Wow! This mission thing. It just... keeps you on your toes—making sure you're learning new things allllll the time! It's good. It is. Sometimes it's just a bit of a SHOCK!
So — Sister Ottley has a NEW ASSIGNMENT! First: Remember how when I was with Sister Lemalu, we came to Otara for her dental appointments, and I was like, "Bro. South side scares me!"
HA.
Welp — I'm South. And I'm IN OTARA. Not Otara Zone. But the Otara area. I've been transferred to the Tamaki Zone—Tangaroa Ward—and I'm TRAINING a new sister :) Her name is Sister Tauiliili (daughter #3), and she's from Wellington, NZ, but grew up in Samoa for most of her life. She's still LEARNING ENGLISH, so there are many new adventures coming our way as we learn the area together, and learn LANGUAGES together ('cause, yes - I WILL be forced now to learn bits of Samoan. Ha... Well, not forced, obviously, but it'll be good for me in connecting with all the people.) #DoubleShiftLife
Things that I should also just realize and expect by now though are: 1) When I have the thought of "No, this won't happen"—it always will. 2) Aka: When thinking, "I hope my new daughter isn't exactly like me and super quiet"—she is!
SUPER QUIET. Obviously it's not a bad thing. I love her dearly, and I'm excited to be serving with her. I just wish I knew Samoan! Ha
This last intake was HUGE—25 new missionaries!! Biggest intake to the mission in quite a while! There's 12 Elders and 4 Sisters. And Me and Elder Ruth are the ONLY palangi's (white missionaries) in our Zone—Including the sister that's from America. Ha. (She's half Tongan, half Samoan.) And I'm fairly certain I'm literally the ONLY palangi in our ward. Although we haven't really seen all of our ward yet, as yesterday was General Conference for us. But it's literally the BIGGEST ZONE I've been in....pretty sure. Area wise, I think it's the SMALLEST. #SouthLife #It'sRealNow
So...
MONDAY. Our last Zone P-day kind of fell through...but we ended up going to Denny's with some of the zone, and it was fun times. (Yes, as in the same Denny's that's in the states. But it's also much different here.
And expensive. No surprise there.) We also had a lovely FHE with the Kumar's, and we got to watch our FIRST General Conference talk—because they love us, and started it over for us when we got there. But.... Sister Tcheou and I honestly were rather distracted during said conference talk, as.... we had just talked with President Balli about our new assignments. Ha. Focus is hard when you BOTH know you're going to be training in a matter of days, and that your life is going to be swapped around significantly. Good times! But then... Sister Anitema stayed with us Monday and Tuesday night before she went home on Wednesday. So BONUS!
Another bonus, we got a "5 GENERATION" PICTURE of all of us this last intake. Sisters O'Reilly, Me, Boiteux, Thompson, and Thompson's new daughter. Sister Boiteux has now become a Sister Training Leader and the rest of us from my old zone are ALL TRAINING (well, except the youngest, who just came in).
TUESDAY. Last Harbour District meeting. ...Where we found out that MOST of Harbour zone is TRAINING now or in leadership positions. (Or, for some of them, both in a leadership position AND training.) Fun times! Seriously, everyone except the new Tongan sisters in the zone are training. So, we're approaching a very young mission now!
We went out to Kaukapakapa and Sister Tcheou drove, as she had to start getting used to it somehow! Haha. We got pictures with the Heta's, and I'm going to miss them....very dearly. However, I know I will see them again. :0 We also had lunch with Emma, and I was able to give her the painting I did for her. And then a bit of saying goodbye.
Good times. Oh. And I literally burst into tears saying goodbye to Brother Maire. That was a sad moment in time.
And then a lot of PACKING that night.
WEDNESDAY. A day of chaos. Transfers to swap stuff to my new area. Back to Harbour to help people there. Trying to get Sister Tcheou's driver's license. And.... feeling rather ill. #Struggles. But it was all okay. We all gathered together at the mission home ("we all," meaning those of us training)
and I found out that Elder SAULO is one of my new zone leaders. (He was in Henderson with me) ....thus: the bit of comfort Heavenly Father knew I needed. Just to know one person. Ha. Blessings! We met our children, had a little training, and then we all skedaddled into our new areas. We were brought to ours by Sister Balli, along with other sisters going to Otara and Mangare. So Sister Tauiliili and I didn't get to our flat until....like 8:30 pm. We settled in, gathered ourselves together, and planned for the next day.
THURSDAY. Fun fact: I think we could literally walk around the boundary of our area in ....2 hours. Tops. Walking. So, yes. The SMALLEST area I've been in. Ha. But the people here are good. Also all the stereotypes I've heard about the south are all true — 1) Everyone knows who the missionaries are (or most everyone). 2) There's LOUD music played from all the cars. 3) You are constantly running into members when trying to find people to talk with on the street. 4) The, "Hey sista's!" south kid accent. Ha. So priceless :) Oh. Also —this area we've come into? We already apparently have SIX SET BAPTISMS!! 4 solid—met 2 of them in passing. The others we haven't been able to catch yet. Goals for this week. I will also come forth with all their names next week as....I can't say them yet. #Samoan. #Struggles ADVENTURES!
FRIDAY. Planning. Tracting. Meeting new people. Finding out it takes an hour to walk from our flat to the east side of the area. Ha. We were also able to meet and help out one of our other investigators, Skye. She's SUPER sweet and I can already tell we're going to be great friends. She's Maori so I know how to connect with her. Ha. The Maori's I understand.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. General Conference is just....BRILLIANT. Isn't it? We're spoiled to have such wonderful general authorities that give us such grand council. I just love it. We also found out we have a few RM's in the ward, one of which is our Ward Mission Leader. So that's good. One of them brought us around to show us some shortcuts ('cause we're on foot—no car) to get around easier. I'm loving the walking around, but my poor companion's feet aren't used to it yet.
Ha. Her feet have been crazy sore the last 2 days. :(
Anyhoo, not much more for now... Just a lot of getting to know members and working to find the best ways to get them involved in the work!
South life. Chru Bro. It's a thing. #SlangWords (Ha) Adventures to come.
Love you all HEAPS! Hope you have a beautiful week!
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Showing posts with label transfers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transfers. Show all posts
Friday, November 4, 2016
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Breaking Down Barriers
WHERE DO THE WEEKS GO?! It's weird how sometimes a week can seem so fast, but also seem like certain things you did were AGES ago, especially with how packed this week has been.
MONDAY. FHE with the Stebbings. None of the investigators or less-actives we invited showed up. Sad face, but it was okay. We still had fun with Brother and Sister Stebbings :)
Oh. And I also learnt that I'm probably allergic to crab meat.... or at least large-ish amounts of it. Sister Leamalu's family gave us crab sticks! And I ate some. And then I got all itchy Monday night. So, yeah, ...we're giving those to the Elders now.
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY. We went to Otara TWICE (#Dentist) for Sister Lemalu. Poor girl. Fillings AND a tooth pulled. (Can I just say I'm grateful it's never really been a thing to us to just "pull a tooth and leave it like that" ? ...Common here, really.)
We also met a new part-member family :) And they're SWEET AS. SUPER excited to continue meeting with them. It may be hard with the busy lives they lead...but we'll make it work :)
THURSDAY we brought Yasmin (soon-to-be-missionary) out with us to do some visits :) We were also able to be a part of Rochanna and her son, Tatum, getting Priesthood blessings — And then invited her to be baptised. And she said YES. :) No date set yet - but, when she knows it's right. Blessings. Excitement. Love :)
FRIDAY I taught my companion to make Afghans and chocolate frosting. Ha. #Baking. Also funny 'cause Afghans are a New Zealand "thing," and I taught HER. Ha. After our planning and all the adventures of the morning, we had a BRILLIANT Islander lunch with Brian and Jo. Veggies. Chicken. Kumara (orange, red, or gold sweet potato). Taro (root vegetable). Muscles. Prawns. Lu (biscuit). Love Brian and Jo to pieces. We had a member lesson with Sister Lemalu's family, and made Scripture Cookies with Sister Matla! I love my Sister Matla :) She's brilliant.
I also learnt some brilliant things from Gordon B. Hinckley, and other various apostles that I read talks of this week.... But the main one Friday was from Sister Lemalu's little "Stand a Little Taller" book by President Hinckley. It says:
"I believe that for most of us the best medicine for loneliness is work and service in behalf of others. I do not wish to minimize your problems, but I do not hesitate to say that there are many others whose problems are more serious than yours. Reach out to serve them, to help them, to encourage them. There are so many boys and girls who fail in school for want of a little personal attention and encouragement. There are so many elderly people who live in misery and loneliness and fear, for when a simple conversation would bring a measure of hope and brightness."
...It sounds really depressing out of context of the day.
Haha. But I just liked it. Because life is really all about service - and as we serve others, we're not lonely!
SATURDAY we visited around Torbay a bit before heading up to Hibiscus for an appointment with Sister Lemalu's family. So - we caught Brendon (musician) on one of his days of actually being home during all his crazy tour schedule! Haha. We got to catch up for a few minutes. And then - before we left, he gave us a SIGNED CD... We were a little excited. Music for after the mish ;)
Haha.
But - as the day went on, I learnt more about how sometimes sacrificing things you want, and FEEL you should do, in order for others to learn what they need to learn... i.e. Going to the Saturday night session of our Stake Conference. We taught Sister Lemalu's family instead of going to Stake Conference. I kept trying to tell her that the way we should be encouraging them to go is by being the example and going - not teaching them DURING the session. But - alas. All week it was "no - we're missionaries. We don't really have to go to the Saturday session." ...But it ended up being good. She taught the majority of the lesson that night - which was needed. There's certain things her family needed to hear from her specifically. And so it was good. Lots of things learned. Lots of insight on how to continue helping them when she's gone.
And then SUNDAY was Stake Conference. It's just brilliant. With President and Sister Balli, President and Sister Going (Temple Pres.), and President and Sister Nielsen (1st counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency). It's funny how nearly everything on the mission that I've learned keeps going back to simplifying, and just focusing on the basics of the gospel. 'Cause - it's true. That's really what we need. Church, Pray, Read. Study the Scriptures to find answers. Then pray about the things you've found, and you'll receive the calming comfort you need.
And then President Nielsen talked about "Breaking Down Barriers to Come TOGETHER" — Coming together to Come unto Christ, and in helping OTHERS come unto Christ and their Heavenly Father as well. It's just all brilliant. And simple. and I love it.
As for me - I'm still not 100% positive on transfer news yet - but I'm like... 85% sure that I'm staying in Harbour. I won't know for sure sure until tonight. But - I DO, know who my new companion is. Her name is Sister Tchou. Many adventures to come! I drop Sister Lemalu off at the Mission Home tomorrow afternoon at 4, and pick up my new companion while I'm there. Fun stuff!
Anyhoo. I love you all. I hope you have a brilliant week. And I hope all your wildest dreams are coming true ;)
Love you heaps and heaps! :)
ALOFA TELE ATU,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
MONDAY. FHE with the Stebbings. None of the investigators or less-actives we invited showed up. Sad face, but it was okay. We still had fun with Brother and Sister Stebbings :)
Oh. And I also learnt that I'm probably allergic to crab meat.... or at least large-ish amounts of it. Sister Leamalu's family gave us crab sticks! And I ate some. And then I got all itchy Monday night. So, yeah, ...we're giving those to the Elders now.
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY. We went to Otara TWICE (#Dentist) for Sister Lemalu. Poor girl. Fillings AND a tooth pulled. (Can I just say I'm grateful it's never really been a thing to us to just "pull a tooth and leave it like that" ? ...Common here, really.)
We also met a new part-member family :) And they're SWEET AS. SUPER excited to continue meeting with them. It may be hard with the busy lives they lead...but we'll make it work :)
THURSDAY we brought Yasmin (soon-to-be-missionary) out with us to do some visits :) We were also able to be a part of Rochanna and her son, Tatum, getting Priesthood blessings — And then invited her to be baptised. And she said YES. :) No date set yet - but, when she knows it's right. Blessings. Excitement. Love :)
FRIDAY I taught my companion to make Afghans and chocolate frosting. Ha. #Baking. Also funny 'cause Afghans are a New Zealand "thing," and I taught HER. Ha. After our planning and all the adventures of the morning, we had a BRILLIANT Islander lunch with Brian and Jo. Veggies. Chicken. Kumara (orange, red, or gold sweet potato). Taro (root vegetable). Muscles. Prawns. Lu (biscuit). Love Brian and Jo to pieces. We had a member lesson with Sister Lemalu's family, and made Scripture Cookies with Sister Matla! I love my Sister Matla :) She's brilliant.
I also learnt some brilliant things from Gordon B. Hinckley, and other various apostles that I read talks of this week.... But the main one Friday was from Sister Lemalu's little "Stand a Little Taller" book by President Hinckley. It says:
"I believe that for most of us the best medicine for loneliness is work and service in behalf of others. I do not wish to minimize your problems, but I do not hesitate to say that there are many others whose problems are more serious than yours. Reach out to serve them, to help them, to encourage them. There are so many boys and girls who fail in school for want of a little personal attention and encouragement. There are so many elderly people who live in misery and loneliness and fear, for when a simple conversation would bring a measure of hope and brightness."
...It sounds really depressing out of context of the day.
Haha. But I just liked it. Because life is really all about service - and as we serve others, we're not lonely!
SATURDAY we visited around Torbay a bit before heading up to Hibiscus for an appointment with Sister Lemalu's family. So - we caught Brendon (musician) on one of his days of actually being home during all his crazy tour schedule! Haha. We got to catch up for a few minutes. And then - before we left, he gave us a SIGNED CD... We were a little excited. Music for after the mish ;)
Haha.
But - as the day went on, I learnt more about how sometimes sacrificing things you want, and FEEL you should do, in order for others to learn what they need to learn... i.e. Going to the Saturday night session of our Stake Conference. We taught Sister Lemalu's family instead of going to Stake Conference. I kept trying to tell her that the way we should be encouraging them to go is by being the example and going - not teaching them DURING the session. But - alas. All week it was "no - we're missionaries. We don't really have to go to the Saturday session." ...But it ended up being good. She taught the majority of the lesson that night - which was needed. There's certain things her family needed to hear from her specifically. And so it was good. Lots of things learned. Lots of insight on how to continue helping them when she's gone.
And then SUNDAY was Stake Conference. It's just brilliant. With President and Sister Balli, President and Sister Going (Temple Pres.), and President and Sister Nielsen (1st counselor in the Pacific Area Presidency). It's funny how nearly everything on the mission that I've learned keeps going back to simplifying, and just focusing on the basics of the gospel. 'Cause - it's true. That's really what we need. Church, Pray, Read. Study the Scriptures to find answers. Then pray about the things you've found, and you'll receive the calming comfort you need.
And then President Nielsen talked about "Breaking Down Barriers to Come TOGETHER" — Coming together to Come unto Christ, and in helping OTHERS come unto Christ and their Heavenly Father as well. It's just all brilliant. And simple. and I love it.
As for me - I'm still not 100% positive on transfer news yet - but I'm like... 85% sure that I'm staying in Harbour. I won't know for sure sure until tonight. But - I DO, know who my new companion is. Her name is Sister Tchou. Many adventures to come! I drop Sister Lemalu off at the Mission Home tomorrow afternoon at 4, and pick up my new companion while I'm there. Fun stuff!
Anyhoo. I love you all. I hope you have a brilliant week. And I hope all your wildest dreams are coming true ;)
Love you heaps and heaps! :)
ALOFA TELE ATU,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Thursday, August 18, 2016
3 More Transfers!
Hi fam!
It's been a good week :) I'm also really tired. But it happens! Life :)
MONDAY we had a brilliant FHE with the Lemalu family (my companion, Sister Lemalu's Aunt and Uncle in Hibiscus), teaching the Plan of Salvation. It's fun to do member lessons with a family who's still fairly recently returned to church. Just being able to hear their story and see how far they've come, and being able to teach them again the simple principles that we all take for granted at times. Also, Leah (their 5-year-old daughter) calls me "Sister Dot-ley" CUTEST. THING. EVER.
TUESDAY we had a lovely visit with one of our members, Penny Borelli. We also were finally able to meet with Brian and Jo again! MISSED THEM HEAPS. They've both been sick for a bit, so it's been hard to catch them. But we had a lovely night with them, shared some dinner, and we were able to set another time to actually come TEACH a lesson—they seem keen to learn—rather than just visits now. So we'll see how that goes this week :) Excitement! :)
WEDNESDAY — Trio! Since MLC was happening this day for the STL's and ZL's, Sister Blanchard came with us for the day, while Sisters Lott and Holt were at their meeting (they're in a trio right now, but Blanchard's not actually an STL). And it was good. We got around to visiting a bunch of less-actives, as well as our dear Sally and JOAN. We haven't seen Joan in AGES — due to the fact that we kept trying to set something up with her daughter as well. But...this time we just decided to go by. And she was there, and let us in! So...we're all good to go without her daughter Annette being there now. And we also knew this because Annette called us Thursday morning saying, "I heard you went over to mum's! KEEP GOING!" Win! :)
THURSDAY. Lets just say I slowly got more and more tired throughout the week. 'Cause... pretty much every time after we've been in a trio it turns into "I miss _____" and then I feel like I'm just not that great of a companion anymore. But all is well! We still started off the day nicely, learning how to make MAORI FRY BREAD (aka - kinda like navajo fry bread, but a little different-ish) from our dear, Brother Jimmy Rameka :) (See photos in Dropbox.) #FutureHomemaking
Then we visited with some members, trying to get to know them better for fellowshipping, and had a lovely dinner with the Rapata's.
FRIDAY. Comp Inventory. It's kind of an inspired thing. Why? 'Cause it MAKES you both talk. I expressed my struggles with my companion's, "Ah - we're such FAILS," and why I shut down and stop talking whenever she uses the word. I've mentioned it before, but I don't think she took it in a "I seriously don't want you to even say the word 'FAIL' because it stresses me out" literal kind of way. But - we're going better now. It's interesting how much you come to realize what having a companion does for you. The little, AND big things it teaches you on a daily basis. Being with one person, 24/7.
We went out to see Sally, helped her clean up her kitchen, and started teaching her with some object lessons/analogies. It was a grand time :) But, also a time that we began realizing we weren't going to be able to make it out to Linda before our appointment with the Lemalu's, like we had hoped. And then — who showed up to Sally's? Linda! :) So we got to teach her for a few minutes as well. Brilliant things. The Lord watches out for us :)
And then... the Lemalu's. Ha. And as we walked up to their house, Sister Lemalu stopped in the car park, looked at the car sitting there, and said, "Guess what... that's my parent's car." And indeed it was. Hahahaha.... They don't fully "get" the concept of that we're not really supposed to see them.... But they've become my family now too, so it's pretty grand :) We had another lesson with the family - this night on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Once again, being able to use our fun analogies/object lessons :)
SATURDAY was a headache day :(
SUNDAY - Church in Hibiscus :) MCM, and then visiting people to come to our FHE tonight at one of our member's homes. Fun it is, running around inviting people to things :)
Andddd another lesson with the Lemalu's :) (Have I mentioned that their family is going to the temple to be sealed together?? Part of the reason we thought it would be good to do all these lessons with them. Haha.) So we had a super cool lesson. ==>Once again, Sister Lemalu's parents showed up - this time with DIFFERENT SIBLINGS than the first time. (She's the oldest of 7.) And the Spirit was strong. Lessons like that are just....the kind of thing that help in solidifying your own testimony and making that foundation even stronger. SO COOL. LOVE it all :)
The rest of the night consisted of our adventure with a recent referral we were given :) VLAD. We originally contacted him ....last week? I think? Over the phone, but the times that he could meet didn't end up working out. Here's the thing about Vlad. He's Romanian. And very.... flirtatious. Ha! Sister Lemalu, the entire day we were texting him, trying to figure out a time and place to meet, kept saying, "This is just awkward. I don't even want to see him. Do you?" ...And yes, yes I did. Because I had a good feeling about him! And I'm glad I was persistent. Because EVERYONE deserves a chance - because: "You never give up when there is the slightest spark of interest." —President Hinckley
We picked up our dear Kendall Mackenzie (member in Torbay) and she came with us to meet Vlad down in Browns Bay. Yes, he is indeed a very flirty man. But - he's also keen to learn. Never been one for religion, but - like I said, still keen to learn. So..... a new investigator we have! :)
Life is grand :) I love learning new things every day, and that - I definitely do. Never a dull moment on the mission!!
Next week is TRANSFERS. Weird, right? I have 3 transfers left. (How did that happen?) Anyone have some guesses of what's gonna happen? Companion? (Since, clearly I'm getting a new one, 'cause - well, mine's going to Hawaii. Ha.) Moving? Staying?
Anyhoo. I'm off. But I love you all, and hope you have a most miraculous week :)
Alofa tele atu,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
It's been a good week :) I'm also really tired. But it happens! Life :)
MONDAY we had a brilliant FHE with the Lemalu family (my companion, Sister Lemalu's Aunt and Uncle in Hibiscus), teaching the Plan of Salvation. It's fun to do member lessons with a family who's still fairly recently returned to church. Just being able to hear their story and see how far they've come, and being able to teach them again the simple principles that we all take for granted at times. Also, Leah (their 5-year-old daughter) calls me "Sister Dot-ley" CUTEST. THING. EVER.
TUESDAY we had a lovely visit with one of our members, Penny Borelli. We also were finally able to meet with Brian and Jo again! MISSED THEM HEAPS. They've both been sick for a bit, so it's been hard to catch them. But we had a lovely night with them, shared some dinner, and we were able to set another time to actually come TEACH a lesson—they seem keen to learn—rather than just visits now. So we'll see how that goes this week :) Excitement! :)
WEDNESDAY — Trio! Since MLC was happening this day for the STL's and ZL's, Sister Blanchard came with us for the day, while Sisters Lott and Holt were at their meeting (they're in a trio right now, but Blanchard's not actually an STL). And it was good. We got around to visiting a bunch of less-actives, as well as our dear Sally and JOAN. We haven't seen Joan in AGES — due to the fact that we kept trying to set something up with her daughter as well. But...this time we just decided to go by. And she was there, and let us in! So...we're all good to go without her daughter Annette being there now. And we also knew this because Annette called us Thursday morning saying, "I heard you went over to mum's! KEEP GOING!" Win! :)
THURSDAY. Lets just say I slowly got more and more tired throughout the week. 'Cause... pretty much every time after we've been in a trio it turns into "I miss _____" and then I feel like I'm just not that great of a companion anymore. But all is well! We still started off the day nicely, learning how to make MAORI FRY BREAD (aka - kinda like navajo fry bread, but a little different-ish) from our dear, Brother Jimmy Rameka :) (See photos in Dropbox.) #FutureHomemaking
Then we visited with some members, trying to get to know them better for fellowshipping, and had a lovely dinner with the Rapata's.
FRIDAY. Comp Inventory. It's kind of an inspired thing. Why? 'Cause it MAKES you both talk. I expressed my struggles with my companion's, "Ah - we're such FAILS," and why I shut down and stop talking whenever she uses the word. I've mentioned it before, but I don't think she took it in a "I seriously don't want you to even say the word 'FAIL' because it stresses me out" literal kind of way. But - we're going better now. It's interesting how much you come to realize what having a companion does for you. The little, AND big things it teaches you on a daily basis. Being with one person, 24/7.
We went out to see Sally, helped her clean up her kitchen, and started teaching her with some object lessons/analogies. It was a grand time :) But, also a time that we began realizing we weren't going to be able to make it out to Linda before our appointment with the Lemalu's, like we had hoped. And then — who showed up to Sally's? Linda! :) So we got to teach her for a few minutes as well. Brilliant things. The Lord watches out for us :)
And then... the Lemalu's. Ha. And as we walked up to their house, Sister Lemalu stopped in the car park, looked at the car sitting there, and said, "Guess what... that's my parent's car." And indeed it was. Hahahaha.... They don't fully "get" the concept of that we're not really supposed to see them.... But they've become my family now too, so it's pretty grand :) We had another lesson with the family - this night on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Once again, being able to use our fun analogies/object lessons :)
SATURDAY was a headache day :(
SUNDAY - Church in Hibiscus :) MCM, and then visiting people to come to our FHE tonight at one of our member's homes. Fun it is, running around inviting people to things :)
Andddd another lesson with the Lemalu's :) (Have I mentioned that their family is going to the temple to be sealed together?? Part of the reason we thought it would be good to do all these lessons with them. Haha.) So we had a super cool lesson. ==>Once again, Sister Lemalu's parents showed up - this time with DIFFERENT SIBLINGS than the first time. (She's the oldest of 7.) And the Spirit was strong. Lessons like that are just....the kind of thing that help in solidifying your own testimony and making that foundation even stronger. SO COOL. LOVE it all :)
The rest of the night consisted of our adventure with a recent referral we were given :) VLAD. We originally contacted him ....last week? I think? Over the phone, but the times that he could meet didn't end up working out. Here's the thing about Vlad. He's Romanian. And very.... flirtatious. Ha! Sister Lemalu, the entire day we were texting him, trying to figure out a time and place to meet, kept saying, "This is just awkward. I don't even want to see him. Do you?" ...And yes, yes I did. Because I had a good feeling about him! And I'm glad I was persistent. Because EVERYONE deserves a chance - because: "You never give up when there is the slightest spark of interest." —President Hinckley
We picked up our dear Kendall Mackenzie (member in Torbay) and she came with us to meet Vlad down in Browns Bay. Yes, he is indeed a very flirty man. But - he's also keen to learn. Never been one for religion, but - like I said, still keen to learn. So..... a new investigator we have! :)
Life is grand :) I love learning new things every day, and that - I definitely do. Never a dull moment on the mission!!
Next week is TRANSFERS. Weird, right? I have 3 transfers left. (How did that happen?) Anyone have some guesses of what's gonna happen? Companion? (Since, clearly I'm getting a new one, 'cause - well, mine's going to Hawaii. Ha.) Moving? Staying?
Anyhoo. I'm off. But I love you all, and hope you have a most miraculous week :)
Alofa tele atu,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Thursday, July 28, 2016
Time Flies!
Whanau! I miss you all dearly. Time will never cease to amaze me though with how quickly it goes by. Anyhoo. You hear enough of that from me every week though. Haha.
THIS WEEK. Sick moments (#LactoseProbs), miracle moments, and lots of NEWS moments!!
MONDAY. Bowling again! This might become a thing. We like it. Haha. Not every week, but it's fun with the district. We were also finally able to meet another of our referrals—James. From Zimbabwe, and he's SUPER cool. We're going back soon to meet the fam — they have their own religion currently, but he seemed intrigued by a few different things we shared with him, including the fact that we have older couple missionaries who go out and serve in different countries! Service in any way really does soften hearts of people.
And. Reasons I print out emails. 'Cause, Mum - I was looking back on a couple and found, again, a quote you sent a few weeks back that said, "Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there." —Elder Holland. And..... I needed that Monday night :)
TUESDAY! My sickly companion. Sad face. In our RUSH around that afternoon after District meeting, she accidentally ate dairy....for lunch.....and we forgot to give her a tablet. So...her poor body became ill rather quickly. So we stayed in the flat. But, we got some other things done, and we were at least able to talk to quite a few people on the streets before that point - so it was good.
WEDNESDAY. In the afternoon, we were able to go visit with Linda, helping her pack away and get rid of a few things in the house to get ready for her move.
So that was good. (And by "get rid of" I mean - she donated quite a few things to us/other missionaries/the church. Haha. She's great.) And then: KAUKAPAKAPA. The WEST side of our area in Hibiscus. First time we've been out there—and it was all nostalgic for me. It was like BEING BACK UP NORTH. Long dirt roads, gorgeous rolling green hills, lots of cattle, sheep and farms..... allllllll the happiness :) Miss it. So it was lovely. We had dinner with one of our members who live out there - the McCallum's. They're Scottish. And MAN. I love the Scottish accent. SO MUCH. Alllllll the happiness!(once again). And they got us laughing up a storm, telling us all about their adventures as newlyweds, and then in joining the church and the missionaries they'll never forget :) Boosts your spirits a bit ;)
Another thing I found out: GILLS FARM IS IN MY AREA. Aka: It's a large area of ginormous art sculptures, and GIRAFFES and things to feeeeeed. Just gotta figure out when it's OPEN and when we can go. Hopefully open on a Monday? Otherwise... sadness. :(
THURSDAY. Patience day. It still amazes me that regardless of how much you can learn patience, you can stilllllllll learn more. But it's fine. It's just hard when there's clearly things your companion is thinking about, but she suddenly won't share anything with you and just sits there being in a bad mood. And THEN: Sister Jackson calls saying, "Hi Sister Ottley! We have a consulate appointment for Sister Lemalu in the morning in the city, so we'll have to pick you up around 7:45. Is that okay?" And then Sister Lemalu broke down in tears a little bit. Ha. 'Cause...see... "consulate" = "getting her Visa for Hawaii." The funny/sad part of it was the fact that she told me after that, "Last night I actually prayed that I WOULDN'T get my Visa." #WhenYouGetComfortable. But... it helped me in understanding more things that were going through her head, and it finally got her a bit more to her less-cranky-self. Not fully...'cause, now she doesn't want to leave. Ha. But...inevitable things. So- It was a good day
I was greatly happy when Sister Prendergast called, asking if we could help in packing her house, now that it's been sold - we all know how I like the cleaning and packing life (well - when it's for other people). My stuff during transfers? Not a huge fan of all the packing. We had our usual dinner at the Rapata's, and MCM at the Wharemate's :) Love them all.
FRIDAY. CONSULATE. IN THE CITY. "Fun times!" - aka: It was a struggle of a day at the consulate. Sister Lemalu's appointment was supposed to be at 9:30, but we got there at 9! So..we thought, oh - maybe that'll help it go faster. ---- and then we ended up not leaving until maybe.... 12:30? 1-ish? Why? Because, usually there's two officers on duty to do the interviews for visa things. But... there was only one that day. So....all the people were taking ages to get through. But, all is welll. Reasons I'm grateful that I'm a patient person. I got to hang out with Elder and Sister Jackson (office missionary couple). Sister Jackson and I chatted about our families, read scriptures, and had a nice little window shopping time together in some of the shoppes down the street. (There was even a LONDON LOLLY SHOPPE [imported British sweets and chocolate]. I was in Heaven.)
After all was said and done, and Sister Lemalu was finally released, she came back with good news that she was APPROVED! She's also sad. But - she also knows (well - most likely) that she'll be staying till the end of the transfer, as to not mess up me not having a companion and all that jazz. And then my posterity will, once again, be continued on in another mission :) *Proud Mum Tears*
There's also many perks to being with Sister Jackson for a morning. Why? - you ask?
She deals with missionary flight things.
My News?
*Suspense*
*Anticipation*
You can officially start singing the song......
"I'll be home for Christmas" on my behalf! :)
Our outtake will be coming home the WEEK OF DECEMBER 19TH :D Still not sure what day yet - but ya know. You won't have to just look at my face on a screen on Christmas, 'cause you'll just be able to see it in person ;) ;) #YesI'mExcited!
Anyhoo. The rest of Friday consisted of Dinner with Sister Lemalu's aunt (who's in Hibiscus Ward) and then a funeral in Aeroview Ward. And this funeral was a blessing in many ways. Why? 1) Samoan referral. So my companion was in heaven, speaking all her Samoan, and translating for me the things that were spoken during the service in Samoan :) Love. 2) I began to realize how much I've learned about eternal perspective and the difference between the feeling of different spirits in different religions. There were lots of people from different faiths at this funeral, and so they kind of put their own "spin" on their talks - a few of them. Mostly 7th Day Adventist. Just a lot of back and forth between speaker and audience of "God Is Good!" "All The Time" "All The Time" "God Is Good!" Ha. Interesting :) But.... it's quite brilliant how we have this eternal perspective in our gospel. We KNOW where they're at – and we KNOW the things that are going on in the Spirit World to help our Father's children even MORE. It's just.. sweet as. All the missionary work. Eternities. I love it all.
Also: Samoan funerals are full on. And apparently this one we went to wasn't even a fully "proper" one - it would have apparently been much longer if it was! Haha. Alll Islanders are really quite family and time oriented. I love it.
SATURDAY we helped out the Sunset Sisters with service at the home of a lady named Caroline. She's the SWEETEST lady, who's been through a LOT in life and is just struggling with moving. So...we were able to go help her with packing and cleaning and giving her some love :) It was grand.
Then...the sickness of Sister Lemalu settled in again, and I journaled and things for the rest of the day. :)
SUNDAY was our little day of miracles. The main being a man named ROGAN.
We were in Torbay for church yesterday. Sister Lemalu and I were at the door, greeting people as they walked in - when a Korean man I didn't recognize walked up. "Do you have to be a member? Or can anyone join the service?" ...What
ANYONE. Anyone can come! He walked on in and our dear WML lovingly jumped up and headed over to meet, friendship, and talk with him. Rogan apparently just moved into the area, got this miracle job opportunity, and decided that he needed to thank God - so... he googled the closest church, and came up with ours! By the end of the meeting (because Brother Wharemate sat with him the whole time) Rogan said, "I loved the spirit of this meeting. How do I join this church?" .....When do things like this happen? Hahaha. So.... GOLDEN miracles. Brother Wharemate got his info — he doesn't live in our area boundaries for us to teach, but we're grateful nonetheless. It's just SO COOL to see how people CAN feel that spirit immediately and want that same love from God. Brilliant. Grateful. Love watching the miracles of people :)
So.... a good week. Time just flies, because... I'll now actually be home at this time in 5 months. What? How does this even happen? It seems like YESTERDAY that I was still back in Kaikohe, emailing you from my dear Kerikeri library. Ha. And then running across the street for Subway for lunch. Every Monday with Sister Pointer. Memories :)
I love you all, and I hope you're having a beautiful sabbath - and I hope you have a most brilliant week ahead as well! Soak up some sun for me — and try and save a little for when I come home 'cause I'll be freezing my little butt off in YOUR winter. #NotExcitedForThatPart #Acclimated #Wussy
ALOFA TELE ATU,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
THIS WEEK. Sick moments (#LactoseProbs), miracle moments, and lots of NEWS moments!!
MONDAY. Bowling again! This might become a thing. We like it. Haha. Not every week, but it's fun with the district. We were also finally able to meet another of our referrals—James. From Zimbabwe, and he's SUPER cool. We're going back soon to meet the fam — they have their own religion currently, but he seemed intrigued by a few different things we shared with him, including the fact that we have older couple missionaries who go out and serve in different countries! Service in any way really does soften hearts of people.
And. Reasons I print out emails. 'Cause, Mum - I was looking back on a couple and found, again, a quote you sent a few weeks back that said, "Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there." —Elder Holland. And..... I needed that Monday night :)
TUESDAY! My sickly companion. Sad face. In our RUSH around that afternoon after District meeting, she accidentally ate dairy....for lunch.....and we forgot to give her a tablet. So...her poor body became ill rather quickly. So we stayed in the flat. But, we got some other things done, and we were at least able to talk to quite a few people on the streets before that point - so it was good.
WEDNESDAY. In the afternoon, we were able to go visit with Linda, helping her pack away and get rid of a few things in the house to get ready for her move.
So that was good. (And by "get rid of" I mean - she donated quite a few things to us/other missionaries/the church. Haha. She's great.) And then: KAUKAPAKAPA. The WEST side of our area in Hibiscus. First time we've been out there—and it was all nostalgic for me. It was like BEING BACK UP NORTH. Long dirt roads, gorgeous rolling green hills, lots of cattle, sheep and farms..... allllllll the happiness :) Miss it. So it was lovely. We had dinner with one of our members who live out there - the McCallum's. They're Scottish. And MAN. I love the Scottish accent. SO MUCH. Alllllll the happiness!(once again). And they got us laughing up a storm, telling us all about their adventures as newlyweds, and then in joining the church and the missionaries they'll never forget :) Boosts your spirits a bit ;)
Another thing I found out: GILLS FARM IS IN MY AREA. Aka: It's a large area of ginormous art sculptures, and GIRAFFES and things to feeeeeed. Just gotta figure out when it's OPEN and when we can go. Hopefully open on a Monday? Otherwise... sadness. :(
THURSDAY. Patience day. It still amazes me that regardless of how much you can learn patience, you can stilllllllll learn more. But it's fine. It's just hard when there's clearly things your companion is thinking about, but she suddenly won't share anything with you and just sits there being in a bad mood. And THEN: Sister Jackson calls saying, "Hi Sister Ottley! We have a consulate appointment for Sister Lemalu in the morning in the city, so we'll have to pick you up around 7:45. Is that okay?" And then Sister Lemalu broke down in tears a little bit. Ha. 'Cause...see... "consulate" = "getting her Visa for Hawaii." The funny/sad part of it was the fact that she told me after that, "Last night I actually prayed that I WOULDN'T get my Visa." #WhenYouGetComfortable. But... it helped me in understanding more things that were going through her head, and it finally got her a bit more to her less-cranky-self. Not fully...'cause, now she doesn't want to leave. Ha. But...inevitable things. So- It was a good day
I was greatly happy when Sister Prendergast called, asking if we could help in packing her house, now that it's been sold - we all know how I like the cleaning and packing life (well - when it's for other people). My stuff during transfers? Not a huge fan of all the packing. We had our usual dinner at the Rapata's, and MCM at the Wharemate's :) Love them all.
FRIDAY. CONSULATE. IN THE CITY. "Fun times!" - aka: It was a struggle of a day at the consulate. Sister Lemalu's appointment was supposed to be at 9:30, but we got there at 9! So..we thought, oh - maybe that'll help it go faster. ---- and then we ended up not leaving until maybe.... 12:30? 1-ish? Why? Because, usually there's two officers on duty to do the interviews for visa things. But... there was only one that day. So....all the people were taking ages to get through. But, all is welll. Reasons I'm grateful that I'm a patient person. I got to hang out with Elder and Sister Jackson (office missionary couple). Sister Jackson and I chatted about our families, read scriptures, and had a nice little window shopping time together in some of the shoppes down the street. (There was even a LONDON LOLLY SHOPPE [imported British sweets and chocolate]. I was in Heaven.)
After all was said and done, and Sister Lemalu was finally released, she came back with good news that she was APPROVED! She's also sad. But - she also knows (well - most likely) that she'll be staying till the end of the transfer, as to not mess up me not having a companion and all that jazz. And then my posterity will, once again, be continued on in another mission :) *Proud Mum Tears*
There's also many perks to being with Sister Jackson for a morning. Why? - you ask?
She deals with missionary flight things.
My News?
*Suspense*
*Anticipation*
You can officially start singing the song......
"I'll be home for Christmas" on my behalf! :)
Our outtake will be coming home the WEEK OF DECEMBER 19TH :D Still not sure what day yet - but ya know. You won't have to just look at my face on a screen on Christmas, 'cause you'll just be able to see it in person ;) ;) #YesI'mExcited!
Anyhoo. The rest of Friday consisted of Dinner with Sister Lemalu's aunt (who's in Hibiscus Ward) and then a funeral in Aeroview Ward. And this funeral was a blessing in many ways. Why? 1) Samoan referral. So my companion was in heaven, speaking all her Samoan, and translating for me the things that were spoken during the service in Samoan :) Love. 2) I began to realize how much I've learned about eternal perspective and the difference between the feeling of different spirits in different religions. There were lots of people from different faiths at this funeral, and so they kind of put their own "spin" on their talks - a few of them. Mostly 7th Day Adventist. Just a lot of back and forth between speaker and audience of "God Is Good!" "All The Time" "All The Time" "God Is Good!" Ha. Interesting :) But.... it's quite brilliant how we have this eternal perspective in our gospel. We KNOW where they're at – and we KNOW the things that are going on in the Spirit World to help our Father's children even MORE. It's just.. sweet as. All the missionary work. Eternities. I love it all.
Also: Samoan funerals are full on. And apparently this one we went to wasn't even a fully "proper" one - it would have apparently been much longer if it was! Haha. Alll Islanders are really quite family and time oriented. I love it.
SATURDAY we helped out the Sunset Sisters with service at the home of a lady named Caroline. She's the SWEETEST lady, who's been through a LOT in life and is just struggling with moving. So...we were able to go help her with packing and cleaning and giving her some love :) It was grand.
Then...the sickness of Sister Lemalu settled in again, and I journaled and things for the rest of the day. :)
SUNDAY was our little day of miracles. The main being a man named ROGAN.
We were in Torbay for church yesterday. Sister Lemalu and I were at the door, greeting people as they walked in - when a Korean man I didn't recognize walked up. "Do you have to be a member? Or can anyone join the service?" ...What
ANYONE. Anyone can come! He walked on in and our dear WML lovingly jumped up and headed over to meet, friendship, and talk with him. Rogan apparently just moved into the area, got this miracle job opportunity, and decided that he needed to thank God - so... he googled the closest church, and came up with ours! By the end of the meeting (because Brother Wharemate sat with him the whole time) Rogan said, "I loved the spirit of this meeting. How do I join this church?" .....When do things like this happen? Hahaha. So.... GOLDEN miracles. Brother Wharemate got his info — he doesn't live in our area boundaries for us to teach, but we're grateful nonetheless. It's just SO COOL to see how people CAN feel that spirit immediately and want that same love from God. Brilliant. Grateful. Love watching the miracles of people :)
So.... a good week. Time just flies, because... I'll now actually be home at this time in 5 months. What? How does this even happen? It seems like YESTERDAY that I was still back in Kaikohe, emailing you from my dear Kerikeri library. Ha. And then running across the street for Subway for lunch. Every Monday with Sister Pointer. Memories :)
I love you all, and I hope you're having a beautiful sabbath - and I hope you have a most brilliant week ahead as well! Soak up some sun for me — and try and save a little for when I come home 'cause I'll be freezing my little butt off in YOUR winter. #NotExcitedForThatPart #Acclimated #Wussy
ALOFA TELE ATU,
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Long Week!
PONDERIZE for the week: Alma 26:27. "He will grant us success." :) It's grand! :)
It's still amazing to me how certain days—or WEEKS, in this case—can seem long. But.... the mission still is just flying by. 13 months? What? Where did that time go? Was it not just January 2015 yesterday? Weird.
Anyhoo. Regardless of how long the week has been, it's still been good. Just chaotic with transfers and moving people and saying GOODBYE to people, and alllll the things! "Killing" missionaries [saying goodbye] is still the hardest of things for me I think. But it's part of life :) And it's all good. And if you haven't already guessed by now, Sister Lemalu and I have not been transferred.
Last MONDAY we went BOWLING. I'm still really bad at it, but I enjoy it :) It's always nice to just get out and do something to shake things up a bit. It was also the wish of Sister Taylor to DO something for her last P-day :) Saying goodbye is....always hard. Especially with Gila, and now Rarawa and Taylor. But, we have pictures. So that's all okay :) And... it just means that I'll have to go to Melbourne and Fiji one day now, so..... #WorldTravels
TUESDAY we picked up my dear Sister Boiteux from the Sunset Sister's flat as she was dropping her companion (my granddaughter, Sister Fonua) there to be picked up by Elder Garth. Because... Sister Fonua finally got her Visa to go to Mississippi! Wooooo Visa's! So, my posterity is officially being continued on in a new mission :) Exciting things! So we were lucky enough to have Sister Boiteux with us for the day, until she got her new companion at transfers. We all went to District Meeting - to find.... Sister Anitema!!! (She was companions with Sister Hoiesi for the day, since Sister Taylor and Rarawa were at orientation at the Mission Home before leaving.) So... Anitema and Hoiesi decided to come to our district meeting instead of chancing missing Anitema's in Henderson. We also said our goodbyes to the elders leaving the zone... specifically our district.... Chatwin and Murdock. Gonna miss them!
Then we had lunch after district meeting, and I got to catch up with Sister Anitema on the Hendo life, before they were off to their crazy lives, of moving flats!
Tuesday afternoon. NEW INVESTIGATOR! Brendon :) Yes, as in New Zealand's "Brendon Thomas and the Vibes!" [Look them up.] Hahaha...... We've been dropping in to say hi, and last time we stated our real purpose and he said it was "cool" and that we could totally come around and share things! We haven't actually met his mum yet, but his dad is lovely and we're hoping to meet all of them :) They're South African like so many in this area. He's actually the most CHILL person you'll ever meet, but he's also keen to LEARNING - so power to him!! And there will be interesting things in the future. He's already brought up the Word of Wisdom thing so we'll see how continuing things go! :) Ha. He invited us into his house (and since there were THREE of us that day, we could, even though his mum didn't seem to be home). And then he invited us into his part of the house - aka: his bedroom. He told us to "make ourselves comfortable" (in his super chill surfer-dude type voice). Haha.. He's hilarious. And so... we awkwardly sat on the floor. But he's good. And he's understanding more now what our purpose of missionaries actually is. So that's all good too :)
Tuesday night....we had to say our LAST GOODBYE to our dear Sister Taylor. Gonna miss that one! But she's served a brilliant mission, and it's her turn to go about the new adventures back home in Melbourne now ;)
WEDNESDAY. Transfers! And all the confusion thereof. Dropping Sister Boiteux off, picking up new sisters — originally thinking we would end up having to drive back to Panmure to pick up MORE sisters after driving out to Waterview.... but no worries. It all got sorted out and we only had to do a little bit of crazy running around. It was a bit sad in the sense of "I didn't get to bring my baby (Sister Boiteux) to the bus stop to pick up her new companion" — aka: Sister HOBBS. But it's all good :) Ha. I love how all my companions have been companions with each other for the most part now. It's great.
Later we had volleyball in Hibiscus with a couple of the potential investigator non-members, and ....they even got me to play this week. Haaaaa. Struggle is real. Haven't played in AGES. But, they were all very supportive and loving and cheered me on, even though....well...me and sports. Enough said! Ha.
THURSDAY... struggle. Sickness. It's fine. No worries. And to answer the question you asked last week — no, no aches or pains anymore, just get itchy still :) Ish. A little. No worries. It's nothing the clear pills you sent aren't taking care of for me :)
FRIDAY! Planning. Saw Philip, and Sister Lemalu's family – Hahahaha. And with Sister Lemalu's parents "waltzing in," as you put it, no, it's definitely still not allowed. It's just a thing with Islander families "happening to be in the right place at the right time" Haaaa.. But it's all good :) If I somehow do run into the Ostenson's when they come, then, ya know - power to it! Haha. Aaaand... We had a sort of appointment with our NOW, NEW INVESTIGATOR. Her name is Linda. She called us about a week ago, asking if we would have any use for an air hockey table at our church. We asked around and found someone to take it (Sister Lemalu's family) so -we all went to pick it up :) We were able to stay a bit after and get to know her a bit. She said we should come by again soon for a "cup of coffee or something" (hot chocolate? ha.) But, apparently neither of us felt prompted to actually set a for real appointment.... But it was a blessing in disguise, because later that night she texted us asking if we "could come over tomorrow for some takeaways or something, and to chat" .... :) The Lord's timing. It's the best when people get to act for themselves, instead of us just prying into their lives. (Okay, not prying, but sometimes prying.) A lovely member lesson with our dear Sister Erin Matla followed :) And it was just grand. Love her to pieces.
SATURDAY our lunch date with Linda — and this is how prepared her heart is. We went out to Pita Pit, and her first sentence to us as we sat down to eat was, "So.... tell me about your faith." :) She's brilliant, and we're just so excited to keep working with her. :) Miracles always abound. It's true. And they keep us going and going :)
Oh. And Torbay Ward activity. I learned to check the oil and change the tyre of a car. Haaaa. It was good :) (The whole activity was based on self-reliance with little workshops on education, health, car maintenance, food storage, etc. complete with a bit of zumba and a potluck at the end!)
SUNDAY. President Balli came to the Hibiscus Ward to speak :) And it was exciting and brilliant and according to Brother Maire, he's already seen a bit of change in excitement to get into the life of missionary work from some of the members. So.... all the excitement :) There was also a brilliant talk given by one of our members (Sister Greening) in which she mentioned a portion of this quote....and it's just one of those things that you NEED sometimes.
"You are LOVED. You are dear to your heavenly parents.
The infinite and eternal Creator of light and life knows you! ... He is not waiting to love you until you have overcome your weaknesses and bad habits. He loves you TODAY with a full understanding of your struggles. He is aware that you reach up to Him in heartfelt and hopeful prayer. He knows of the times you have held onto the fading light and believed—even in the midst of growing darkness. He knows of your sufferings. He knows of your remorse for the times you have fallen short or failed. AND STILL HE LOVES YOU." —President Uchtdorf, Ensign November 2014
Brilliant. Isn't it? We are LOVED, no matter what. And that's what He needs us to know. Through His servants and apostles. So - Sunday was good. We also had a brilliant dinner with our dear Elli Duncan :) (less-active, with many-a-goals in coming back), a brilliant meal (but also with a lot of dairy, which resulted in Sister Lemalu being...rather ill, regardless of the tablet she took. Ha. Sad things. But also not surprised). And... it was just good getting to know her and her needs even more.
One of the main things I would say I've learned on this mission is just how IMPORTANT the LITTLE THINGS are. It's not the big things we do that keep us strongly standing within this gospel—I mean, no doubt that the big things are what help us grow and gain the most—but it's the LITTLE THINGS that keep us grounded in order to gain that little bit of strength that we need each day. CHURCH. PRAY. READ. Our SPIRITUAL CPR. Church: for us to renew our covenants, and to uplift and strengthen us each week. Pray: to always have that connection with our Heavenly Father and to learn through personal revelation. And Read: Well - 'cause we need that knowledge and revelation through the scriptures DAILY, for our testimony and foundation in Christ to be strengthened. It's so simple. And I KNOW that these are the things that our Heavenly Father needs us to do to return to him. I still have yet to figure out/remember/go back through my notes to figure out what apostle said this - but, "If you read the Book of Mormon EVERYDAY, you will never go less active." (I'm fairly sure it was shared at either a mission conference, or the regional conference...or some sort of conference we had.) But I DEFINITELY have gained a testimony of that. It's there for us for a reason, and we need to STUDY it's brilliant words.
Anyhoo. You're all lovely, and wonderful and I love you and miss you heaps. I hope your upcoming week is filled with joy and happiness, and that all your wildest wishes come true ;)
Alofa Tele Atu, (This one's Samoan for "I love you all heaps!") #SamoanCompanion
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
It's still amazing to me how certain days—or WEEKS, in this case—can seem long. But.... the mission still is just flying by. 13 months? What? Where did that time go? Was it not just January 2015 yesterday? Weird.
Anyhoo. Regardless of how long the week has been, it's still been good. Just chaotic with transfers and moving people and saying GOODBYE to people, and alllll the things! "Killing" missionaries [saying goodbye] is still the hardest of things for me I think. But it's part of life :) And it's all good. And if you haven't already guessed by now, Sister Lemalu and I have not been transferred.
Last MONDAY we went BOWLING. I'm still really bad at it, but I enjoy it :) It's always nice to just get out and do something to shake things up a bit. It was also the wish of Sister Taylor to DO something for her last P-day :) Saying goodbye is....always hard. Especially with Gila, and now Rarawa and Taylor. But, we have pictures. So that's all okay :) And... it just means that I'll have to go to Melbourne and Fiji one day now, so..... #WorldTravels
TUESDAY we picked up my dear Sister Boiteux from the Sunset Sister's flat as she was dropping her companion (my granddaughter, Sister Fonua) there to be picked up by Elder Garth. Because... Sister Fonua finally got her Visa to go to Mississippi! Wooooo Visa's! So, my posterity is officially being continued on in a new mission :) Exciting things! So we were lucky enough to have Sister Boiteux with us for the day, until she got her new companion at transfers. We all went to District Meeting - to find.... Sister Anitema!!! (She was companions with Sister Hoiesi for the day, since Sister Taylor and Rarawa were at orientation at the Mission Home before leaving.) So... Anitema and Hoiesi decided to come to our district meeting instead of chancing missing Anitema's in Henderson. We also said our goodbyes to the elders leaving the zone... specifically our district.... Chatwin and Murdock. Gonna miss them!
Then we had lunch after district meeting, and I got to catch up with Sister Anitema on the Hendo life, before they were off to their crazy lives, of moving flats!
Tuesday afternoon. NEW INVESTIGATOR! Brendon :) Yes, as in New Zealand's "Brendon Thomas and the Vibes!" [Look them up.] Hahaha...... We've been dropping in to say hi, and last time we stated our real purpose and he said it was "cool" and that we could totally come around and share things! We haven't actually met his mum yet, but his dad is lovely and we're hoping to meet all of them :) They're South African like so many in this area. He's actually the most CHILL person you'll ever meet, but he's also keen to LEARNING - so power to him!! And there will be interesting things in the future. He's already brought up the Word of Wisdom thing so we'll see how continuing things go! :) Ha. He invited us into his house (and since there were THREE of us that day, we could, even though his mum didn't seem to be home). And then he invited us into his part of the house - aka: his bedroom. He told us to "make ourselves comfortable" (in his super chill surfer-dude type voice). Haha.. He's hilarious. And so... we awkwardly sat on the floor. But he's good. And he's understanding more now what our purpose of missionaries actually is. So that's all good too :)
Tuesday night....we had to say our LAST GOODBYE to our dear Sister Taylor. Gonna miss that one! But she's served a brilliant mission, and it's her turn to go about the new adventures back home in Melbourne now ;)
WEDNESDAY. Transfers! And all the confusion thereof. Dropping Sister Boiteux off, picking up new sisters — originally thinking we would end up having to drive back to Panmure to pick up MORE sisters after driving out to Waterview.... but no worries. It all got sorted out and we only had to do a little bit of crazy running around. It was a bit sad in the sense of "I didn't get to bring my baby (Sister Boiteux) to the bus stop to pick up her new companion" — aka: Sister HOBBS. But it's all good :) Ha. I love how all my companions have been companions with each other for the most part now. It's great.
Later we had volleyball in Hibiscus with a couple of the potential investigator non-members, and ....they even got me to play this week. Haaaaa. Struggle is real. Haven't played in AGES. But, they were all very supportive and loving and cheered me on, even though....well...me and sports. Enough said! Ha.
THURSDAY... struggle. Sickness. It's fine. No worries. And to answer the question you asked last week — no, no aches or pains anymore, just get itchy still :) Ish. A little. No worries. It's nothing the clear pills you sent aren't taking care of for me :)
FRIDAY! Planning. Saw Philip, and Sister Lemalu's family – Hahahaha. And with Sister Lemalu's parents "waltzing in," as you put it, no, it's definitely still not allowed. It's just a thing with Islander families "happening to be in the right place at the right time" Haaaa.. But it's all good :) If I somehow do run into the Ostenson's when they come, then, ya know - power to it! Haha. Aaaand... We had a sort of appointment with our NOW, NEW INVESTIGATOR. Her name is Linda. She called us about a week ago, asking if we would have any use for an air hockey table at our church. We asked around and found someone to take it (Sister Lemalu's family) so -we all went to pick it up :) We were able to stay a bit after and get to know her a bit. She said we should come by again soon for a "cup of coffee or something" (hot chocolate? ha.) But, apparently neither of us felt prompted to actually set a for real appointment.... But it was a blessing in disguise, because later that night she texted us asking if we "could come over tomorrow for some takeaways or something, and to chat" .... :) The Lord's timing. It's the best when people get to act for themselves, instead of us just prying into their lives. (Okay, not prying, but sometimes prying.) A lovely member lesson with our dear Sister Erin Matla followed :) And it was just grand. Love her to pieces.
SATURDAY our lunch date with Linda — and this is how prepared her heart is. We went out to Pita Pit, and her first sentence to us as we sat down to eat was, "So.... tell me about your faith." :) She's brilliant, and we're just so excited to keep working with her. :) Miracles always abound. It's true. And they keep us going and going :)
Oh. And Torbay Ward activity. I learned to check the oil and change the tyre of a car. Haaaa. It was good :) (The whole activity was based on self-reliance with little workshops on education, health, car maintenance, food storage, etc. complete with a bit of zumba and a potluck at the end!)
SUNDAY. President Balli came to the Hibiscus Ward to speak :) And it was exciting and brilliant and according to Brother Maire, he's already seen a bit of change in excitement to get into the life of missionary work from some of the members. So.... all the excitement :) There was also a brilliant talk given by one of our members (Sister Greening) in which she mentioned a portion of this quote....and it's just one of those things that you NEED sometimes.
"You are LOVED. You are dear to your heavenly parents.
The infinite and eternal Creator of light and life knows you! ... He is not waiting to love you until you have overcome your weaknesses and bad habits. He loves you TODAY with a full understanding of your struggles. He is aware that you reach up to Him in heartfelt and hopeful prayer. He knows of the times you have held onto the fading light and believed—even in the midst of growing darkness. He knows of your sufferings. He knows of your remorse for the times you have fallen short or failed. AND STILL HE LOVES YOU." —President Uchtdorf, Ensign November 2014
Brilliant. Isn't it? We are LOVED, no matter what. And that's what He needs us to know. Through His servants and apostles. So - Sunday was good. We also had a brilliant dinner with our dear Elli Duncan :) (less-active, with many-a-goals in coming back), a brilliant meal (but also with a lot of dairy, which resulted in Sister Lemalu being...rather ill, regardless of the tablet she took. Ha. Sad things. But also not surprised). And... it was just good getting to know her and her needs even more.
One of the main things I would say I've learned on this mission is just how IMPORTANT the LITTLE THINGS are. It's not the big things we do that keep us strongly standing within this gospel—I mean, no doubt that the big things are what help us grow and gain the most—but it's the LITTLE THINGS that keep us grounded in order to gain that little bit of strength that we need each day. CHURCH. PRAY. READ. Our SPIRITUAL CPR. Church: for us to renew our covenants, and to uplift and strengthen us each week. Pray: to always have that connection with our Heavenly Father and to learn through personal revelation. And Read: Well - 'cause we need that knowledge and revelation through the scriptures DAILY, for our testimony and foundation in Christ to be strengthened. It's so simple. And I KNOW that these are the things that our Heavenly Father needs us to do to return to him. I still have yet to figure out/remember/go back through my notes to figure out what apostle said this - but, "If you read the Book of Mormon EVERYDAY, you will never go less active." (I'm fairly sure it was shared at either a mission conference, or the regional conference...or some sort of conference we had.) But I DEFINITELY have gained a testimony of that. It's there for us for a reason, and we need to STUDY it's brilliant words.
Anyhoo. You're all lovely, and wonderful and I love you and miss you heaps. I hope your upcoming week is filled with joy and happiness, and that all your wildest wishes come true ;)
Alofa Tele Atu, (This one's Samoan for "I love you all heaps!") #SamoanCompanion
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Then There Were Three!
A TRIO. I'm in a trio. Weird things. Haha.
The week started off pretty normal, visiting Brian and Jo last MONDAY NIGHT. They fed us. They love us. Haha. Oh, and as you already know, we moved that day. Ha. That took up the biggest part of Monday. Moving alllllll of our things. Talk about an exhausting P-day! But it was good even though most of my stuff still isn't unpacked.
TUESDAY was slowish, due to having to be at our old flat while our landlord did some maintenance things. But we were still able to have a lovely lesson with a less-active sister and her kids :) LOVE TEACHING KIDS. Sarah and her two darlings, Lace and Tyler. They were one of the first to understand a little game we do with prayer — tying a knot in a tie, without letting go of the tie once you pick it up. It's pretty fun ;)
Then, Tuesday night when we got home and were planning, we got a call from President Balli: "Sisters! How would you like to come to the office tomorrow and pick up a new sister to be with you? She's just coming out of the MTC, and will be Visa waiting here for a while." Wooo!! 7TH COMPANION :)
So... WEDNESDAY morning we drove down to Takapuna to the mission office to pick up our third companion, where we dropped off my passport (I had it so I could get my NZ drivers license),and also picked up my NEW driver's license since it had arrived. :) So... you're talking to a sister who officially has her own FULL NEW ZEALAND DRIVER'S LICENSE. :)
My newest companion's name is Sister Lemalu. She's from South Auckland, just barely inside the Hamilton mission boundaries. She's Visa waiting to go to Hawaii, Honolulu, Samoan Speaking. (She is Samoan as well.) And we love her, dearly. And she's MY AGE! A few months older, actually! She's great. No need to be trained, but.... she's still my daughter ;) Haha. So, mum, tell Sister Boiteux for me (my other daughter/trainee) that she has a sister!! (I'm sending you her email since we can't email one another on the mission.) Tell her our posterity will not only continue in Mississippi, but in Hawaii!!
Oh. Also, Fun fact: poor Sister Lemalu is lactose intolerant. Ha.. So fun times for her ahead! 'Cause it's a new thing, like when I had to go all gluten-free and all the fun things. She just barely found out in the MTC that she's lactose intolerant! Fun times! But we had a grand first day, even though she was ridiculously tired. Due to her MTC companions having to leave at ridiculous hours of the morning, she'd been up since 3am! We had a couple of lessons that day, including one with our new investigator, Elizabeth :) Also a mini lesson with one of our recent converts, Lili (she's been really hard to catch) and her family. Then we had volleyball at Hibiscus chapel and our last meeting with Brother Maire before he went off to Tahiti........ So sad. But good for him to go back and visit home :)
Side note: The Elders Chatwin, Murdock, and Terekia, just entered the room singing to Sister Gila "God be with you" ... depressing things. But happy things for her also. Going home on Wednesday.
THURSDAY we were able to meet with Cleo, and there were many grand adventures with Sister Lemalu learning about mission life – and people feeding us things with milk in them and her feeling gross... Ha. :( Joys. But she got back up and she's strong. We went to MCM. And she started telling people she's lactose intolerant. Haha. ('Cause the Wharemate's at Missionary Committee Meeting usually give us ice-cream.)
FRIDAY we had weekly planning, a bit of service for our dear Sister Tina Rapata, and a BRILLIANT lesson with Philip :) He's so READY. We've just gotta find that little bit of confidence in him that's screaming to be baptised! It'll happen soon. Then we had dinner at this beautiful little couple's—Brother and Sister Louw. They're from South Africa and showed us all these brilliant old Dutch hymn books from when they were young and in youth and high school. Dutch hymn books. SO COOL.
SATURDAY I was sick. Yup.
SUNDAY I still felt sick at the beginning. But it slowly went away.
And I could eat again. Yay!
Also: We met Sister Lemalu's family (we'd met them before, but had just never been to their house) — Ha. Oh yeah. They are HER FAMILY, as in aunt and uncle, right here in our Hibiscus Ward! So she LAUGHED when she found out what areas we were serving in. Great times :) We had dinner last night with the Laytons and Waith's, and met the Kaka family in Torbay.
Life is good. And it just keeps going. I honestly have learned a lot about myself. I've learned I'm GREAT at comparing my weaknesses to other people's strengths. Ha. Thus, where the feelings of failure and depression come from. But, I also know that it's helping me to learn how to overcome it and help other people instead. It's good. It's all about learning, right?
So.... new adventures here in North Shore in a trio. Or....at least for one more day. Our dear Sister Gila leaves us early early Wednesday morning :( I'm gonna miss my Gila. But - all is well. She's served her mission and it's time for her to move on to different adventures and exciting things in study and everything else back home :)
Also: THANK YOU, and I am very grateful for the package :) ALL the happy things. And all the happiness with the "stress relief" gifts :) Hahaha. And SUPER excited for the new clothes. Willlllll be wearing them like: tomorrow. Haha.
Love you all HEAPS, and hope you have a most brilliant week!!
OFA LAHI ATU
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
The week started off pretty normal, visiting Brian and Jo last MONDAY NIGHT. They fed us. They love us. Haha. Oh, and as you already know, we moved that day. Ha. That took up the biggest part of Monday. Moving alllllll of our things. Talk about an exhausting P-day! But it was good even though most of my stuff still isn't unpacked.
TUESDAY was slowish, due to having to be at our old flat while our landlord did some maintenance things. But we were still able to have a lovely lesson with a less-active sister and her kids :) LOVE TEACHING KIDS. Sarah and her two darlings, Lace and Tyler. They were one of the first to understand a little game we do with prayer — tying a knot in a tie, without letting go of the tie once you pick it up. It's pretty fun ;)
Then, Tuesday night when we got home and were planning, we got a call from President Balli: "Sisters! How would you like to come to the office tomorrow and pick up a new sister to be with you? She's just coming out of the MTC, and will be Visa waiting here for a while." Wooo!! 7TH COMPANION :)
So... WEDNESDAY morning we drove down to Takapuna to the mission office to pick up our third companion, where we dropped off my passport (I had it so I could get my NZ drivers license),and also picked up my NEW driver's license since it had arrived. :) So... you're talking to a sister who officially has her own FULL NEW ZEALAND DRIVER'S LICENSE. :)
My newest companion's name is Sister Lemalu. She's from South Auckland, just barely inside the Hamilton mission boundaries. She's Visa waiting to go to Hawaii, Honolulu, Samoan Speaking. (She is Samoan as well.) And we love her, dearly. And she's MY AGE! A few months older, actually! She's great. No need to be trained, but.... she's still my daughter ;) Haha. So, mum, tell Sister Boiteux for me (my other daughter/trainee) that she has a sister!! (I'm sending you her email since we can't email one another on the mission.) Tell her our posterity will not only continue in Mississippi, but in Hawaii!!
Oh. Also, Fun fact: poor Sister Lemalu is lactose intolerant. Ha.. So fun times for her ahead! 'Cause it's a new thing, like when I had to go all gluten-free and all the fun things. She just barely found out in the MTC that she's lactose intolerant! Fun times! But we had a grand first day, even though she was ridiculously tired. Due to her MTC companions having to leave at ridiculous hours of the morning, she'd been up since 3am! We had a couple of lessons that day, including one with our new investigator, Elizabeth :) Also a mini lesson with one of our recent converts, Lili (she's been really hard to catch) and her family. Then we had volleyball at Hibiscus chapel and our last meeting with Brother Maire before he went off to Tahiti........ So sad. But good for him to go back and visit home :)
Side note: The Elders Chatwin, Murdock, and Terekia, just entered the room singing to Sister Gila "God be with you" ... depressing things. But happy things for her also. Going home on Wednesday.
THURSDAY we were able to meet with Cleo, and there were many grand adventures with Sister Lemalu learning about mission life – and people feeding us things with milk in them and her feeling gross... Ha. :( Joys. But she got back up and she's strong. We went to MCM. And she started telling people she's lactose intolerant. Haha. ('Cause the Wharemate's at Missionary Committee Meeting usually give us ice-cream.)
FRIDAY we had weekly planning, a bit of service for our dear Sister Tina Rapata, and a BRILLIANT lesson with Philip :) He's so READY. We've just gotta find that little bit of confidence in him that's screaming to be baptised! It'll happen soon. Then we had dinner at this beautiful little couple's—Brother and Sister Louw. They're from South Africa and showed us all these brilliant old Dutch hymn books from when they were young and in youth and high school. Dutch hymn books. SO COOL.
SATURDAY I was sick. Yup.
SUNDAY I still felt sick at the beginning. But it slowly went away.
And I could eat again. Yay!
Also: We met Sister Lemalu's family (we'd met them before, but had just never been to their house) — Ha. Oh yeah. They are HER FAMILY, as in aunt and uncle, right here in our Hibiscus Ward! So she LAUGHED when she found out what areas we were serving in. Great times :) We had dinner last night with the Laytons and Waith's, and met the Kaka family in Torbay.
Life is good. And it just keeps going. I honestly have learned a lot about myself. I've learned I'm GREAT at comparing my weaknesses to other people's strengths. Ha. Thus, where the feelings of failure and depression come from. But, I also know that it's helping me to learn how to overcome it and help other people instead. It's good. It's all about learning, right?
So.... new adventures here in North Shore in a trio. Or....at least for one more day. Our dear Sister Gila leaves us early early Wednesday morning :( I'm gonna miss my Gila. But - all is well. She's served her mission and it's time for her to move on to different adventures and exciting things in study and everything else back home :)
Also: THANK YOU, and I am very grateful for the package :) ALL the happy things. And all the happiness with the "stress relief" gifts :) Hahaha. And SUPER excited for the new clothes. Willlllll be wearing them like: tomorrow. Haha.
Love you all HEAPS, and hope you have a most brilliant week!!
OFA LAHI ATU
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
It's Not About Being Perfect
Miracles this week! And LOTS of instances and experiences that the theme for my week turned into how "no one is perfect, even those that we THINK are perfect!" – And we just have to deal with it and move on! Ha. Well, kinda. You'll get what I mean. It's all goods!
MIRACLE MONDAY. So the miracles began last Monday, the day I felt like I was going to kill over because I felt so ill. But during emails, we got a phone call with a lady on the other end asking, "Are you the Sister Missionaries that serve in the Little Manly area?" "Yes! Yes, we are!" (Hibiscus area.) Then she proceeded to tell us that she wanted us to visit her mum, Joan. —The funny thing, after we got the name and number and the name of the daughter giving us the information, we realised the daughter is actually an INVESTIGATOR who's been meeting with the missionaries for the last couple of years in HENDERSON (my old area, except Lincoln ward). Her name is Annette, and I've met her on trade-offs when I went with Sister Cluff when I first got to Henderson. So, that was pretty brilliant! *More to come with Annette and Joan later.*
The rest of Monday was to say the least, an adventure—getting lost around Takapuna while looking for the bus station to pick up a sister who was coming down from Whangarei—Sister Vea. She was my dear Sister Hobbs' daughter (trainee), but since she's finally received her visa, she is finally able to be sent to her actual assigned mission—first to Provo to learn Tongan, and then she'll be off to Tonga! So all the excitement for her! So I did get to be in a trio for about a day –all the fun. :)
TUESDAY morning we woke up bright and early to bring Sister Gila to her orientation ("End of Mission/Self-Reliance Orientation"), even though she isn't leaving yet, but, of course, she won't be here for the next one since her release date is in half a transfer. So they invited her to this one! (Problems with leaving mid-transfer.) So I was companions with Sister Vea for the day, and we spent time with the Sunset sisters, getting Sister Vea more organized (repacking her bags, 'cause...they were too heavy). Then we dropped her off at the mission office, and picked up Sister Gila at the mission home later that afternoon—and Sister Gila and I were once again reunited in happiness :) Haha. We had a lovely dinner that night, but then suddenly neither of us were feeling very well—struggles with us and winter starting. But we got a good sleep that night, which helped for Wednesday morning. :)
WEDNESDAY we finished personal study and were just starting into companion study when we got another call from Annette! "Hey Sisters! I'm at my mum's today. Do you have time you could come give a lesson?" "YES! Yes we do!" "Could you come over THIS morning?" Alllllll the brilliance!! We went over, mainly with the intention of just getting to know Joan at first, or so we thought—but Annette and the Lord had OTHER plans for us! 'Cause, as we left the flat - I suddenly had a thought come that, "Maybe I should grab my Plan of Salvation kit to bring." ...And that's exactly what ended up happening. We taught the Plan of Salvation, and Joan was very interested :) She would pause us frequently, asking questions about thing's she's also learned from Jehovah's Witnesses lately—things she clearly hasn't agreed with. Haha. But it was a lovely lesson, and brilliant to have Annette there with us. (Annette is basically a member, without being baptised yet.) Soon. She'll be baptised soon! So....NEW
INVESTIGATER!! :) She said she only wants to be taught when Annette is going to be there, but we worked it out with Annette and she said she would come up to the shore once a week, because she REALLY wants her mum to have this! Don't you just love it? Love. Love the Gospel and the blessings it brings :)
The remainder of the day was mostly spent helping the Prendergast's again in their endeavors to get their house in tip-top shape for the photos to be taken on Thursday in order to put it up for moving. I LOVE the CLEANING service life. It's just grand! We had a delicious dinner with them, and then a meeting with Brother Maire that night to start going over the ward list to better figure out places we could be of use :)
Oh, and yes. No transfers for Sister Gila and me :) Same area, same companionship. Some changes have been made in the zone (Elder Summers is gone...sad face), but Sister Taylor AND Rarawa are still here tooooooo! (So good and sad things there, 'cause...that means I kill THREE SISTERS THIS NEXT TRANSFER. They're ALL GOING HOME ON ME.) But it's good. They're all wonderful :)
THURSDAY we went out in the morning to see our dear Emma for a bit, and attempted seeing a few people around - but, not many exciting things happened. And then, when we got back to the flat for our lunch break we ended up staying in. 'Cause... my Sister Gila wasn't doing well :( She slept, and I decorated a planner for her, and organized a few things and whatnot.
FRIDAY—ANOTHER NEW INVESTIGATOR! One that will probably take time in learning things, as our appointment with her isn't for another week and a half. But, busy times in life for her this week. We met her a couple weeks ago, and she's keen to learn new things, so we'll see how that continues :)
And a lovely member lesson that night with our dear Sister Matla as well. We coloured the Plan of Salvation – and it was ALL the exciting. I love how many people love colouring in things here! :) (We used a Plan of Salvation drawing that I made back in Henderson when teaching Eli and Hakeian.)
SATURDAY. Well, Saturday was an interesting day.... I was suddenly in kind of a bad mood. And I felt bad for my sweet Gila. Struggles. And it really didn't help that we kept getting shot down by people we would meet – so, ya know, Satan pulls you farther down when you're already down. But it was okay. We DID meet a couple of LOVELY people on a street we had decided to tract, so hopefully we'll be able to visit them all again :)
We spent that night with some more cleaning at the Prendergast's (now that the photos are finished there's still more nitty-gritty things for the actual open-house this weekend). Crazy things selling a house! Loved it though. It was a time to de-stress, a time to ponder, and a TIME TO WEAR PANTS. :) Many things to love about it! And yes, we've heard about the Sister Clothing Changes! —Also with President Balli coming out and saying, "Nope. We won't be doing that!" Haha. All goods though ;)
SUNDAY. Lets just say it was an interesting day in the struggly mind of Sister Ottley—I honestly wonder sometime if I have some sort of depression. It's like... my head doesn't know how to fully cope sometimes, if that makes sense. I was just feeling really down. And then during personal study, I read the "Confessions of a Perfectionist" Ensign article you sent Mum and it was brilliant!! Because, I started to realize that sometimes the perfectionist side of me can, yes, be a good thing, but...at other times, noooooot so much. This was obviously one of those "not so much" times. But by the end of personal study I realized I was wearing very...DARK colours. And I wanted so desperately for my attitude to change 'cause I'm sick of the sad version of myself. So I changed into lighter colours, put on my delicious Wild Orange necklace (I seem to be fine with the metal against my skin again—things I don't understand), and we listened to my "Look Up" song by Taylor Olson—my "pump up" song for motivation—as we drove to Torbay. So... colour and music and it all became good. And then I laughed when the Sacrament Meeting testimonies were nearly ALL about how "No One Is Perfect" and how Heavenly Father loves each of us so much, and the simple things we can do. :) It was brilliant for my pathetically perfection-ridden mind—because at times I can't seem to get over feeling like a failure, even though I get many confirming feelings that I'm doing the things I need to be doing. #Struggles.
But after that the day continued with me feeling much better about things and with... less "perfection" on my mind. We also got to know some members better, and I've come to realise how brilliant convert members are, specifically. We had dinner this night with the CUTEST of newlywed couples. Sam is a convert of...a few years? She gave us a couple ideas of people we could visit that she used to go visit with previous sister missionaries. LOVE. And she was just so excited about the work and telling us about these people to visit. Grand things! :)
And then the Layton's. And cocoa rice. Ooooh the cocoa rice. (The "pakiha" version –supa good! Different from the traditional Samoan cocoa rice, but delish.)
Anyhoo. It's been a grand week :) I'm glad I'm still with my dear sisters, even if they do all leave me this next transfer. They're all my happiness and joy. So it's good. And, the brilliant quote that now will keep me going: "I believe happiness comes from striving for a better understanding of ourselves. Striving for perfection is the journey, not the destination in this earthly existence. It does not need to be an obsession!" —Kelli Allen-Pratt (Campbell), June 2005 Ensign
Thank you Kelli Pratt for your Confessions of a Perfectionist article! You're brilliant, and I don't think you know how grateful I am for your beautiful words about the negative effects of perfection. Happiness truly does come from understanding ourselves better, and I know I gain a little bit of knowledge each and every day about the ways the Lord blesses me. So...it's grand :) One day we'll be able to be perfect. We just have to deal with being imperfect in order to get to the perfect part.
There's a quote by Marjorie Hinckley about imperfection and perfection that I also love.
"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to Scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really LIVED!" —Marjorie Pay Hinckley
And Mum, the Cheer theme of your email this week is hilarious – 'cause it goes very well with how I've been trying to figure out what my planner "theme" for this transfer should be! You've helped me find it! So thank you :)
I loved hearing about the Memorial Day festivities :) And my cute Ashley and her birthday :) And EM! She's CRAZY! Truly no fear! Glad the little crazy didn't drown!
Life in the North Shore is good :) And I know it'll get even better. Just 'gotta have the faith' :)
I love you all, and I hope you're having a most BEAUTIFUL beginning to Summer there :) —While we start getting all freezy here. (I just want to bring my blanket with me everywhere.) HaHa.
Ofa lahi atu!
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
MIRACLE MONDAY. So the miracles began last Monday, the day I felt like I was going to kill over because I felt so ill. But during emails, we got a phone call with a lady on the other end asking, "Are you the Sister Missionaries that serve in the Little Manly area?" "Yes! Yes, we are!" (Hibiscus area.) Then she proceeded to tell us that she wanted us to visit her mum, Joan. —The funny thing, after we got the name and number and the name of the daughter giving us the information, we realised the daughter is actually an INVESTIGATOR who's been meeting with the missionaries for the last couple of years in HENDERSON (my old area, except Lincoln ward). Her name is Annette, and I've met her on trade-offs when I went with Sister Cluff when I first got to Henderson. So, that was pretty brilliant! *More to come with Annette and Joan later.*
The rest of Monday was to say the least, an adventure—getting lost around Takapuna while looking for the bus station to pick up a sister who was coming down from Whangarei—Sister Vea. She was my dear Sister Hobbs' daughter (trainee), but since she's finally received her visa, she is finally able to be sent to her actual assigned mission—first to Provo to learn Tongan, and then she'll be off to Tonga! So all the excitement for her! So I did get to be in a trio for about a day –all the fun. :)
TUESDAY morning we woke up bright and early to bring Sister Gila to her orientation ("End of Mission/Self-Reliance Orientation"), even though she isn't leaving yet, but, of course, she won't be here for the next one since her release date is in half a transfer. So they invited her to this one! (Problems with leaving mid-transfer.) So I was companions with Sister Vea for the day, and we spent time with the Sunset sisters, getting Sister Vea more organized (repacking her bags, 'cause...they were too heavy). Then we dropped her off at the mission office, and picked up Sister Gila at the mission home later that afternoon—and Sister Gila and I were once again reunited in happiness :) Haha. We had a lovely dinner that night, but then suddenly neither of us were feeling very well—struggles with us and winter starting. But we got a good sleep that night, which helped for Wednesday morning. :)
WEDNESDAY we finished personal study and were just starting into companion study when we got another call from Annette! "Hey Sisters! I'm at my mum's today. Do you have time you could come give a lesson?" "YES! Yes we do!" "Could you come over THIS morning?" Alllllll the brilliance!! We went over, mainly with the intention of just getting to know Joan at first, or so we thought—but Annette and the Lord had OTHER plans for us! 'Cause, as we left the flat - I suddenly had a thought come that, "Maybe I should grab my Plan of Salvation kit to bring." ...And that's exactly what ended up happening. We taught the Plan of Salvation, and Joan was very interested :) She would pause us frequently, asking questions about thing's she's also learned from Jehovah's Witnesses lately—things she clearly hasn't agreed with. Haha. But it was a lovely lesson, and brilliant to have Annette there with us. (Annette is basically a member, without being baptised yet.) Soon. She'll be baptised soon! So....NEW
INVESTIGATER!! :) She said she only wants to be taught when Annette is going to be there, but we worked it out with Annette and she said she would come up to the shore once a week, because she REALLY wants her mum to have this! Don't you just love it? Love. Love the Gospel and the blessings it brings :)
The remainder of the day was mostly spent helping the Prendergast's again in their endeavors to get their house in tip-top shape for the photos to be taken on Thursday in order to put it up for moving. I LOVE the CLEANING service life. It's just grand! We had a delicious dinner with them, and then a meeting with Brother Maire that night to start going over the ward list to better figure out places we could be of use :)
Oh, and yes. No transfers for Sister Gila and me :) Same area, same companionship. Some changes have been made in the zone (Elder Summers is gone...sad face), but Sister Taylor AND Rarawa are still here tooooooo! (So good and sad things there, 'cause...that means I kill THREE SISTERS THIS NEXT TRANSFER. They're ALL GOING HOME ON ME.) But it's good. They're all wonderful :)
THURSDAY we went out in the morning to see our dear Emma for a bit, and attempted seeing a few people around - but, not many exciting things happened. And then, when we got back to the flat for our lunch break we ended up staying in. 'Cause... my Sister Gila wasn't doing well :( She slept, and I decorated a planner for her, and organized a few things and whatnot.
FRIDAY—ANOTHER NEW INVESTIGATOR! One that will probably take time in learning things, as our appointment with her isn't for another week and a half. But, busy times in life for her this week. We met her a couple weeks ago, and she's keen to learn new things, so we'll see how that continues :)
And a lovely member lesson that night with our dear Sister Matla as well. We coloured the Plan of Salvation – and it was ALL the exciting. I love how many people love colouring in things here! :) (We used a Plan of Salvation drawing that I made back in Henderson when teaching Eli and Hakeian.)
SATURDAY. Well, Saturday was an interesting day.... I was suddenly in kind of a bad mood. And I felt bad for my sweet Gila. Struggles. And it really didn't help that we kept getting shot down by people we would meet – so, ya know, Satan pulls you farther down when you're already down. But it was okay. We DID meet a couple of LOVELY people on a street we had decided to tract, so hopefully we'll be able to visit them all again :)
We spent that night with some more cleaning at the Prendergast's (now that the photos are finished there's still more nitty-gritty things for the actual open-house this weekend). Crazy things selling a house! Loved it though. It was a time to de-stress, a time to ponder, and a TIME TO WEAR PANTS. :) Many things to love about it! And yes, we've heard about the Sister Clothing Changes! —Also with President Balli coming out and saying, "Nope. We won't be doing that!" Haha. All goods though ;)
SUNDAY. Lets just say it was an interesting day in the struggly mind of Sister Ottley—I honestly wonder sometime if I have some sort of depression. It's like... my head doesn't know how to fully cope sometimes, if that makes sense. I was just feeling really down. And then during personal study, I read the "Confessions of a Perfectionist" Ensign article you sent Mum and it was brilliant!! Because, I started to realize that sometimes the perfectionist side of me can, yes, be a good thing, but...at other times, noooooot so much. This was obviously one of those "not so much" times. But by the end of personal study I realized I was wearing very...DARK colours. And I wanted so desperately for my attitude to change 'cause I'm sick of the sad version of myself. So I changed into lighter colours, put on my delicious Wild Orange necklace (I seem to be fine with the metal against my skin again—things I don't understand), and we listened to my "Look Up" song by Taylor Olson—my "pump up" song for motivation—as we drove to Torbay. So... colour and music and it all became good. And then I laughed when the Sacrament Meeting testimonies were nearly ALL about how "No One Is Perfect" and how Heavenly Father loves each of us so much, and the simple things we can do. :) It was brilliant for my pathetically perfection-ridden mind—because at times I can't seem to get over feeling like a failure, even though I get many confirming feelings that I'm doing the things I need to be doing. #Struggles.
But after that the day continued with me feeling much better about things and with... less "perfection" on my mind. We also got to know some members better, and I've come to realise how brilliant convert members are, specifically. We had dinner this night with the CUTEST of newlywed couples. Sam is a convert of...a few years? She gave us a couple ideas of people we could visit that she used to go visit with previous sister missionaries. LOVE. And she was just so excited about the work and telling us about these people to visit. Grand things! :)
And then the Layton's. And cocoa rice. Ooooh the cocoa rice. (The "pakiha" version –supa good! Different from the traditional Samoan cocoa rice, but delish.)
Anyhoo. It's been a grand week :) I'm glad I'm still with my dear sisters, even if they do all leave me this next transfer. They're all my happiness and joy. So it's good. And, the brilliant quote that now will keep me going: "I believe happiness comes from striving for a better understanding of ourselves. Striving for perfection is the journey, not the destination in this earthly existence. It does not need to be an obsession!" —Kelli Allen-Pratt (Campbell), June 2005 Ensign
Thank you Kelli Pratt for your Confessions of a Perfectionist article! You're brilliant, and I don't think you know how grateful I am for your beautiful words about the negative effects of perfection. Happiness truly does come from understanding ourselves better, and I know I gain a little bit of knowledge each and every day about the ways the Lord blesses me. So...it's grand :) One day we'll be able to be perfect. We just have to deal with being imperfect in order to get to the perfect part.
There's a quote by Marjorie Hinckley about imperfection and perfection that I also love.
"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to Scout camp. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really LIVED!" —Marjorie Pay Hinckley
And Mum, the Cheer theme of your email this week is hilarious – 'cause it goes very well with how I've been trying to figure out what my planner "theme" for this transfer should be! You've helped me find it! So thank you :)
I loved hearing about the Memorial Day festivities :) And my cute Ashley and her birthday :) And EM! She's CRAZY! Truly no fear! Glad the little crazy didn't drown!
Life in the North Shore is good :) And I know it'll get even better. Just 'gotta have the faith' :)
I love you all, and I hope you're having a most BEAUTIFUL beginning to Summer there :) —While we start getting all freezy here. (I just want to bring my blanket with me everywhere.) HaHa.
Ofa lahi atu!
Sister Mckenzie Ann Ottley
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