Service is the best way to show aloha

June 26, 2018

 trying to learn the song with Brother Tufaga

Only in Wiamanalu!

working on other arrangements (Sister Recca in the back) 

 arrangement made by Brother Recca

Sister Char by the casket arrangement she put together, Brother Recca, and us)

 companion unity

USS Missouri

ship sailing out

So last week for p-day Sister Nichalson wanted to stop by Goodwill again so of course we both had way too much fun and bought things we probably didn't really need... But we had a great time!

We had an interesting visit with our Waimanalo ward mission leader this week. We went to go see one of our recent converts (a week before we arrived who we taught one after baptism lesson). His name is Kea. He hasn't been coming to church. We asked him when we could come back to teach his after baptism lessons. He didn't know what that was and said he thought he was done... He said we could come back anytime. We asked if he had time right then and he said yes. But he didn't really want to have a lesson. So we asked him to pray. He didn't want to. After pushing a little he said he would pray to not have to pray. Then he said he would pray that we wouldn't come back! So sad! We aren't sure what happened but we hope he will come back!

We were able to do service at Pearl Harbor on Wednesday. We swept some areas where they had scaffolding and debris from painting. While we were cleaning up we were able to see a ship coming in and a ship leaving the harbor which was really cool. It was fun to spend some time with our zone.

That night we had dinner at our Olomana ward mission leader's home, Brother Recca. They were preparing funeral arrangements for an uncle that passed away in the ward with other people from the ward. So we were able to help with that. I really enjoyed it!

We had a lesson with an investigator who was interested about a year ago in family history but not so much in the gospel. His name is Kimo. He loves to talk but we were able to have a lesson and commit him to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it even though he was hesitant because he has his doubts. He also went to another ward for church with a friend which was awesome! 

Saturday we went to visit a member, Brother Tufaga and his son. Brother Tufaga got his ukulele out and played some good songs. He played O Lord My Redeemer so I tried to learn it...at least a little 

Later on we were able to go to another member's house to help her clean and organize. We had a good time. It is so satisfying cleaning, organizing, and serving 

That's about it!

Aloha,

Sister Heath

Member missionaries=successful missionary work

June 18, 2018

Last week Tuesday we were able to stop by one of our investigators that gets home pretty late at night. We weren't able to see her the week before. But she came out tonight (there is a gate so all we can do is yell). We talked for a while about all her animals and whatnot. Then we planned to share a video with her and asked if we could share it. She didn't really say anything so I pulled it up. We watched Because of Him.She said it made her sad to see what Christ had to go through. But we explained how that video brings hope and peace because we can always start again. We invited her to come to church and she said she might. It is a miracle when we find someone that doesn't work on Sunday! She said we can come back this week to teach more!

Wednesday we were finally able to see Sari and Kevin. Sari is a returning LA member and Kevin is an investigator. We havent been able to see them in probably a month. We were able to bring our ward mission leader and his son in law for fellowship. It was so great. We didnt realize they already knew each other really well! They have been coming to church for a while bit have been through a lot. 

Our new investigator cancelled on us so that was sad but hopefully we can see her this week!

On Friday we had an appointment with the lady we met earlier in the week that we talked to briefly. We brought a member of the bishopric. It was really great to have him there. He was able to relate to Chaniel. It was a little awkward because we found out she was just baptized last year with her husband in 7th day Adventist after several years. But she is super nice and her step son is a member living in Utah. We explained the Book of Mormon and gave it to her to read. So we will see what happens! They are such a sweet family and have been through a lot but have such strong faith in the Lord! 

Saturday was service day. We helped clean the chapel. Then we helped a member decorate for the fourth of July. She goes all out for every season in decorations. She had some palms trees in her front yard that when decorated look like fireworks to we put a string of lights on each one. There are about 8. Then we went to a LA members house and helped clean her house. She has been really busy with work and hasn't been able to clean like she wants to. It was fun too because she had some friends over who had a dog having puppies. So exciting and cute!

Yesterday I was surprised that we didn't have a program for Fathers but I think it's because we have little to no primary... We had some great speakers though!

 

We were also excited to see the family of a returning less active join her for church. It was her husband and 2 son's. We were able to teach gospel principles with them sitting in. We decided to teach the Plan of Salvation. It was really special when the father talked about this being his first time in church in 15 years! He bore his testimony of the Plan to his 2 young men. The spirit was really strong. Such a special moment. We are excited for them!

That's about all folks!

Aloha! 

Sister Heath

Zone conference with the Kaneohe zone

I did my hair and then felt like I looked like Sailor Moon...what do you think?

With Lehua, the sweetest 5 yr old that loves us, Jesus, and praying

Finally figuring things out

June 12, 2018

Aloha! Sorry for missing last week! We got carried away shopping at Salvation Army! 

That night we had another lesson with Uncle Lawrence and I had a cool experience. I was prompted by the spirit to promise him as servants of the Lord that if he was accept a baptism date that his health will improve. I just thought that was special. He still didn't want to commit but we will keep working on it.

Wednesday we had interviews with President and his wife. It was really great but Sister Nichalson and I were kind of struggling. I got really good advice from them. But the best thing was getting a priesthood blessing from President. I felt the spirit so strong and I knew that it was directly from Heavenly Father. After that all my stress was gone and I felt great. I am so grateful for the priesthood!

We had a fun relief society activity that night where we made easy meals. We made Chicken Pot Pies, microwave lap chong(I think), and Apple turnovers. It turned out good. We just used puff pastry dough for the pies. It was with both wards so it was fun to be with them. I tried to make my turnover look like a dog but didn't think about it puffing up when it baked so I couldn't find it actually!

Thursday we went on exchanges. Sister Downs came with me to my area. We had a great day. We went to go see someone in our ward list but he moved. The lady there was really nice and she invited us in. So we had a good conversation and taught the first lesson! We were able to set a time to come back. It was great when her family got home she was like these are my new friends! She shared how she has been to Jerusalem and how spiritual it was to be where Christ was. Amazing.

We went to go visit another LA member later that day and met her boyfriend. We talked to him and he is really nice. We shared a little and I felt prompted to share about repentance and becoming clean only through the Atonement. Then Sister Downs invites him to be baptized(I was like okay, ya go sister! But expecting him to reject it) and he said its funny that you say thay because I was just talking to my mom about being baptized. So we talked about it but like most locals doesnr want to set a date. So we gave him some pamphlets to read and set up a time to go back.

So Sister Downs and I prayed together in the morning and said that we were going for 2 new investigators and that's what we got! One in Waimanalo and one in Olomana even!

Friday was Zone conference. It was really good. We talked about the good samaritan and thought about the people that we might pass by that we could be helping. One of the Elders performed a musical number. He sang and played Israel, Israel God is Calling on the Mandolin. It was really cool and he has a super low voice! We had training in our zone about prayer and how we can improve our prayers. We also talked about 5 p's: Plan(ponder what you will say), Private, Prostrate(kneel), Persistent(never cease), and Patience(receiving answers).

Saturday we were invited to a birthday party that was at a beach park. It was funny because we felt like we were late but they weren't even close to finishing the food. So we actually ended up going back after dinner to try some rainbow cake (lime, guava, mango). It was a beautiful day!

Yesterday we were able to help one if our members with a farm. It was great to do some service because people rarely take us up on our offer. We weeded, watered, fed, and re-potted some strawberry runners.

Later when we were out visiting people we saw this lady watering her yard. We introduced ourselves and asked if she would like us to share a message. I was expecting a rejection but she said yes! So we are going back on Friday!

Today we were able to attend the temple and it was wonderful! I felt the spirit so strong. I was filled with peace and joy. I am so grateful for temples!

Well that's about it! 

Aloha,

Sister Heath

Massive papaya from our landlord, outside the temple with Sister Nichalson 

Massive papaya from our landlord

outside the temple with Sister Nichalson