Rarawa and my Gila are all going home, and Sister Hoiesi out to her actual mission, soon, hopefully for her ;) ;) Sister Gila actually leaves me NEXT WEEK :( Sad face. Can you believe that??? We're almost half way through this transfer already!! And I can't even handle how fast life goes. Note: Just a reminder—to be "killed" or "die" on the mission just means going home or sending your companion home. Haha.
WEDNESDAY we chatted away with Sister Gimblett (an older woman in Hibiscus) and got to know her better. LOVE. We were actually supposed to go over that morning to help her start packing stuff away for her moving day soon, but, she forgot all about it and was waiting for Sister Sheward to come pick her up for her hair appointment. Haha. So we just had a bit of a chat with her instead. (We went back Thursday morning to help again!) After that we went off to Torbay and met one of the referrals we've been given lately—named Elizabeth—and she's beautiful. And she's now become a new investigator! :) THREE THIS WEEK!! We have an appointment with her this coming Wednesday, and we already have a lovely member (Kendall McKenzie) coming out with us to help teach her. :)
Wednesday afternoon, our STL's (Sister O'Reilly and Soderberg now!) came up to have a trade-off with us. So I got to be with my dear mum :) Sister O'Reilly. It's always nice to catch up with her again.
THURSDAY we continued Tradeoffs, helping out Sister Gimblett in packing away her kitchen, and then rushed up to Torbay to help rake some leaves at a potential investigator's home (a friend with one of our members - she's in a wheelchair and has cancer :( (Sad face. Lots of people seem to have cancer here.) But it was a lovely fun time raking leaves again! It's been forever! Haha.
After trading back to being companions with my dear Gila, we had dinner at the Rapata's, and a lovely MCM (Missionary Committee Meeting) with many off-topic moments, including the two of them—our WML (Ward Mission Leader) and his wife, who's a Ward missionary—going off on how they met. Hahaha. I love them. So much. Those MCM's always make our Thursday nights interesting.
OH! And the MIRACLE of Thursday was receiving a referral from the Elders! It was a referral through the Church from a member, Sarah, referring her friend. Fun fact: Sarah is one that we've been trying to FIND lately. She's a less-active, and we DIDN'T KNOW WHERE SHE MOVED TO. So.... BLESSINGS all around!! — More to come on this.
FRIDAY was planning. And then dropping off to the Plaza (mall) to pick up Maggie (one of our BRILLIANT ward missionaries in Hibiscus) to come to a lesson at Philip's with us :) Maggie takes a shift here and there at the mall in an art gallery, trying to get people to buy local artist's paintings and whatnot.... One of the local artist's paintings in this shoppe is our dear Sister Christine Heaps (also a ward missionary in Hibiscus). AND HER PAINTINGS ARE GORGEOUS! When we arrived at the mall to see if Maggie could come with us (we knew she got off at 3), she was there chatting away to one of the other ladies (Trina) that works there (who has also been showing a bit of interest in the Church.... 😄 ). So Maggie introduced us to Trina, and then told us to browse around the shoppe for a minute while she finished her conversation. SISTER HEAPS' PAINTINGS! MAN! I'm in love. I already knew I did from when we had dinner at their house a couple weeks ago, but there's this one specific painting of a red poppy field against mountains, that's done with oils and a pallet knife. BRILLIANT. I actually debated purchasing it right then and there. But... missionary life. Haha. Anyhoo. We stole Maggie away and went off to our lesson with Philip.
Philip is SO GOOD. We just love teaching him. And we got to teach the Plan of Salvation and share more things that he wasn't clear on, even though technically he already knows most things he's been taught for so long. But we'll hopefully be having another lesson with him again this week, so we'll see how things continue :)
The rest of Friday included dinner at the Glover's in Torbay, and an appointment with the Sunset Sisters — "op-shopping" as we helped one of their members with some of her clothes she was packing away to send off to other islands for girls there! But...she let us pick some new clothes for right now, 'cause she knows how boring clothes get after a while.... I can't even understand how the elders wear a suit for 2 years! Bah. So. Lovely night. Lovely day. Lovely fun :)
Ah! And to continue with the referral from Sarah – we had called and texted Sarah that morning, 'cause we wanted to get to know her and ask about her friend before we go meet said friend referral. She called us back just as we were picking up Maggie and said, "Yeah Come over tomorrow!" Love her.
SATURDAY was back to meeting with some former investigators, and meeting some less-actives we haven't been able to yet, ...Including: Sarah! She's adorable btw. A young, single mum with 2 kids. We're having a mini Family Home Evening with them tonight! Excited :)
And then Saturday night was the excitment of all things. LOVE SOUP. That's what we call a Community Night (organized by one of our members) for people to come, have some kai (Maori for food), and watch some entertainment. SO - we went along to help out in the kitchen, dish up food, wash dishes, and meet some people!! Service nights. Gotta love 'em. And we did, indeed, meet some lovely people :) including some that we've...once again, been looking for!
Oh. And we got matching Service T-shirts. Ha. Brilliant :)
SUNDAY was Church at Torbay—a cluster meeting with surrounding stakes —topic MISSIONARY WORK, and then visiting with Gina that night :) And stopping by the Rameka's to see....our new flat!!
So yes, we've moved. That's what today's been about. Ha. Moving out and moving in. I'm not really positive about the reason behind the move - it still doesn't change the fact that we have to travel to Hibiscus and Torbay both all the time. Haha. But we ARE closer to the Stake Center (Torbay Ward Building on Sunset Road) now, which is nice. We love it though. This flat is beautiful. I mean, right now it's all in chaos and boxes, but it'll be grand soon ;) And it has carpet! So our feet will be warmer. I think it's a better neighborhood too? The other one was fine, but I'm feeling more comfortable with this flat. And Sister Gila is grateful 'cause with carpet her feet won't freeze like with the fake wood floor in our other flat. Haha. (The Hibiscus flat had a particle-board like floor throughout the entire thing.)
It's still not really even that cold here, but It is for Sister Gila, because she's from Vanuatu, an island where it's ALWAYS hot. Haha. For me, I really only have to pull out my coat at night sometimes.
FUNNY STORY though about the move this morning, well, a couple of things actually. 1) Our Zone Leaders FORGOT to call us and tell us WHEN we were moving.... Ha. So this morning around 10, we called Elder Garth, asking when we were moving! "A... Didn't your Zone Leaders tell you!?? ...Well, we'll be coming at 11 with a trailer to pick up your stuff!" Haha. Good times! 2) ALL my shoes got packed/taken away......... So Sister Ottley hasn't been wearing shoes this afternoon/most of the day. So yes, my feet are a little cold. If Elder Summers were still here he'd be calling me "Hori as!" Still not sure how that happened. But all is well. I know they're in the Sister's car, which should be here soon, and then I'll be reunited with some shoes for the night. Haha. Btw - "Hori" by definition, or at least the best definition I can give you, is a Maori word/term symbolic of the little kids that run around in the streets with no shoes on, that use all the super New Zealand slang. Saying "hori" out LOUD, it sounds like "whorey," but, ya know, very DIFFERENT meanings!
AH! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! I apologize for having no idea until reading your letter....NO IDEA. Haha. ....Father's Day isn't until September for me.... Hahaha.
Good days. Good weeks. MANY MIRACLES, and many more to come :)
The work is hastening here in beautiful "Torbiscus" (as I've decided to name our two areas together, instead of always saying "Hibiscus and Torbay"). We love it. And we're excited for our new investigators, and the other new ones that WILL COME.
Ofa atu, my dear whanau (ha......all the mixes of languages)!
(I also just realized that this really wasn't that short. Long story, but we ended up having to reschedule our apponitment... Ha. So we got to be on a bit longer :P Details. Details rule my life!! Haha)
AROHANUI,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Oyster Pearls!
[To all of you wonderful Kiwi family and friends, who hang in there each week with Kenzie's incredibly long, detailed letters, we LOVE you. Thank you for sharing her life and for the meaningful influences you have been. This one is SHORT! Plus TRANSFERS are coming this week! Reply with your GUESSES!!]
OYSTER PEARLS!
This may be a quicker email than usual, as we have Zone P-day today - so.... less email time :P Ha.
But ....TRANSFER WEEK! What? Another one? How!? Also: Today's my 10-month mark. WHA>???? Time is speeeeeeeding past my dear whanau. I can't even believe it. And I know I say this every time I hit a new month mark, or possibly every week, but... it's true. It's just crazy in my mind.
Elder Le and I were talking last night about how fast time goes - and sometimes we have to look back through old pictures to realize, "Oh yeah! That really was a thing!" It's allllll like a DREAM sometimes!
Anyhoo. It's been a grand week :) ... Significantly better than last week. And also great insight in learning about how to set goals, and put them in a VISUAL form that acutally... makes me remember them :) Haha. 'Cause that's one thing I've realized on the mission... and in my life in general. I'll make goals - but then....>I forget about them. Ha. But I've made artsy things to make me less forgetful now, and I'm just excited!
MONDAY was pretty normal. It was SUPPOSED to be Zone P-day, but... due to mixups with people getting flu shots, and then not, and whatever... it was postponed. But it's okay! It just means we get a grand day today! Also, we experienced a miracle Monday night when visiting with Kokea, Paua and family. We were on our way to their appointment after our p-day dinner, and realized.... we didn't have enough copies of the Book of Mormon on us for the whole family. We debated between being late and getting the Book of Mormons or just going without them. And man - are we glad we went back! Ha. We messaged Kokea to tell him we'd be a bit late, which he was all goods with — his family is super chill. It's nice. Them we ran back to the flat, grabbed alllll the BOMs and went to Kokea's. We had a little catch-up moment, and then Kokea asked how long we were going to be there that night. We said we had another appointment (which was actually cancelled) - but we also just didn't want to take up their whole night. But he surprised us when he said, "Oh - it's fine. My cousin is just on his way back from work, and HE wanted to be here for the lesson too!" And that's when we realized the miracle connection. (Originally we were worried that he didn't really want us there! Ha.) Nope! It was just 'cause someone else wanted to hear the gospel too! :) Brilliant!
Anyhoo. So - this is where the blessing came from our appointment with the Papali'i's being cancelled came in - 'cause instead we were able to wait for Kokea's cousin to get back, and shared the message of the Restoration with ALL of them! And MAN is he KEEN. I LOVE people who are searching. They're just golden, and intent and REAL in their learning. Anyhoo. We had a brilliant, spirit-filled lesson and testimonies of Christ and the ways we are helped in our lives through prayer and study. And we committed them all to begin reading the Book of Mormon. Oh - also: plot twist. We found out Paua (the wife) is actually a member! She said she was baptised back when she was in intermediate school. So... fun things! Their family is just so lovely though. We're excited to see them again :)
TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY were spent visiting, getting help from Alisha to choose a song for our Sister's Conference (because Sister Anitema was asked to do a musical number), MCM, ward council, and all the fun :) Ah - and companion study with Elders Hunter and Raymer. Haha. Always a joy with those two!
And THURSDAY. Sister's Conference. Aka: Like another "Time out for Women" thing - but with just the sister's of our mission :) LOVE. Apparently they've started doing this once a year. So that's fun :) And uplifitng and happy. The theme for our conference was "We Need Women Who..." - based on a talk Elder Nelson gave last October conference ("A Plea to My Sisters"). And Sister Balli put a visual symbolism to it of how we can all become pearls. Pearls are made layer by layer over the course of 10-15 years in an Oyster - thus, likened to how we all become pearls little by little by doing things that please our Heavenly Father. I LOVE visuals and all the exciting things :) A brilliant day. :) Also: I got to see all my Sisters. Aka: O'Reilly, Pointer, Hobbs, Boiteux, Lott, Christiansen... All the peeps :) OH. And to go along with the theme of our pearls - a poem called, "The Oyster," which, fun fact: Sister Donnaldson actually showed to Sister Hobbs and I two transfers ago! Haha. We laughed with each other when they started reading the poem. Love it!)
I love Sister Conference things - 'cause, while there are pieces of council that are like, "You can be better at doing this!" There's also just a lot of "You're great. Keep up the good work." And it just gives... a better sense of peace and less anxiety in life during moments of feeling like a failure.
Anyhoo. Life is good :)
SATURDAY I overcame a fear—ish. Ha. More like - the Lord blessed me in an unexpected way. Last week when I told the story about the Singh's and how I was stressed and felt like a failure and then we were late and Sister Singh chewed us out so I stopped talking.... yeah? Yeah. So... just thinking about her, let along being in her presence, stresses me out now. Like... really anxious. But Saturday was a blessing. We had an appointment with them and Rachit. So there was lots of preparation so I would have a line of focus to go to, even though we've taught the Restoration SO many times. But - when we got to their house, Sister Singh (Joy) was nowhere to be seen.... just her sister and their parents and the boys. We taught the lesson and during the last... 5 minutes?ish - Joy came out. She had been asleep 'cause she wasn't feeling very well that day. Sad that she wasn't feeling well - but also a blessing for me because.... my anxiety of teaching there went away! So... the Lord definitely blesses us in different little ways. He KNOWS each and every one of us, and blesses us in the way that is needed. At all times :)
That's....the main events of my week :) Little miracles, and lots more to come. Just... praying that I get to stay in Henderson a bit longer..... the anticipation of transfers kind of kills me. I dont' wanna leave... Struggles :P Haha. But all's well :) I'll let you know what happens next week! Reply to mum with your guesses! ;)
Anyhoo. I must be off :) Tell everyone I"m printing and reading their letters over the week and I'll attempt to reply to ALL the things next week :) I miss you and LOVE you all, and I hope you have a most MARVELOUS week full of miracles and happiness! :)
Ofa Lahi Atu,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
The Oyster
Author Unknown
There once was an oyster
Whose story I'll tell, Who found that some sand
Had worked under his shell.
Just one little grain,
But it gave him a pain.
For oysters have feelings
That are very plain.
Now, did he berate
The harsh working of fate
That left him in such
A deplorable state?
Did he curse the government,
Call for an election,
And claim that the sea should
Have given him protection?
No! He said to himself
As he lay on a shell,
Since I cannot remove it,
I think I'll improve it!
Well, the years passed by,
As years always do,
Till he came to his destiny,
Oyster stew!
And the small grain of sand
That had bothered him so,
Was a beautiful pearl
All richly aglow.
Now this tale has a moral;
For isn’t it grand,
What an oyster can do
With a small grain of sand?
And what couldn't we do
If we’d only begin
With some of the things
That get under our skin.
OYSTER PEARLS!
This may be a quicker email than usual, as we have Zone P-day today - so.... less email time :P Ha.
But ....TRANSFER WEEK! What? Another one? How!? Also: Today's my 10-month mark. WHA>???? Time is speeeeeeeding past my dear whanau. I can't even believe it. And I know I say this every time I hit a new month mark, or possibly every week, but... it's true. It's just crazy in my mind.
Elder Le and I were talking last night about how fast time goes - and sometimes we have to look back through old pictures to realize, "Oh yeah! That really was a thing!" It's allllll like a DREAM sometimes!
Anyhoo. It's been a grand week :) ... Significantly better than last week. And also great insight in learning about how to set goals, and put them in a VISUAL form that acutally... makes me remember them :) Haha. 'Cause that's one thing I've realized on the mission... and in my life in general. I'll make goals - but then....>I forget about them. Ha. But I've made artsy things to make me less forgetful now, and I'm just excited!
MONDAY was pretty normal. It was SUPPOSED to be Zone P-day, but... due to mixups with people getting flu shots, and then not, and whatever... it was postponed. But it's okay! It just means we get a grand day today! Also, we experienced a miracle Monday night when visiting with Kokea, Paua and family. We were on our way to their appointment after our p-day dinner, and realized.... we didn't have enough copies of the Book of Mormon on us for the whole family. We debated between being late and getting the Book of Mormons or just going without them. And man - are we glad we went back! Ha. We messaged Kokea to tell him we'd be a bit late, which he was all goods with — his family is super chill. It's nice. Them we ran back to the flat, grabbed alllll the BOMs and went to Kokea's. We had a little catch-up moment, and then Kokea asked how long we were going to be there that night. We said we had another appointment (which was actually cancelled) - but we also just didn't want to take up their whole night. But he surprised us when he said, "Oh - it's fine. My cousin is just on his way back from work, and HE wanted to be here for the lesson too!" And that's when we realized the miracle connection. (Originally we were worried that he didn't really want us there! Ha.) Nope! It was just 'cause someone else wanted to hear the gospel too! :) Brilliant!
Anyhoo. So - this is where the blessing came from our appointment with the Papali'i's being cancelled came in - 'cause instead we were able to wait for Kokea's cousin to get back, and shared the message of the Restoration with ALL of them! And MAN is he KEEN. I LOVE people who are searching. They're just golden, and intent and REAL in their learning. Anyhoo. We had a brilliant, spirit-filled lesson and testimonies of Christ and the ways we are helped in our lives through prayer and study. And we committed them all to begin reading the Book of Mormon. Oh - also: plot twist. We found out Paua (the wife) is actually a member! She said she was baptised back when she was in intermediate school. So... fun things! Their family is just so lovely though. We're excited to see them again :)
TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY were spent visiting, getting help from Alisha to choose a song for our Sister's Conference (because Sister Anitema was asked to do a musical number), MCM, ward council, and all the fun :) Ah - and companion study with Elders Hunter and Raymer. Haha. Always a joy with those two!
And THURSDAY. Sister's Conference. Aka: Like another "Time out for Women" thing - but with just the sister's of our mission :) LOVE. Apparently they've started doing this once a year. So that's fun :) And uplifitng and happy. The theme for our conference was "We Need Women Who..." - based on a talk Elder Nelson gave last October conference ("A Plea to My Sisters"). And Sister Balli put a visual symbolism to it of how we can all become pearls. Pearls are made layer by layer over the course of 10-15 years in an Oyster - thus, likened to how we all become pearls little by little by doing things that please our Heavenly Father. I LOVE visuals and all the exciting things :) A brilliant day. :) Also: I got to see all my Sisters. Aka: O'Reilly, Pointer, Hobbs, Boiteux, Lott, Christiansen... All the peeps :) OH. And to go along with the theme of our pearls - a poem called, "The Oyster," which, fun fact: Sister Donnaldson actually showed to Sister Hobbs and I two transfers ago! Haha. We laughed with each other when they started reading the poem. Love it!)
I love Sister Conference things - 'cause, while there are pieces of council that are like, "You can be better at doing this!" There's also just a lot of "You're great. Keep up the good work." And it just gives... a better sense of peace and less anxiety in life during moments of feeling like a failure.
Anyhoo. Life is good :)
SATURDAY I overcame a fear—ish. Ha. More like - the Lord blessed me in an unexpected way. Last week when I told the story about the Singh's and how I was stressed and felt like a failure and then we were late and Sister Singh chewed us out so I stopped talking.... yeah? Yeah. So... just thinking about her, let along being in her presence, stresses me out now. Like... really anxious. But Saturday was a blessing. We had an appointment with them and Rachit. So there was lots of preparation so I would have a line of focus to go to, even though we've taught the Restoration SO many times. But - when we got to their house, Sister Singh (Joy) was nowhere to be seen.... just her sister and their parents and the boys. We taught the lesson and during the last... 5 minutes?ish - Joy came out. She had been asleep 'cause she wasn't feeling very well that day. Sad that she wasn't feeling well - but also a blessing for me because.... my anxiety of teaching there went away! So... the Lord definitely blesses us in different little ways. He KNOWS each and every one of us, and blesses us in the way that is needed. At all times :)
That's....the main events of my week :) Little miracles, and lots more to come. Just... praying that I get to stay in Henderson a bit longer..... the anticipation of transfers kind of kills me. I dont' wanna leave... Struggles :P Haha. But all's well :) I'll let you know what happens next week! Reply to mum with your guesses! ;)
Anyhoo. I must be off :) Tell everyone I"m printing and reading their letters over the week and I'll attempt to reply to ALL the things next week :) I miss you and LOVE you all, and I hope you have a most MARVELOUS week full of miracles and happiness! :)
Ofa Lahi Atu,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
The Oyster
Author Unknown
There once was an oyster
Whose story I'll tell, Who found that some sand
Had worked under his shell.
Just one little grain,
But it gave him a pain.
For oysters have feelings
That are very plain.
Now, did he berate
The harsh working of fate
That left him in such
A deplorable state?
Did he curse the government,
Call for an election,
And claim that the sea should
Have given him protection?
No! He said to himself
As he lay on a shell,
Since I cannot remove it,
I think I'll improve it!
Well, the years passed by,
As years always do,
Till he came to his destiny,
Oyster stew!
And the small grain of sand
That had bothered him so,
Was a beautiful pearl
All richly aglow.
Now this tale has a moral;
For isn’t it grand,
What an oyster can do
With a small grain of sand?
And what couldn't we do
If we’d only begin
With some of the things
That get under our skin.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Easter Miracles!
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?
Arohanui,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
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?
Arohanui,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Mission Conference!!!
Longest email ever, now coming your way!! :)
Haha... I accidentally wrote "weed" at first instead of "week" in the subject line. Although, there was also a rebellious/stubborn weed we worked on this week as well.
Kia Ora, my dear Whanau! (Clearly you can tell how the "learning Samoan" is going.... haha. I'm just stuck to my Maori forever!)
It's been a nice week. I still have moments of feeling like we're not as busy as we could be though... so there's that. But, regardless, it's still been a very good week :) Many miracles and fun things, and.... meetings of exciting people :D
MONDAY—P-day, began the week as a "day with the Butlers" – loveeeee. We went to Bethel's Beach, and I saw BLACK SAND. Cool? Yes. I don't really know why it's so cool to me, but it is! And Conan and I have become even more like siblings now, so that's great. And he's helping me to learn new things about lighting each time I see him. So that's lovely to keep my mind from forgetting! We also went back to their home at the end of Monday's P-day and had Family Home Evening with them, and watched The Best Two years. Fun fact: First time I"ve ever seen the whole movie all the way through in one sitting! It's a good one! Haha.
When we returned to our flat Monday night, we still hadn't heard from Elder Long (Zone Leader) about transfers—whether we were staying or whatnot. ...Guesses?
Haha. I started thinking, "Ah, we must just be safe since we haven't heard anything." ...And then the phone rang. "Zone Leaders" – And my stomach jumped a little.
"Sisters! Would you like transfer news? Well... You'll both be staying!" Ha. All that for telling us we're staying ;) But we're excited, and ready to continue in our lovely Henderson Valley area!
TUESDAY — Happy Australia Day! (And our dear Australian Sisters definitely let us know it was Australian day. Bashing on America included. Fun times? ...Sure? It's fine. Whatevers'.) However, Tuesday was definitely a bit of a testimony builder for me in losing myself in the work again. I was struggling that morning with... just thinking too much. Worrying too much, and not knowing how to truly focus my mind on anything. We had our last district meeting together as "that district" on Tuesday and it was good. It was sad, but good. I'll definitely miss the Elders who left us to go out into other parts of the land! We had a little testimony meeting and that was good. We had a training on TWE and "Finding People" (again — it's really being hit hard throughout the whole mission... apparently we're all struggling in finding new people and really teaching lately). But it's good to have these trainings. Building ourselves up and just... learning to rely more on the spirit, and focusing on the work instead of the "social" side of things. (There's was actually quite a bit of drama in the last mission transfer... a lot of Emergency transfers of missionaries in South Auckland and whatnot. So...
President's kind of seeming to be hard on us lately. But for good reasons. I've learned that Islanders really kind of like to party. Thus... why I feel like my companion, Sister Hobbs, may struggle with laziness sometimes – since most of her companions have been islanders! And so... that's how things have been for her.) Anyhoo. #TangentMuch? Testimony built of losing myself.
After district meeting we got back to the flat, had some lunch, and went out to work. I was honestly still a bit down – just trying to refocus my mind. We stopped by DORA'S house. I'm fairly certain I've talked about her before - when we first met her. We had knocked on her door, originally looking for someone else, but she said she was interested! We assumed she was older because she had a baby in her arms. Well – we all know what assuming does! We went back Tuesday, and found her at home again – with the baby. She invited us in and we started getting to know her. Fun fact: The baby is her LITTLE BROTHER. And she is 15. Yup. She's FIFTEEN years old. So... technically, in order to teach her, we need someone 18 or older and permission from her parents. But... she still had us stay and teach her about the Restoration. And she LOVED IT! She told us beforehand how she's really come to know how Christ has helped her in her life, and how she knows that she's alive today because of Him. (Why can't everyone be like her?) And then, as we told her about the First Vision, she was literally in awe. And THEN. She loved it even more when we brought out the Book of Mormon and told her she could have the copy we handed her. I've never seen someone SO EXCITED to read it! She kept saying how she wanted to read it "right then." TOO cute. So... we're hoping to go back and see her soon and meet her parents :)
After that lesson, we wanted to conquer the world!!! So we went to see Kathleen Va'a – who we had a scheduled appointment with. I hadn't officially met her yet, 'cause she's hard to catch – but Sisters Hobbs and Fornaro had finally caught her when they were on trade-offs and made an appointment. Unfortunately, when we went by she said it really wasn't actually a good time, but we still talked for a bit. Sweetest girl, and we're excited to get to know her better. We also stopped by Aroha Henare (less-active) before dinner with the Pauna's. I just love Aroha. She's so talkative and wonderful. And I have faith that she really will come back to church soon!
That night we stopped by Ivan's because... Elder Christiansen had to see him one more time before he was transferred to Whangarei on Wednesday morning :( (Gonna miss that Elder! – and so will Ivan!) So we went over as well. The Elders couldn't stay long, but we did get to share a little message and talk a bit with him and Grace! (Yes, she's finally home.) It's amazing how much Ivan opens up to us now. It's like there's no worry for him anymore. He just tells us all things. He's definitely had a life full of experience, that one! And: He spoils us. There was one day last week we stopped by his house to fill our water, 'cause, man, it's been hot lately. And he gave us an ice-pop (like an ottor pop) to go with it! So on Tuesday night he gave us our very own ice-pops to put in our freezer! Haha. He's the best!
WEDNESDAY! Another struggle day for me. Just 'cause... we definitely didn't see as many people as we could have. But – still good. Emere and Arihia Joseph brought us out to lunch, and it was lovely to spend some time wtih them again. We did a bit more service in the Frost's garden – and I finally got the giant THISSLE out of the garden! I definitely got stabbed a few times, but it was exciting. Also: Amazing how easy the root comes out once you clear all the pokey stuff away!
After our afternoon service, we definitely had to go home and shower quickly... 'cause once again, hotness. And the Frost's invited us over for a quick dinner before Ward Council. We also got to witness Avery trying his first little bit of curry! Haha. It's hilarous watching babies faces trying real food. Brother Frost put a little bit on his binkie — and he was no longer fussy! He likes his food ;) Ah. Another thing I learned this day? It's amazing how fast you can feel the air get humid here. It rained for a bit – then suddenly stopped and the sun was out. And then: It was like you could feel the water evaporating around you. Crazy.
THURSDAY! (I really wish I could type faster than I already can...) "The BIG MOVE." So... once upon a time we found a little couple named Nellie and Richard. They live in a house on Newington Road. We had stopped by a couple weeks ago, and Richard mentioned they were moving – just down the street on Great North Road. So we offered our help. Wednesday night we brought it up in Ward Council, hoping we coudl get some of the ward involved to make Nellie and Richard known! But... alas, people really weren't available. So... we called upon the missionaries! And man, are we glad we did! It was a MUCH bigger move than we had anticipated. Why? Because apparently the house they live in is actually a house that belongs to an organization of sorts that houses people with disabilities (Nellie has Down Syndrome, and Richard... something else?) SO... there were actually about 4 other people also living in this house! Aka: HEAPS of stuff to move! A good portion of our Zone showed up, and it went much faster than the residents thought it would (it easily could have taken them two days...) and we had HEAPS of fun with service life :)
The exciting thing about this is: Through this service, Sister Hobbs and I were able to introduce the Book of Mormon to Richard, share a little more with Nellie, and share some with their care-takers as well! The sad part: Their new house is BARELY OUT OF OUR AREA. So.... at the end of the day, we very reluctantly handed them over to the Elders to teach :P But. We're also excited for them, and we've also been given permission to VISIT them. Not really teach... but visit. And the Elders said they'd let us know when they go over, so that's good :)
We also discovered on Thursday that our District's have been swapped around a bit! Elder Hunter is now our district leader, and we're in a district with the Samoan Sisters, rather than our Sister Training Leaders. In complete honesty: Sister Hobbs and I are rather excited about the change. We love (okay... well, I love) our Sister Training Leaders, but ... we do kind of feel like they look down on us a lot, rather than trying to build us up and help us to be better. So... I think it'll be a good change to be separated a bit more from them so when we have trade-offs it'll actually be telling them things they don't already know about our area (because they would hear about it all in district meeting every week...). And hopefully it'll be one of those "distance makes the heart grow fonder" types of relationships.
Later in that afternoon, we stopped by Julie's house. Julie is a ....sort of potential. Haha. She always says that she's not interested, but we still go over just to talk, and to see all the new artsy things she's up to! She claims to not be an artsy person... but alas: She definitely is. She does MOSAICS. Like – brilliant things. She loves all things that are colorful, and her yard and home is FULL of it. — All things she's purchased and repainted and made her own. I love it. And I want to learn how to do mosaic tiling things when I get back now :) Anyhoo. She makes pots (as in flower pots) — mosaics them and makes them colourful and pretty. She had made one for Sister Hobbs to buy, and... now she's making me one too!!!! SUPER excited. Hopefully photos to come. ...Clearly we're still working out the glitches on that!
We were invited Thursday night to go over to the Butlers for one last night before school starts up again. We roasted marshmallows, and I tried to help Conan not be a teenager and not be mad at his mum for lame things. I'm hoping we figured it out a little? Who knows. And his mum Dani needed to talk too, so it was good for the family I think. They're all just wonderful.
FRIDAY we went to Marion's home (less-active). I talked about her in church last week. She's lovely, but ... it's interesting how much more you can see into a person's life when you actually visit their home. They struggle, they really do. And we found out her son was actually taken from her about a year ago – due to him being home alone too much I suppose (he was 6 at the time and turns 8 this year). We met her partner officially, and .... it just makes me sad when you feel like someone you know and love is with a partner who is clearly just taking advantage of her being there, and also that they don't feel like they're good enough to be with someone else. Aka: Her partner is just... not really there. Fairly certain he's always drunk, or looking for drugs. And she's been with him for 13 YEARS. Anyhoo. It was good to see different things we can help her with and whatnot. Ah:
Also, she has a dog... It's a Pitt Bull! His name is Broncs. And he's a little terrifying. :P
CAROLINE. Ohhhhh how I love Caroline.
She was actually one of the first people we met when we came out – a woman who's been investigating for... over a year now.
Haha. She knows lots of missionaries. But we actually got to have a real conversation and whatnot with her Friday evening, and it was lovely. She's the SWEETEST. She's partners with a less-active, and has an 18-year-old son. And man. We can tell that she really feels goodness from our Church — but, fun fact: she hasn't actually been to church yet. So, *crosses fingers* we're hoping that changes. She said she'll come this next week. So... we'll be working for that! And then to continue teaching lessons and whatnot :) Glorious. Little miracles.
Our Dinner appointment Friday night was supposed to be with the Pattersons, but they called us up and said, "Hey! We're going to the Halaapiapi's for dinner because they're having a High Priest's dinner with wives and family, and they said you could come!" Ha. Meaning: Island food! I love island food. And everything at the Halaapiapi's (or involving them in general) is going to be a party. Love them all so much. We also got to catch up with the Masiasomua's – who hopefully have someone for us to start teaching They're a crack-up. Ha. Also because they remind me of you, mum and dad, more and more each time I get to know them. This time? Learning Sister Masiasomua is super OCD, and President's favorite dessert is Apple Pie and Ice-Cream (HOT Apple Pie, he said). Love it. :)
SATURDAY. Man. Saturday is the day to live for. Why? We had a MISSION CONFERENCE. And not only our mission, but with Hamilton Mission AND the MTC as well. "Why?" you ask? ...Well, ELDER CHRISTOFFERSON WAS THERE. AND Elder Pearson (South Pacific Area President) and their wives. So... we all (my mission) first met at Fergueson Chapel in Otara (the "dodgy" part of South Auckland)—we were told to "STAY IN YOUR CARS!" —unless you needed the toilet. Sister Hobbs and I did. And... during those few moments, I was lucky enough to get to see Sisters Pointer, Lott, Boiteux, Christiansen, AND O'REILLY!! [Sister O'Reilly was my trainer that I call, mum.] It's been too long, folks. I know the Mission isn't about the social life and about seeing other missionaires. But... it was good. Just to see, hug and say hello for a few minutes. I missed my Mum, HARDCORE. And guess what? She's a Sister Traiing Leader now! In Panmeur! (Or... maybe she said Penrose, actually...? Too many Zones that start with P. — Hey, Liz. Leesh. "P is yellow" Remember? Hahaha.) Anyhoo, so apparently it "runs in the family" — so I'm probably next! Terrifying. Ha. We'll see there.
After that, we all (the mission) went together to Redoubt Chapel (in Hamilton! We got to be "REBELS" and leave the mission! Haha). #RebelliousMissionLife We settled in, were warned soundly by the Hamilton Mission President, and then Elder Christofferson came. Before we even started the meeting, he wanted to shake all of our hands! GAH! Excitement!! And then... we had much council and enlightenment from Sister and Elder Pearson, and Sister and Elder Christofferson. Heaps on "Focusing on the Work" and our purpose as missionaires. Good for all of us :) ...I'm hoping to write a letter with more things in it... so we'll see when that comes to you. But it was brilliant! And man. Elder Christofferson is one HAPPY person. Haha. Crack-up, he is!
After the mission conference, we went out. And we met the Samuelu's. :) A Less Active family that converted... I'm not sure when. But I assume sometime after the parent's first two children were born. 'Cause... all the rest are named after missionaries! Haha! So, they love the Church. They still follow everything as they should, they just struggle with actually coming to church lately. "Laziness" they say. But: Their son wants to go on a mission.
So, last week they decided to start coming again so that their son feels their support. (Amazing what missions can do, isn't' it?) So we decided to go over and properly meet them all. And they're the SWEETEST family ever. So super humble, and definitely the New Zealand way of relaxed life. Haha. We shared a message about church, and we know they know what they need to be doing (repetitive and redundant much?). We're excited to get to know them better. It'll be grand :)
After the Samuelu's, we were looking for another person on a potentials list... didn't find him, but found another! His name is Mata. And does he have some cool tattoos? Yes. Yes, he does. Including a giant one of Christ. So... ya know, it helped in bringing up gospel topics! Also the fact that he's talked to missionaries before. That helped. He also told us he wouldn't convert, but... we definitely see potential with different things that are going on in his life. He's grown up Catholic — but not currently going (that seems to be a trend among most Catholics I've met here in in Henderson!). But definitely believes Christ has done everything for him and helps him every day. We're excited to see him again. Also: A little miracle that we even met him, 'cause... it was his ONE DAY of the week he has off! And the first day he's had off in a while. So... blessings :) Ah: And
HE has a dog... A Rottweiler! (Yup. A Rottweiler.) His name is Harley. And he is the NICEST ROTTWEILER I've ever met. I was a little terrified at first, and Sister Hobbs is still terrified. But... so cute. Weird to say that I petted and played with a Rottweiler without my hand being bitten off. Ah – he's also only a year old. So that helps, 'cause Mata has raised him to be a cuddle dog ;) Love it.
[Not sure what's with me and telling you about everyone's dogs this week too... apparently it's been a big thing. Haha.]
SUNDAY. We finally got to teach Liberty again! Woot woot! "How did we make it around him not wanting other people to come to lessons and trying to make us bend the rules of his partner not being there?" You ask? ...Well, we brought along Naynay Taumafai. Haha. She's about our age, and lovely. So she came to the lesson with us and we taught the Plan of Salvation. It was good. Though... as Sister Hobbs and I taught, we seemed to have different thoughts of who the people are that are able to be taught in the Spirit World........ #Awkward. But it's good, 'cause it's giving me something to study up more on now. Currently reading D&C 138. Any other suggestions? :D Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Church was lovely yesterday, we taught a primary class! A class full of BOYS, as... all the girls were on holiday. And come to think of it, I really don't think we have that many girls within that age group. Anyhoo— They're all a crack-up though—8-11 year olds. We taught about the Liahona, Nephi breaking his bow, and how prayer and faith help us to know where to go. Good times. We had them act out the story :) Love it.
TASH and MOTTI (Natasha and Mordihai)—the CUTEST little couple we met that lives on our street. We've talked with them a few times now, and we know they're going to make the cutest members one day... But it will also take some time. She used to be christian, and he's Isralie ...so Jewish? Jewish. But he's not practicing either. And they've both chose that keeping away from Religion is the better lifestyle for their marriage. (Yes: I repeat, they are indeed, actually MARRIED! When does that ever happen?) But they also tell us how they "look for our church" sometimes ....so we're hoping they decide to just show up one day. Haha. We got to teach them a little bit about what our church service is like – so that was fun. We'll just keep praying for little and subtle opportunities with them :)
So.... A lovely week. Many blessings, and many people. But.... I know there's still more. More we can still find, more we can help in different ways. We're excited for the less-actives that we've been meeting with, that are starting to come back though. So.... life is good :)
Missions are crazy. In a good way. I don't think life has EVER gone this fast before. Ha. Sometimes I truly wonder if someone has actually just moved the clock hands to make it a little faster because nothing is slow anymore. I mean – 7 months. I'm closer to half-way than not. Weird, yea? Yeah.
Life is good. Things continue to look up. I know through focus and diligence, miracles happen. And focus and diligence come through obedience and faith. It's great, isnt' it? Ah – and studying and praying. Those both bring about amazing things!
I love and miss you all HEAPS, but... I know this is but a small moment for me to not be with you ;)
Arohanui,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Haha... I accidentally wrote "weed" at first instead of "week" in the subject line. Although, there was also a rebellious/stubborn weed we worked on this week as well.
Kia Ora, my dear Whanau! (Clearly you can tell how the "learning Samoan" is going.... haha. I'm just stuck to my Maori forever!)
It's been a nice week. I still have moments of feeling like we're not as busy as we could be though... so there's that. But, regardless, it's still been a very good week :) Many miracles and fun things, and.... meetings of exciting people :D
MONDAY—P-day, began the week as a "day with the Butlers" – loveeeee. We went to Bethel's Beach, and I saw BLACK SAND. Cool? Yes. I don't really know why it's so cool to me, but it is! And Conan and I have become even more like siblings now, so that's great. And he's helping me to learn new things about lighting each time I see him. So that's lovely to keep my mind from forgetting! We also went back to their home at the end of Monday's P-day and had Family Home Evening with them, and watched The Best Two years. Fun fact: First time I"ve ever seen the whole movie all the way through in one sitting! It's a good one! Haha.
When we returned to our flat Monday night, we still hadn't heard from Elder Long (Zone Leader) about transfers—whether we were staying or whatnot. ...Guesses?
Haha. I started thinking, "Ah, we must just be safe since we haven't heard anything." ...And then the phone rang. "Zone Leaders" – And my stomach jumped a little.
"Sisters! Would you like transfer news? Well... You'll both be staying!" Ha. All that for telling us we're staying ;) But we're excited, and ready to continue in our lovely Henderson Valley area!
TUESDAY — Happy Australia Day! (And our dear Australian Sisters definitely let us know it was Australian day. Bashing on America included. Fun times? ...Sure? It's fine. Whatevers'.) However, Tuesday was definitely a bit of a testimony builder for me in losing myself in the work again. I was struggling that morning with... just thinking too much. Worrying too much, and not knowing how to truly focus my mind on anything. We had our last district meeting together as "that district" on Tuesday and it was good. It was sad, but good. I'll definitely miss the Elders who left us to go out into other parts of the land! We had a little testimony meeting and that was good. We had a training on TWE and "Finding People" (again — it's really being hit hard throughout the whole mission... apparently we're all struggling in finding new people and really teaching lately). But it's good to have these trainings. Building ourselves up and just... learning to rely more on the spirit, and focusing on the work instead of the "social" side of things. (There's was actually quite a bit of drama in the last mission transfer... a lot of Emergency transfers of missionaries in South Auckland and whatnot. So...
President's kind of seeming to be hard on us lately. But for good reasons. I've learned that Islanders really kind of like to party. Thus... why I feel like my companion, Sister Hobbs, may struggle with laziness sometimes – since most of her companions have been islanders! And so... that's how things have been for her.) Anyhoo. #TangentMuch? Testimony built of losing myself.
After district meeting we got back to the flat, had some lunch, and went out to work. I was honestly still a bit down – just trying to refocus my mind. We stopped by DORA'S house. I'm fairly certain I've talked about her before - when we first met her. We had knocked on her door, originally looking for someone else, but she said she was interested! We assumed she was older because she had a baby in her arms. Well – we all know what assuming does! We went back Tuesday, and found her at home again – with the baby. She invited us in and we started getting to know her. Fun fact: The baby is her LITTLE BROTHER. And she is 15. Yup. She's FIFTEEN years old. So... technically, in order to teach her, we need someone 18 or older and permission from her parents. But... she still had us stay and teach her about the Restoration. And she LOVED IT! She told us beforehand how she's really come to know how Christ has helped her in her life, and how she knows that she's alive today because of Him. (Why can't everyone be like her?) And then, as we told her about the First Vision, she was literally in awe. And THEN. She loved it even more when we brought out the Book of Mormon and told her she could have the copy we handed her. I've never seen someone SO EXCITED to read it! She kept saying how she wanted to read it "right then." TOO cute. So... we're hoping to go back and see her soon and meet her parents :)
After that lesson, we wanted to conquer the world!!! So we went to see Kathleen Va'a – who we had a scheduled appointment with. I hadn't officially met her yet, 'cause she's hard to catch – but Sisters Hobbs and Fornaro had finally caught her when they were on trade-offs and made an appointment. Unfortunately, when we went by she said it really wasn't actually a good time, but we still talked for a bit. Sweetest girl, and we're excited to get to know her better. We also stopped by Aroha Henare (less-active) before dinner with the Pauna's. I just love Aroha. She's so talkative and wonderful. And I have faith that she really will come back to church soon!
That night we stopped by Ivan's because... Elder Christiansen had to see him one more time before he was transferred to Whangarei on Wednesday morning :( (Gonna miss that Elder! – and so will Ivan!) So we went over as well. The Elders couldn't stay long, but we did get to share a little message and talk a bit with him and Grace! (Yes, she's finally home.) It's amazing how much Ivan opens up to us now. It's like there's no worry for him anymore. He just tells us all things. He's definitely had a life full of experience, that one! And: He spoils us. There was one day last week we stopped by his house to fill our water, 'cause, man, it's been hot lately. And he gave us an ice-pop (like an ottor pop) to go with it! So on Tuesday night he gave us our very own ice-pops to put in our freezer! Haha. He's the best!
WEDNESDAY! Another struggle day for me. Just 'cause... we definitely didn't see as many people as we could have. But – still good. Emere and Arihia Joseph brought us out to lunch, and it was lovely to spend some time wtih them again. We did a bit more service in the Frost's garden – and I finally got the giant THISSLE out of the garden! I definitely got stabbed a few times, but it was exciting. Also: Amazing how easy the root comes out once you clear all the pokey stuff away!
After our afternoon service, we definitely had to go home and shower quickly... 'cause once again, hotness. And the Frost's invited us over for a quick dinner before Ward Council. We also got to witness Avery trying his first little bit of curry! Haha. It's hilarous watching babies faces trying real food. Brother Frost put a little bit on his binkie — and he was no longer fussy! He likes his food ;) Ah. Another thing I learned this day? It's amazing how fast you can feel the air get humid here. It rained for a bit – then suddenly stopped and the sun was out. And then: It was like you could feel the water evaporating around you. Crazy.
THURSDAY! (I really wish I could type faster than I already can...) "The BIG MOVE." So... once upon a time we found a little couple named Nellie and Richard. They live in a house on Newington Road. We had stopped by a couple weeks ago, and Richard mentioned they were moving – just down the street on Great North Road. So we offered our help. Wednesday night we brought it up in Ward Council, hoping we coudl get some of the ward involved to make Nellie and Richard known! But... alas, people really weren't available. So... we called upon the missionaries! And man, are we glad we did! It was a MUCH bigger move than we had anticipated. Why? Because apparently the house they live in is actually a house that belongs to an organization of sorts that houses people with disabilities (Nellie has Down Syndrome, and Richard... something else?) SO... there were actually about 4 other people also living in this house! Aka: HEAPS of stuff to move! A good portion of our Zone showed up, and it went much faster than the residents thought it would (it easily could have taken them two days...) and we had HEAPS of fun with service life :)
The exciting thing about this is: Through this service, Sister Hobbs and I were able to introduce the Book of Mormon to Richard, share a little more with Nellie, and share some with their care-takers as well! The sad part: Their new house is BARELY OUT OF OUR AREA. So.... at the end of the day, we very reluctantly handed them over to the Elders to teach :P But. We're also excited for them, and we've also been given permission to VISIT them. Not really teach... but visit. And the Elders said they'd let us know when they go over, so that's good :)
We also discovered on Thursday that our District's have been swapped around a bit! Elder Hunter is now our district leader, and we're in a district with the Samoan Sisters, rather than our Sister Training Leaders. In complete honesty: Sister Hobbs and I are rather excited about the change. We love (okay... well, I love) our Sister Training Leaders, but ... we do kind of feel like they look down on us a lot, rather than trying to build us up and help us to be better. So... I think it'll be a good change to be separated a bit more from them so when we have trade-offs it'll actually be telling them things they don't already know about our area (because they would hear about it all in district meeting every week...). And hopefully it'll be one of those "distance makes the heart grow fonder" types of relationships.
Later in that afternoon, we stopped by Julie's house. Julie is a ....sort of potential. Haha. She always says that she's not interested, but we still go over just to talk, and to see all the new artsy things she's up to! She claims to not be an artsy person... but alas: She definitely is. She does MOSAICS. Like – brilliant things. She loves all things that are colorful, and her yard and home is FULL of it. — All things she's purchased and repainted and made her own. I love it. And I want to learn how to do mosaic tiling things when I get back now :) Anyhoo. She makes pots (as in flower pots) — mosaics them and makes them colourful and pretty. She had made one for Sister Hobbs to buy, and... now she's making me one too!!!! SUPER excited. Hopefully photos to come. ...Clearly we're still working out the glitches on that!
We were invited Thursday night to go over to the Butlers for one last night before school starts up again. We roasted marshmallows, and I tried to help Conan not be a teenager and not be mad at his mum for lame things. I'm hoping we figured it out a little? Who knows. And his mum Dani needed to talk too, so it was good for the family I think. They're all just wonderful.
FRIDAY we went to Marion's home (less-active). I talked about her in church last week. She's lovely, but ... it's interesting how much more you can see into a person's life when you actually visit their home. They struggle, they really do. And we found out her son was actually taken from her about a year ago – due to him being home alone too much I suppose (he was 6 at the time and turns 8 this year). We met her partner officially, and .... it just makes me sad when you feel like someone you know and love is with a partner who is clearly just taking advantage of her being there, and also that they don't feel like they're good enough to be with someone else. Aka: Her partner is just... not really there. Fairly certain he's always drunk, or looking for drugs. And she's been with him for 13 YEARS. Anyhoo. It was good to see different things we can help her with and whatnot. Ah:
Also, she has a dog... It's a Pitt Bull! His name is Broncs. And he's a little terrifying. :P
CAROLINE. Ohhhhh how I love Caroline.
She was actually one of the first people we met when we came out – a woman who's been investigating for... over a year now.
Haha. She knows lots of missionaries. But we actually got to have a real conversation and whatnot with her Friday evening, and it was lovely. She's the SWEETEST. She's partners with a less-active, and has an 18-year-old son. And man. We can tell that she really feels goodness from our Church — but, fun fact: she hasn't actually been to church yet. So, *crosses fingers* we're hoping that changes. She said she'll come this next week. So... we'll be working for that! And then to continue teaching lessons and whatnot :) Glorious. Little miracles.
Our Dinner appointment Friday night was supposed to be with the Pattersons, but they called us up and said, "Hey! We're going to the Halaapiapi's for dinner because they're having a High Priest's dinner with wives and family, and they said you could come!" Ha. Meaning: Island food! I love island food. And everything at the Halaapiapi's (or involving them in general) is going to be a party. Love them all so much. We also got to catch up with the Masiasomua's – who hopefully have someone for us to start teaching They're a crack-up. Ha. Also because they remind me of you, mum and dad, more and more each time I get to know them. This time? Learning Sister Masiasomua is super OCD, and President's favorite dessert is Apple Pie and Ice-Cream (HOT Apple Pie, he said). Love it. :)
SATURDAY. Man. Saturday is the day to live for. Why? We had a MISSION CONFERENCE. And not only our mission, but with Hamilton Mission AND the MTC as well. "Why?" you ask? ...Well, ELDER CHRISTOFFERSON WAS THERE. AND Elder Pearson (South Pacific Area President) and their wives. So... we all (my mission) first met at Fergueson Chapel in Otara (the "dodgy" part of South Auckland)—we were told to "STAY IN YOUR CARS!" —unless you needed the toilet. Sister Hobbs and I did. And... during those few moments, I was lucky enough to get to see Sisters Pointer, Lott, Boiteux, Christiansen, AND O'REILLY!! [Sister O'Reilly was my trainer that I call, mum.] It's been too long, folks. I know the Mission isn't about the social life and about seeing other missionaires. But... it was good. Just to see, hug and say hello for a few minutes. I missed my Mum, HARDCORE. And guess what? She's a Sister Traiing Leader now! In Panmeur! (Or... maybe she said Penrose, actually...? Too many Zones that start with P. — Hey, Liz. Leesh. "P is yellow" Remember? Hahaha.) Anyhoo, so apparently it "runs in the family" — so I'm probably next! Terrifying. Ha. We'll see there.
After that, we all (the mission) went together to Redoubt Chapel (in Hamilton! We got to be "REBELS" and leave the mission! Haha). #RebelliousMissionLife We settled in, were warned soundly by the Hamilton Mission President, and then Elder Christofferson came. Before we even started the meeting, he wanted to shake all of our hands! GAH! Excitement!! And then... we had much council and enlightenment from Sister and Elder Pearson, and Sister and Elder Christofferson. Heaps on "Focusing on the Work" and our purpose as missionaires. Good for all of us :) ...I'm hoping to write a letter with more things in it... so we'll see when that comes to you. But it was brilliant! And man. Elder Christofferson is one HAPPY person. Haha. Crack-up, he is!
After the mission conference, we went out. And we met the Samuelu's. :) A Less Active family that converted... I'm not sure when. But I assume sometime after the parent's first two children were born. 'Cause... all the rest are named after missionaries! Haha! So, they love the Church. They still follow everything as they should, they just struggle with actually coming to church lately. "Laziness" they say. But: Their son wants to go on a mission.
So, last week they decided to start coming again so that their son feels their support. (Amazing what missions can do, isn't' it?) So we decided to go over and properly meet them all. And they're the SWEETEST family ever. So super humble, and definitely the New Zealand way of relaxed life. Haha. We shared a message about church, and we know they know what they need to be doing (repetitive and redundant much?). We're excited to get to know them better. It'll be grand :)
After the Samuelu's, we were looking for another person on a potentials list... didn't find him, but found another! His name is Mata. And does he have some cool tattoos? Yes. Yes, he does. Including a giant one of Christ. So... ya know, it helped in bringing up gospel topics! Also the fact that he's talked to missionaries before. That helped. He also told us he wouldn't convert, but... we definitely see potential with different things that are going on in his life. He's grown up Catholic — but not currently going (that seems to be a trend among most Catholics I've met here in in Henderson!). But definitely believes Christ has done everything for him and helps him every day. We're excited to see him again. Also: A little miracle that we even met him, 'cause... it was his ONE DAY of the week he has off! And the first day he's had off in a while. So... blessings :) Ah: And
HE has a dog... A Rottweiler! (Yup. A Rottweiler.) His name is Harley. And he is the NICEST ROTTWEILER I've ever met. I was a little terrified at first, and Sister Hobbs is still terrified. But... so cute. Weird to say that I petted and played with a Rottweiler without my hand being bitten off. Ah – he's also only a year old. So that helps, 'cause Mata has raised him to be a cuddle dog ;) Love it.
[Not sure what's with me and telling you about everyone's dogs this week too... apparently it's been a big thing. Haha.]
SUNDAY. We finally got to teach Liberty again! Woot woot! "How did we make it around him not wanting other people to come to lessons and trying to make us bend the rules of his partner not being there?" You ask? ...Well, we brought along Naynay Taumafai. Haha. She's about our age, and lovely. So she came to the lesson with us and we taught the Plan of Salvation. It was good. Though... as Sister Hobbs and I taught, we seemed to have different thoughts of who the people are that are able to be taught in the Spirit World........ #Awkward. But it's good, 'cause it's giving me something to study up more on now. Currently reading D&C 138. Any other suggestions? :D Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Church was lovely yesterday, we taught a primary class! A class full of BOYS, as... all the girls were on holiday. And come to think of it, I really don't think we have that many girls within that age group. Anyhoo— They're all a crack-up though—8-11 year olds. We taught about the Liahona, Nephi breaking his bow, and how prayer and faith help us to know where to go. Good times. We had them act out the story :) Love it.
TASH and MOTTI (Natasha and Mordihai)—the CUTEST little couple we met that lives on our street. We've talked with them a few times now, and we know they're going to make the cutest members one day... But it will also take some time. She used to be christian, and he's Isralie ...so Jewish? Jewish. But he's not practicing either. And they've both chose that keeping away from Religion is the better lifestyle for their marriage. (Yes: I repeat, they are indeed, actually MARRIED! When does that ever happen?) But they also tell us how they "look for our church" sometimes ....so we're hoping they decide to just show up one day. Haha. We got to teach them a little bit about what our church service is like – so that was fun. We'll just keep praying for little and subtle opportunities with them :)
So.... A lovely week. Many blessings, and many people. But.... I know there's still more. More we can still find, more we can help in different ways. We're excited for the less-actives that we've been meeting with, that are starting to come back though. So.... life is good :)
Missions are crazy. In a good way. I don't think life has EVER gone this fast before. Ha. Sometimes I truly wonder if someone has actually just moved the clock hands to make it a little faster because nothing is slow anymore. I mean – 7 months. I'm closer to half-way than not. Weird, yea? Yeah.
Life is good. Things continue to look up. I know through focus and diligence, miracles happen. And focus and diligence come through obedience and faith. It's great, isnt' it? Ah – and studying and praying. Those both bring about amazing things!
I love and miss you all HEAPS, but... I know this is but a small moment for me to not be with you ;)
Arohanui,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
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