"Green & GROWING, or Brown & DYING." Sister Valette in Torbay Ward mentioned this quote yesterday in her Sacrament Meeting talk, speaking about Self-Reliance. So I've had it stuck in my head since then. And I love it. 'Cause.... it kind of reflects the things I've learned over the course of my mission. If we're working toward SOMETHING—studying, learning and GROWING, we're STRONG AND GREEN and happy—facing the sun, and holding strong, regardless of what comes our way. But ....if we let our guard down—if we don't take care of ourselves—get lazy and droopy, we become brown and dying.... It's all about FAITH. ACTION. and keeping a positive attitude about life.
I LOVE learning. Even if you're like me and it seems slow at times, to actually get things STUCK in your head enough to EXPLAIN them to others, it's still all worth it. And it brings spice and new things to life. It's great. Little by little. That's how things go :)
So. Adventures of the week.
Last MONDAY. Zone P-day. We went to Laser Strike again :) I really quite like Laser tag now. Haha.
Leave it to the Elders to make me like something that I'm still....really bad at.
Haha. It's exciting though. Running around, trying to not get distracted by the lighting fixtures they use in the maze.... #LightingNerd #Forever
But then, part way through our laser strike happiness,
President Balli called! Perfect timing too—right in between games.
Haha. He's great :)
He surprised me with different news than we'd been given earlier in the day from the
assistants — my new companion would be coming to us THAT day around 6pm. Not Tuesday.
So the Sunset Sisters—since they were in a better place to be able to go pick her and another sister up from the mission home—went and got them. We met at their flat in Browns Bay to take my companion. Her name is Sister Tcheou (che-oo). It's a French name. I thought it was pronounced "chew" last week, but that's because no one really knows how to actually pronounce her name. Haha. She's from Tahiti, speaks English and French, and she's been out just over 10 months. Always new adventures with new companions :) We got her settled into the flat, and helped Sister Lemalu finish packing that night.
TUESDAY was pretty full-on busy. District Meeting, good-byes to my Lemalu, and then running around like crazy people with our little trio for the day. Visiting people in Hibiscus—seeing Linda and Rochanna—and running back to Torbay to get Sister Lemalu's things to bring her to the mission home.
And then there were SURPRISES at the mission office and mission home :) First: The CLEMENTS. Elder and Sister Garth are off back to Austrialia, so the Clements will be taking over their job in the office. A shock for them and everyone up north, as they didn't know they'd be taking over until that week! But they're going to be grand, and now I'm closer to them and get to see them! Blessings and exciting things :)
THEN – at the mission home, who else came running, chasing after our car as we went to turn around? My dear SISTER POINTER!! Hahaha.... She's adorable, and I'm glad I got to see her one more time before she was off on her new adventures going home :)
The rest of the day was spent getting to know Sister Tcheou as we made visits around Torbay, had some dinner, and then went to MCM.
WEDNESDAY. Visits, meeting new less-actives that I hadn't met yet, dinner with Bex Maire in Hibiscus, and some Volleyball. And just to initiate her into the group, my poor companion accidentally got a volleyball to the FACE. But she's okay, so we're all good. It was kind of a shock for all though!
THURSDAY. Same bit as Wednesday, going around meeting people I hadn't met before either, as well as some lovely potential investigators—one man named, Chris, who says he's "kind of Atheist at the moment," but he still loves learning about other religions and things. So he took a pamphlet! He's also already read the Book of Mormon before. So there's that. We're excited to go back to visit him. Some of the kindest people I've met on the mission have been Atheist! Seriously.
Dinner at the Rapata's, as always, but with a spin this time. When we got to the house their power had been out for a few hours, so Tina took us out instead. Spoiled. It was a great time with Tina, and a blessing and an informative time for me about my companion, because Tina asked her about her background and everything.
FRIDAY. Weekly Planning. Sickness.
Tuala's, Santana's, and Elli :) Sickness = my body's been doing that thing again where everything I eat makes my stomach upset. So there's that. But we're fine. I'll be fine :)
SATURDAY we found out that Brendon (our musician, rocker investigator) has apparently flown the coop to Europe! So.... there's down one investigator until October. Ha. But all is well :) We'll find more!
SUNDAY was my beautiful day in Torbay of learning and peace.
Here's the main thing this week: Learning that even when things change—and you're TERRIFIED of that change—it always works out the way it needs to. It's allllll about having faith in the Lord. Because HE'S the one that really knows what's going on, and what needs to happen. Even though I've gotten significantly more used to change over the last year of my life, I still don't love it — but I've been blessed with the things I've been able to learn and grow in, whether it be because of certain companions, or areas, or people I've come in contact with. Life is crazy. And it goes SO fast.
Anyhoo. I hope you all have a most LOVELY week back home. Life is grand. Build your foundation on Faith in Christ, and all will work out :)
Love you all heaps!
Alofa tele atu!
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Showing posts with label Sister Pointer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sister Pointer. Show all posts
Thursday, September 1, 2016
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.
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
Monday, December 21, 2015
Change is Hard, But Good!
This week. Man. I can't even believe where life takes you sometimes. It's like – a blink of an eye and time FLIES!
Have you all made your transfer guesses?? ;) ;) Wanna know who's right???
The GIRLS are ALL RIGHT! NEW AREA, AND NEW COMPANION! We've been DOUBLE SHIFTED into HENDERSON! We're in the Henderson Valley WARD (What? I have to figure out how to use the term Ward and Bishop again!)
We live at a little flat in Henderson. (Also living within my area? What!?=) Haha. So... all the adventures :) My companion's name is Sister Hobbs, and she's the cutest little British girl you'll ever meet!! 😁
I'm sort of still North? But more West now. About 3 hours south of where I was before. And I'm definitely in the city now! I can see SKY TOWER from my area!!!!! The sisters taking over my last area are Sister Kilgrow (American) and Kulu (Tongan)! I know Sister Kilgrow pretty well, and I met Kulu Thursday — they're going to be great, and they're also going to be SPOILED by the Paihia Branch on Christmas. So... they're all going to be just fine :)
MY WEEK: MONDAY was filled with Zone P-day, watching the Elders play touch ball (while us Sisters passed our own rugby ball to one another, and I learned Sister Pointer is even less coordinated than me! Hahaha... But she's cute ;) ) We then went back to the Kaikohe chapel and made "gingerbread houses" — but without gingerbread, nor graham crackers (because they don't exist here...) So Sister Pointer and I got creative and got Cruskits. Similar shape to graham crackers....but a cracker. So – super not the same taste-wise, but they all seemed to have fun still!
Sister Pointer and I were then able to visit a few families that night — and we got to TEACH PEARL. (Reminder: Pearl is the daughter of less-actives, Dennis and Nan Honey. SWEETEST family, coming back to activity :) ) So we had a BRILLIANT lesson on Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. And it was just SO happy.
TUESDAY. Whew... Tuesday was a day! We started off with District Meeting – we all basically cried. One, because of the video Elder Shannon shared for Training, and two, because we all knew there was going to be BIG changes to our District and Zone — even though we didn't know what changes yet. (Video: called "Missionary Work and The Atonement" – a compilation of 2 different talks by Elder Holland and President Eyring... I'm trying to find the link... we'll see if I can track it down.) Sister Pointer and I then went out for a lunch at Kebabulous – because we had strong feelings that it would be our last week together. And because Kebabulous is delicious :) We got to drop by Marion's home and share a message with her too, and challenged her to start reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning again. We then all walked out together because Marion was on her way to drop some things to the Op Shop. Sister Pointer started walking down the street to go call Elder Shannon (District leader) because... he had started calling us during our lesson with Marion... Note: During Transfers week, you can get the news of being transferred from pretty much anyone from President Balli to the Assistants, to your Zone Leaders OR your District Leader..... so.... basically we were on edge. Haha. We called. He answered and asked how we were doing. And we just said, "ELDER SHANNON. TELL US WHAT'S GOING ON!" He laughed – and continued. "Sister Ottley...... You'll be going to HENDERSON! And you'll be Senior companion to Sister Hobbs." — Aka: I'd just been Double shifted!
"And Sister Pointer.... You'll be going to Tamaki! Your companion is Sister....." (I honestly can't remember her companion's name now). But it's a Samoan name. Haha. So: My dear Sister Pointer has been sent SOUTH. And not only that, but she's finally been sent back to her Samoan programme, and I'm SO excited for her -—— but keep her in your prayers, please, 'cause.... she was excited and nervous and just kind of terrified all in one! Haha.
Change. It's good :) It's hard – but good. The members we've met already are just lovely, and welcoming and we're excited to get to know them. We've also already set up Skype times! Is it good if I call around 12 noon on Christmas, my time – so 4:00 pm Christmas Eve YOUR time??
FYI: President Balli likes to shift us all around a lot when the mission seems to get a bit relaxed and numbers drop more than they should... He's pretty much fearless :) Haha. And "Double Shifted" means — 2 companions leaving (double shifting out), and 2 companions coming in (double shifting in)! So... I've just done both! :)
Because Sister Hobbs came from East Tamaki. (Before me, she was companions with my beloved MTC companion, Sister Lott!!!)
So – TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY were honestly spent shooting from one place to another, saying goodbyes, and getting in last lessons and talking and just.... saying goodbye to my dear Paihia and Matauri Bay. Ah. Fyi: about 30 steps down the street after that phonecall – I burst into tears. Haha. And – not that it was necessarily a bad cry – just.... a realization that I would have to LEAVE! Sister Pointer pulled me to the side and gave me a hug and said, "No worries!! I'm sure your new area will take care of you on Christmas!" ...And honestly, I hadn't even thought of that. I just started thinking about the fact that I had to leave these people that I've come to LOVE SO MUCH. They ARE FAMILY, and I would now have to leave them. It's honestly stilll hard to think about. My dear Aunty's, Sister and Brother White, the CLEMENTS, the Himiona's, all the Going families..... All our less-actives that I love SO MUCH. It was hard for me to get over. But – we went and said goodbye. And had a last lunch with Sister White Wednesday afternoon – after our LAST singing at BayCare. OH my goodness. That was difficult. I can't even explain.
We had a last dinner with Stella (a less-active coming back) and the Clements Wednesday night, and then ZOOMED around to say goodbye to Aunty's and others around. We then jumped over to the Clements – for one last blessing. And the priesthood is just brilliant! There were actually some things in this one that.... terrified? me? But... also not. I'll explain more later in a letter. There was just a phrase given to me along the lines of "the things I'm going through here will benefit for future higher positions/callings in the church" .... So, ya know. Whatever that means!
Anyhoo, enough sadness. We got to say goodbye – that's what I'm GRATEFUL for. Some people don't hear about transfer news until Wednesday! So we were lucky. And we even got in quite a few lessons within our insane-ness, so that was exciting! :)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT was insane – as the Elders decided they wanted to pick up our luggage that night, rather than Thursday morning..... So, lovingly, the other Sisters came over to help us pack alll the things up. Fun fact: I've accumulated a lot of stuff! How? Who KNOWS??! But.... 6 months in a place I guess makes it that way. Also it's apparently a thing that most people that live up north accumulate things. Ha. Once again, why? Who knows!
Anyhoo, my former trainee companion, Sister BOITEUX has ALSO been transferred — and SHE is now companions with Sister Lott in Tamaki! WHA? ...Basically all my companinos are comps with her. It'll happen again one day for us. I know it! Prayers. ;)
THURSDAY was an EARLY and LONG day. Ha. 4:30am up – packing last minute things – and out to Kawakawa to meet the Elders to drive to Auckland. Fun fact: Driving to Auckland was the 5th time I've ever been/seen SKY TOWER! EXCITEMENT. I got to see a few other missionaries, meet a few new faces, and meet the sister that had been over the area Sister Hobbs and I would now be taking. Sister Blanchard. She's lovely – and they have a SET in this area!! I get to help in baptising someone in the next few weeks! (His name is Ivan. He has the CUTEST daughter, Grace, and is set to be baptised on the 9th of January.) After we got into our area (only about a 20 minute drive from where we have transfers meeting!), we got settled in a bit, got to know each other and then went out to explore – neither of us having been in Hendersoon before!
Ah. So – now. Sister Hobbs :) Ahhhhh yes—for real, the cutest little British RED-HEAD you'll ever meet! She's 19 and the oldest in her family. Her favourite colour is green, her birthday is 3 January, and yes –she likes "Dr. Who," if anybody was wondering ;) Haha. Things I'm just discovering. We're both pretty quiet which makes walking streets ....a little boring. Ha. But we're getting there. We're getting more talkative and excited about the work together.
Also: Our area is HUGE. And SUPER HILLY. I'm in a BIKING AREA (oh yea! I forgot to mention that). We're the ONLY ones in the entire Zone without a car.... fun!) ...And it' s really hot. So it's kind of crazy. SO MANY STREETS. And they're all curvy and crazy. Haha. Did I mention HILLS? Ha. Yeah. It's like San Fransisco! So...
hopefully I'll be getting at least a little more fit! Haha.
So... basically these last few days have just been roaming the area, trying to get to know the people, and sharing our excitement. It's also been a little sad, 'cause we've had a few members express to us that they felt a bit let-down by the last sisters — like they played around more than trying to fully do the work ;( ...So, our job right now is to build the trust with the members again! Woo! It's good though. Bishop got us to bare our testimonies in the ward yesterday, so I think that was a good little intro.
OH. Also: I'm now no longer in Maori land! So... that's different for me. I'm offically with more Islanders. Not as many as are in the south (as I hear), but I'll be learning more Samoan and Tongan now! Haha! (The girl who didn't want to learn a language, and I'm going to be learning bits and pieces of at least three!!) "Talofa" is Hello in Samoan — I've got that one down. Tongan: "Malo e le lei" – Still have yet to use that one. We'll get there though! Haha.
Names YOU all have to look forward to in the future transfer: Bishop Papali'i (Samoan), Brother Tu'ivai (Tongan), Brother Tuta'i (Samoan), Sister Gaitau (Samoan).
There's the Hakaraia family (well - multiple families)
Halaapiapi, Auva'a, Neioti, Taumafai. ...So... lots of learning in speaking coming my way! Haha.
Also – not to freak you out. But wanna know the new medical struggle of the week? I may be developing a STY. Not sure.... but my eye is swollen. Ha. And is rather sore. But we're going to the Chemist to have them look at it after emails. So no worries. ;) All the joys. But the work moves on! I'm also currently in an Internet cafe – praying that whatever I feel crawling on me isn't going to eat me alive. Fun times! And. Bug bites. I'm convinced that bugs are different in every city. I finally stopped getting bitten as much in Kaikohe.... then Friday night I got bitten FOUR times within 10 minutes while we were talking with the Elders outside our flat that night. And they swell quite easily I'm learning.... so that's also exciting!
Anyhoo. I'm excited to give you new updates as Sister Hobbs and I go about this journey together. Luckily she's considerably better at nagivating and figuring out where to go than I EVER have been –and she has a map! :) I'll be purchasing one today as well. Haha.
The gospel is TRUE, my dear Whanau (yes, I'm still going to be exercising my Maori too!). This Christmas season is TRULY one that we have to remember the reason for the season, and I'm grateful to be a missionary at this time. I've learned so much, and I know I will continue to learn more each and every day. KEEP THE FAITH. It's real, and a JOY! Missionary work is so COOL!
Have a most LOVELY week – aaaaaand.... I'll see you all on Christmas (Eve)!!! ;) I'm SO EXCITED TO SEE YOUR FACES!!
Also: Leesh put in a paper craft gingerbread house in one of my 'open before Christmas' packages. Haha. So I've been working on that, and I quite like it :)
AROHANUI,
Sister Ottley
Have you all made your transfer guesses?? ;) ;) Wanna know who's right???
The GIRLS are ALL RIGHT! NEW AREA, AND NEW COMPANION! We've been DOUBLE SHIFTED into HENDERSON! We're in the Henderson Valley WARD (What? I have to figure out how to use the term Ward and Bishop again!)
We live at a little flat in Henderson. (Also living within my area? What!?=) Haha. So... all the adventures :) My companion's name is Sister Hobbs, and she's the cutest little British girl you'll ever meet!! 😁
I'm sort of still North? But more West now. About 3 hours south of where I was before. And I'm definitely in the city now! I can see SKY TOWER from my area!!!!! The sisters taking over my last area are Sister Kilgrow (American) and Kulu (Tongan)! I know Sister Kilgrow pretty well, and I met Kulu Thursday — they're going to be great, and they're also going to be SPOILED by the Paihia Branch on Christmas. So... they're all going to be just fine :)
MY WEEK: MONDAY was filled with Zone P-day, watching the Elders play touch ball (while us Sisters passed our own rugby ball to one another, and I learned Sister Pointer is even less coordinated than me! Hahaha... But she's cute ;) ) We then went back to the Kaikohe chapel and made "gingerbread houses" — but without gingerbread, nor graham crackers (because they don't exist here...) So Sister Pointer and I got creative and got Cruskits. Similar shape to graham crackers....but a cracker. So – super not the same taste-wise, but they all seemed to have fun still!
Sister Pointer and I were then able to visit a few families that night — and we got to TEACH PEARL. (Reminder: Pearl is the daughter of less-actives, Dennis and Nan Honey. SWEETEST family, coming back to activity :) ) So we had a BRILLIANT lesson on Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the end. And it was just SO happy.
TUESDAY. Whew... Tuesday was a day! We started off with District Meeting – we all basically cried. One, because of the video Elder Shannon shared for Training, and two, because we all knew there was going to be BIG changes to our District and Zone — even though we didn't know what changes yet. (Video: called "Missionary Work and The Atonement" – a compilation of 2 different talks by Elder Holland and President Eyring... I'm trying to find the link... we'll see if I can track it down.) Sister Pointer and I then went out for a lunch at Kebabulous – because we had strong feelings that it would be our last week together. And because Kebabulous is delicious :) We got to drop by Marion's home and share a message with her too, and challenged her to start reading the Book of Mormon from the beginning again. We then all walked out together because Marion was on her way to drop some things to the Op Shop. Sister Pointer started walking down the street to go call Elder Shannon (District leader) because... he had started calling us during our lesson with Marion... Note: During Transfers week, you can get the news of being transferred from pretty much anyone from President Balli to the Assistants, to your Zone Leaders OR your District Leader..... so.... basically we were on edge. Haha. We called. He answered and asked how we were doing. And we just said, "ELDER SHANNON. TELL US WHAT'S GOING ON!" He laughed – and continued. "Sister Ottley...... You'll be going to HENDERSON! And you'll be Senior companion to Sister Hobbs." — Aka: I'd just been Double shifted!
"And Sister Pointer.... You'll be going to Tamaki! Your companion is Sister....." (I honestly can't remember her companion's name now). But it's a Samoan name. Haha. So: My dear Sister Pointer has been sent SOUTH. And not only that, but she's finally been sent back to her Samoan programme, and I'm SO excited for her -—— but keep her in your prayers, please, 'cause.... she was excited and nervous and just kind of terrified all in one! Haha.
Change. It's good :) It's hard – but good. The members we've met already are just lovely, and welcoming and we're excited to get to know them. We've also already set up Skype times! Is it good if I call around 12 noon on Christmas, my time – so 4:00 pm Christmas Eve YOUR time??
FYI: President Balli likes to shift us all around a lot when the mission seems to get a bit relaxed and numbers drop more than they should... He's pretty much fearless :) Haha. And "Double Shifted" means — 2 companions leaving (double shifting out), and 2 companions coming in (double shifting in)! So... I've just done both! :)
Because Sister Hobbs came from East Tamaki. (Before me, she was companions with my beloved MTC companion, Sister Lott!!!)
So – TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY were honestly spent shooting from one place to another, saying goodbyes, and getting in last lessons and talking and just.... saying goodbye to my dear Paihia and Matauri Bay. Ah. Fyi: about 30 steps down the street after that phonecall – I burst into tears. Haha. And – not that it was necessarily a bad cry – just.... a realization that I would have to LEAVE! Sister Pointer pulled me to the side and gave me a hug and said, "No worries!! I'm sure your new area will take care of you on Christmas!" ...And honestly, I hadn't even thought of that. I just started thinking about the fact that I had to leave these people that I've come to LOVE SO MUCH. They ARE FAMILY, and I would now have to leave them. It's honestly stilll hard to think about. My dear Aunty's, Sister and Brother White, the CLEMENTS, the Himiona's, all the Going families..... All our less-actives that I love SO MUCH. It was hard for me to get over. But – we went and said goodbye. And had a last lunch with Sister White Wednesday afternoon – after our LAST singing at BayCare. OH my goodness. That was difficult. I can't even explain.
We had a last dinner with Stella (a less-active coming back) and the Clements Wednesday night, and then ZOOMED around to say goodbye to Aunty's and others around. We then jumped over to the Clements – for one last blessing. And the priesthood is just brilliant! There were actually some things in this one that.... terrified? me? But... also not. I'll explain more later in a letter. There was just a phrase given to me along the lines of "the things I'm going through here will benefit for future higher positions/callings in the church" .... So, ya know. Whatever that means!
Anyhoo, enough sadness. We got to say goodbye – that's what I'm GRATEFUL for. Some people don't hear about transfer news until Wednesday! So we were lucky. And we even got in quite a few lessons within our insane-ness, so that was exciting! :)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT was insane – as the Elders decided they wanted to pick up our luggage that night, rather than Thursday morning..... So, lovingly, the other Sisters came over to help us pack alll the things up. Fun fact: I've accumulated a lot of stuff! How? Who KNOWS??! But.... 6 months in a place I guess makes it that way. Also it's apparently a thing that most people that live up north accumulate things. Ha. Once again, why? Who knows!
Anyhoo, my former trainee companion, Sister BOITEUX has ALSO been transferred — and SHE is now companions with Sister Lott in Tamaki! WHA? ...Basically all my companinos are comps with her. It'll happen again one day for us. I know it! Prayers. ;)
THURSDAY was an EARLY and LONG day. Ha. 4:30am up – packing last minute things – and out to Kawakawa to meet the Elders to drive to Auckland. Fun fact: Driving to Auckland was the 5th time I've ever been/seen SKY TOWER! EXCITEMENT. I got to see a few other missionaries, meet a few new faces, and meet the sister that had been over the area Sister Hobbs and I would now be taking. Sister Blanchard. She's lovely – and they have a SET in this area!! I get to help in baptising someone in the next few weeks! (His name is Ivan. He has the CUTEST daughter, Grace, and is set to be baptised on the 9th of January.) After we got into our area (only about a 20 minute drive from where we have transfers meeting!), we got settled in a bit, got to know each other and then went out to explore – neither of us having been in Hendersoon before!
Ah. So – now. Sister Hobbs :) Ahhhhh yes—for real, the cutest little British RED-HEAD you'll ever meet! She's 19 and the oldest in her family. Her favourite colour is green, her birthday is 3 January, and yes –she likes "Dr. Who," if anybody was wondering ;) Haha. Things I'm just discovering. We're both pretty quiet which makes walking streets ....a little boring. Ha. But we're getting there. We're getting more talkative and excited about the work together.
Also: Our area is HUGE. And SUPER HILLY. I'm in a BIKING AREA (oh yea! I forgot to mention that). We're the ONLY ones in the entire Zone without a car.... fun!) ...And it' s really hot. So it's kind of crazy. SO MANY STREETS. And they're all curvy and crazy. Haha. Did I mention HILLS? Ha. Yeah. It's like San Fransisco! So...
hopefully I'll be getting at least a little more fit! Haha.
So... basically these last few days have just been roaming the area, trying to get to know the people, and sharing our excitement. It's also been a little sad, 'cause we've had a few members express to us that they felt a bit let-down by the last sisters — like they played around more than trying to fully do the work ;( ...So, our job right now is to build the trust with the members again! Woo! It's good though. Bishop got us to bare our testimonies in the ward yesterday, so I think that was a good little intro.
OH. Also: I'm now no longer in Maori land! So... that's different for me. I'm offically with more Islanders. Not as many as are in the south (as I hear), but I'll be learning more Samoan and Tongan now! Haha! (The girl who didn't want to learn a language, and I'm going to be learning bits and pieces of at least three!!) "Talofa" is Hello in Samoan — I've got that one down. Tongan: "Malo e le lei" – Still have yet to use that one. We'll get there though! Haha.
Names YOU all have to look forward to in the future transfer: Bishop Papali'i (Samoan), Brother Tu'ivai (Tongan), Brother Tuta'i (Samoan), Sister Gaitau (Samoan).
There's the Hakaraia family (well - multiple families)
Halaapiapi, Auva'a, Neioti, Taumafai. ...So... lots of learning in speaking coming my way! Haha.
Also – not to freak you out. But wanna know the new medical struggle of the week? I may be developing a STY. Not sure.... but my eye is swollen. Ha. And is rather sore. But we're going to the Chemist to have them look at it after emails. So no worries. ;) All the joys. But the work moves on! I'm also currently in an Internet cafe – praying that whatever I feel crawling on me isn't going to eat me alive. Fun times! And. Bug bites. I'm convinced that bugs are different in every city. I finally stopped getting bitten as much in Kaikohe.... then Friday night I got bitten FOUR times within 10 minutes while we were talking with the Elders outside our flat that night. And they swell quite easily I'm learning.... so that's also exciting!
Anyhoo. I'm excited to give you new updates as Sister Hobbs and I go about this journey together. Luckily she's considerably better at nagivating and figuring out where to go than I EVER have been –and she has a map! :) I'll be purchasing one today as well. Haha.
The gospel is TRUE, my dear Whanau (yes, I'm still going to be exercising my Maori too!). This Christmas season is TRULY one that we have to remember the reason for the season, and I'm grateful to be a missionary at this time. I've learned so much, and I know I will continue to learn more each and every day. KEEP THE FAITH. It's real, and a JOY! Missionary work is so COOL!
Have a most LOVELY week – aaaaaand.... I'll see you all on Christmas (Eve)!!! ;) I'm SO EXCITED TO SEE YOUR FACES!!
Also: Leesh put in a paper craft gingerbread house in one of my 'open before Christmas' packages. Haha. So I've been working on that, and I quite like it :)
AROHANUI,
Sister Ottley
 |
| New District |
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Temple Trip!!!
There's really not a whole ton for this week... But to start off: Does anyone have any PREDICTIONS for transfers this week? We haven't received any news yet... but we can anytime between now and Thursday! (And transfers meeting isON Thursday... fun times!) I'm officially moving into my FIFTH TRANSFER!
Such a joyful week. Full of sickness. So...that's grand. :P
Ha. But – for reals, it DID start out in grandeur. Why?
BECAUSE I GOT TO GO TO THE TEMPLE! "And there was much rejoicing and happiness and PEACE in the land."
I honestly don't think I've ever truly realized HOW peaceful, relaxing, and calming the temple is. I mean –I've always known and felt that, but there was something different this time. It was just like – I had no worries for the whole time we were there. There was no stress, no worry,—just relaxing and talking with my Father in Heaven. We were able to do initiatories and an endowment session. And the cool thing about that? I was able to help Sister Christiansen with one of her family names – and I got to do one of them for both initiatory AND endowment. So that was pretty cool. I'm definitely excited to meet her one day. :)
Anyhoo – So, yes. The week began with travel southward Monday night. Tuesday was spent in the temple, then taking pictures, and then back home. On the way back from the temple, there's apparently this tradition of this ice-cream shop we stop at — Pokenos. And it was delicious and wonderful. And exciting :)
And then once we were on our way back from Harbor to Kaikohe area, Sister Pointer started not feeling very well... We both had a nasty headache on and off most of the week before – so it wasn't that new... but she just wasn't doing well. Nor was I.
So... Wednesday we got out into our area, tried to make a few visits (none of whom were home), and then just started to feel awful. Sister Bath, our medical mum, was called and she told us to take it easy. Sister Pointer started feeling better around 4 – but alas, I did not.
And before I forget – thank you for the Christmas Packages of HAPPINESS. OH you spoil me! I'm so excited, and I have LOVED with all my heart the things I've gotten to open so far! ...I'm a slacker, however, and didn't take a picture of how I have it all set up... so that will have to be in next week's email :) Ha. But I LOVE the little tree, and the advent calendar, and the "open me on" presents! And the picture of me and the kids! AND DAD'S LITTLE SNOWMAN. I thought it was Leesha that wrapped that present... Hahahaha. SIXTEEN LAYERS of wrapping paper!! Sister Pointer was getting frustrated by it. I was just laughing the whole time ;) :P Daddy-O YOUR SNOWMAN makes me all the happy!!And it really makes me laugh to know that YOU were the one that wrapped it that many times!! Hahahah. And I love your Charlie Brown tree and the lights and all the decorations! I love the feeling of being there!! :)
AND THANK YOU FOR THE MP3 PLAYER! Ohhhh the happiness. And the Sesame Street with MOTAB (thank you Audrey!) just makes me all the happy :)
Thursday I thought I felt better enough to go out. So we did. But... alas, I was wrong again. Which was unfortunate – because we had SO MANY APPOINTMENTS lined up. But then – as the day went on and I started feeling worse... our appointments all cancelled on us, except one. Which was with PEARL. And Elder and Sister Clement's so lovingly took over for us and went to visit and teach her a bit. So that was a blessing. We also dropped by Lydia to say, "Sorry! Can't come by." and even she looked at me saying, "You don't look good. Go home!" Yes, Lydia. I know.
Friday I really did feel better. So - we went out. We finally made a couple of visits. We talked with people on the street – and even cleared up a few doctrinal things with people that had heard things about our church. :) LOVE this work. We were supposed to teach Lucia and the boys Friday night – but alas, they didn't show. Apparently he was sleeping we found out! Haha. He'd been out all night fishing for his brother – so he was exhausted. All good though. We'll get to catch him again soon :)
And then – Saturday hit. And it was a struggle. Starting with Sister Pointer just not being in a good mood – and I'm sure I wasn't the happiest of all either, as ...once again, I was sick. But this time to the point that I literally just couldn't eat and had no desire to because everything I tried just didn't settle well. And I had a weird fever? that kept coming and going... things we didn't understand. (That's kind of how it was Thursday as well.) So I went back to bed. Sister Pointer texted Sister Bath again – and we were to "STAY IN!" And get me some Penadol (ipuprofen) and Powerade. It was a bit of a struggle day though – not only because I was sick, but because my dear companion's constant comments in the day were "I'M SO BORED" and "I'M SO HOT!" ... I'm sorry, dear, that I've completely inconvenienced your entire life by being sick. But it's fine. We figured that out together yesterday and all is well now. The Elders (Shannon and Shumate) and Elder and Sister Clements came over later in the afternoon and I got another blessing. (Can we say more in the last 6 months than in the last 2 years?) ...But getting all these different Priesthood blessings is indeed a blessing – cause I've gained more of a testimony of how truly and really brilliant the Priesthood is in this life, and how spoiled we are to have the knowledge and help we do in such a way!
So... after that, I went back and rested. Saturday was a day of sleep basically. There was a point that I made myself stay up a bit though – or I knew I wouldn't sleep during the night! (Which, as we all know is a struggle anyway.)
And then: Sunday—MIRACLE DAY. I still didn't feel great waking up, but we went to Church and we had HEAPS OF PEOPLE come to the Paihia branch!! We got to meet some new people – and new less actives that found thier own way there! What? #Miracles.
ROZANNE came, Ethan came, Pearl came, and Lucia and the boys came. All the joy!! And then – after Church and branch council (during part of – I was praying pretty much non stop that I wouldn't pass out... 'cause, well, I hadn't eaten in nearly 48 hours...) we went to the Clements' so I could rest again. They made us lunch — and guess what? :) I ATE THINGS! Food is a blessing when you can eat it. I ate cooked carrots and asparagus and some fruit. Everyone was amazed! Haha.
So... All in all, it was a struggle of a week numbers-wise (which was also made very evident that my companion didn't like... I'm just done with the complaining over me being sick). But – I'm GRATEFUL. Grateful for the priesthood, and grateful for the faith that I was able to gain within it.
The mission is hard. And I'm not going to lie to you all — I think my sickness was partially due to stress. I think my body was just done. I do also believe there was some sort of virus stuck in me — but there was definitely stress my body couldn't figure out.
But all is well :) The work will move on, and we have a LOT to do in the next couple days before transfers... in case we are indeed transferred. Ha
The Christmas Devotional sounds SO GOOD. We're still trying to figure out some way to watch it... ie: Watching it with an investigator. So we'll see :)
It's INSANE that Christmas is NEXT WEEK. What? Also: This means I'll be talking to your faces next week!! :) ALL THE HAPPY!! And I'm allowed to talk for 40 minutes!
Hope all is well at home :) I love you all and miss you heaps!! Love you all!
Arohanui,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Such a joyful week. Full of sickness. So...that's grand. :P
Ha. But – for reals, it DID start out in grandeur. Why?
BECAUSE I GOT TO GO TO THE TEMPLE! "And there was much rejoicing and happiness and PEACE in the land."
I honestly don't think I've ever truly realized HOW peaceful, relaxing, and calming the temple is. I mean –I've always known and felt that, but there was something different this time. It was just like – I had no worries for the whole time we were there. There was no stress, no worry,—just relaxing and talking with my Father in Heaven. We were able to do initiatories and an endowment session. And the cool thing about that? I was able to help Sister Christiansen with one of her family names – and I got to do one of them for both initiatory AND endowment. So that was pretty cool. I'm definitely excited to meet her one day. :)
Anyhoo – So, yes. The week began with travel southward Monday night. Tuesday was spent in the temple, then taking pictures, and then back home. On the way back from the temple, there's apparently this tradition of this ice-cream shop we stop at — Pokenos. And it was delicious and wonderful. And exciting :)
And then once we were on our way back from Harbor to Kaikohe area, Sister Pointer started not feeling very well... We both had a nasty headache on and off most of the week before – so it wasn't that new... but she just wasn't doing well. Nor was I.
So... Wednesday we got out into our area, tried to make a few visits (none of whom were home), and then just started to feel awful. Sister Bath, our medical mum, was called and she told us to take it easy. Sister Pointer started feeling better around 4 – but alas, I did not.
And before I forget – thank you for the Christmas Packages of HAPPINESS. OH you spoil me! I'm so excited, and I have LOVED with all my heart the things I've gotten to open so far! ...I'm a slacker, however, and didn't take a picture of how I have it all set up... so that will have to be in next week's email :) Ha. But I LOVE the little tree, and the advent calendar, and the "open me on" presents! And the picture of me and the kids! AND DAD'S LITTLE SNOWMAN. I thought it was Leesha that wrapped that present... Hahahaha. SIXTEEN LAYERS of wrapping paper!! Sister Pointer was getting frustrated by it. I was just laughing the whole time ;) :P Daddy-O YOUR SNOWMAN makes me all the happy!!And it really makes me laugh to know that YOU were the one that wrapped it that many times!! Hahahah. And I love your Charlie Brown tree and the lights and all the decorations! I love the feeling of being there!! :)
AND THANK YOU FOR THE MP3 PLAYER! Ohhhh the happiness. And the Sesame Street with MOTAB (thank you Audrey!) just makes me all the happy :)
Thursday I thought I felt better enough to go out. So we did. But... alas, I was wrong again. Which was unfortunate – because we had SO MANY APPOINTMENTS lined up. But then – as the day went on and I started feeling worse... our appointments all cancelled on us, except one. Which was with PEARL. And Elder and Sister Clement's so lovingly took over for us and went to visit and teach her a bit. So that was a blessing. We also dropped by Lydia to say, "Sorry! Can't come by." and even she looked at me saying, "You don't look good. Go home!" Yes, Lydia. I know.
Friday I really did feel better. So - we went out. We finally made a couple of visits. We talked with people on the street – and even cleared up a few doctrinal things with people that had heard things about our church. :) LOVE this work. We were supposed to teach Lucia and the boys Friday night – but alas, they didn't show. Apparently he was sleeping we found out! Haha. He'd been out all night fishing for his brother – so he was exhausted. All good though. We'll get to catch him again soon :)
And then – Saturday hit. And it was a struggle. Starting with Sister Pointer just not being in a good mood – and I'm sure I wasn't the happiest of all either, as ...once again, I was sick. But this time to the point that I literally just couldn't eat and had no desire to because everything I tried just didn't settle well. And I had a weird fever? that kept coming and going... things we didn't understand. (That's kind of how it was Thursday as well.) So I went back to bed. Sister Pointer texted Sister Bath again – and we were to "STAY IN!" And get me some Penadol (ipuprofen) and Powerade. It was a bit of a struggle day though – not only because I was sick, but because my dear companion's constant comments in the day were "I'M SO BORED" and "I'M SO HOT!" ... I'm sorry, dear, that I've completely inconvenienced your entire life by being sick. But it's fine. We figured that out together yesterday and all is well now. The Elders (Shannon and Shumate) and Elder and Sister Clements came over later in the afternoon and I got another blessing. (Can we say more in the last 6 months than in the last 2 years?) ...But getting all these different Priesthood blessings is indeed a blessing – cause I've gained more of a testimony of how truly and really brilliant the Priesthood is in this life, and how spoiled we are to have the knowledge and help we do in such a way!
So... after that, I went back and rested. Saturday was a day of sleep basically. There was a point that I made myself stay up a bit though – or I knew I wouldn't sleep during the night! (Which, as we all know is a struggle anyway.)
And then: Sunday—MIRACLE DAY. I still didn't feel great waking up, but we went to Church and we had HEAPS OF PEOPLE come to the Paihia branch!! We got to meet some new people – and new less actives that found thier own way there! What? #Miracles.
ROZANNE came, Ethan came, Pearl came, and Lucia and the boys came. All the joy!! And then – after Church and branch council (during part of – I was praying pretty much non stop that I wouldn't pass out... 'cause, well, I hadn't eaten in nearly 48 hours...) we went to the Clements' so I could rest again. They made us lunch — and guess what? :) I ATE THINGS! Food is a blessing when you can eat it. I ate cooked carrots and asparagus and some fruit. Everyone was amazed! Haha.
So... All in all, it was a struggle of a week numbers-wise (which was also made very evident that my companion didn't like... I'm just done with the complaining over me being sick). But – I'm GRATEFUL. Grateful for the priesthood, and grateful for the faith that I was able to gain within it.
The mission is hard. And I'm not going to lie to you all — I think my sickness was partially due to stress. I think my body was just done. I do also believe there was some sort of virus stuck in me — but there was definitely stress my body couldn't figure out.
But all is well :) The work will move on, and we have a LOT to do in the next couple days before transfers... in case we are indeed transferred. Ha
The Christmas Devotional sounds SO GOOD. We're still trying to figure out some way to watch it... ie: Watching it with an investigator. So we'll see :)
It's INSANE that Christmas is NEXT WEEK. What? Also: This means I'll be talking to your faces next week!! :) ALL THE HAPPY!! And I'm allowed to talk for 40 minutes!
Hope all is well at home :) I love you all and miss you heaps!! Love you all!
Arohanui,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
 |
| New Zealand Christmas Tree |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)