Ups and Downs

August 21, 2017

I forgot to mention that last week we finally stopped by a member's house to see if they could open the coconuts we had in our trunk for at least a month. It was cool to see him open them up. He used a pick axe and put part of it in the ground so he could use the other side to take the husk off. Then you have the little coconut inside and then he used the hammer to crack the coconut open. And the coconut water was really good. The meat was pretty hard but still good.

Last week we were going to go bowling but it didn't open until 2 so we ended up going to Denny's to eat instead. We ran into a senior couple that joined us and it was so nice of them because they ended up paying for all like 10 of us!

We met a few times with one of our new investigators and set him with a baptism date which was really exciting. He is really quiet but he is starting to open up w little. We were sad he didn't make it to church on Sunday :(

We met with our investigator that has a date, Molly. We only had a few minutes but she asked what's going to happen at her baptism so we talked about that a little. She seems pretty excited but we had to reset her with a date because she still has to come to church and overcome some WOW issues. But she is pretty committed to making it happen which is great. 

We had interviews with President and Sister Bekker and they went really well. But Sister Bekker got on me because we are suppose to talk to 10 people each a day and that is not easy to do. We usually talk to 5 max. So we need to do better about that. We had zone conference on Friday which was great as always. We talked more about the Atonement and we talked about being spiritually energized which I though was interesting. When our physical body is done, our spirit can keep us going. I have seen this when I am tired and after I share my testimony with someone or teach them I am energized. We also talked about Christ being the gatekeeper because He wants to welcome each of us with open arms.

We were excited to see a lot of people at church because we visited a lot of people who said they were coming. But of course no one came :( except a less active family and that made me really happy to see them there!

Much Aloha,

Love,

Sister Heath

I found a gecko after district meeting and it made me really happy! :)

Sister Mousley and I after Zone Conference

Many Blessings!!

August 14, 2017

Aloha!

This week was pretty great. We were able to talk to many people and find a few new investigators!

Last P-day we went and hiked Likeke Falls again which was fun...except I was the leader and I missed the path we were supposed to go down so we had to backtrack a little..ooops! But it was good.

I turned 22 this week which was pretty awesome! I had to sing a little Taylor Swift in my head since it's not approved :). It was a good day and we got to attend a graduation party for a member in our ward. And graduation parties in Hawaii are nothing like they are at home. For one person they reserve the cultural hall in the church, decorate like crazy, and they have food and when I say food I mean as if you were at a luau! They also have photo booths, a DJ or live music, and performances! So that was fun but we didn't stay the whole time.

Sorry my letter is so short this week!

Love,

Sister Heath

 On our way to Likeke Falls

Sister Mousley and I in front of the waterfall, again,

Sister Mousley and I

Sister Mousley and I

Sister Mousley put up a cute sign for mefor my 22 Birthday and gave me a ginormous pin! (I didn't wear it though...I initially put it on my bag but then it came off so I put it in my bag and we were so busy I forgot about it!

What a fun week!

August 7, 2017

Aloha!

Last week we went to Waihee falls and it was pretty hard but the waterfall was really cool! We saw mountain apples on the way up and the little leaf type plants on the way down that you touch and they close up.

We were kind of rushing around to try and get everything done before Sister Tailleur leaves especially visiting members in the ward. We also got shave ice that was really good.

We had a special treat from Sister Makua and Sampaio...they took us to Haleiwa Joe's. The view was beautiful of the mountain. The food was really good and we had a great time. I had coconut shrimp and Sister Tailleur got swordfish which was really good...I'm getting that if I ever go again. We had some other good food and dessert of course. Macadamia Nut Ice cream with caramel sauce and fruit as well as a chocolate cake with ice cream. It was a great way to spend out last night together. After dinner we visited a bunch of families and Sister Tailleur said her goodbyes.

Tuesday we drove to the Tabernacle for exchanges and I was able to get us there without a GPS...blessings. I was able to see a few other missionaries including Elder Hoke from my YSA branch at home and my MTC companion Sister Bowen. They are both doing awesome. I met my companion Sister Mousley. She is sweet and cute with wavy hair from Kingman, Arizona. She's been out on her mission 6 months and has been in Pearl City the whole time.

We came back did studies and went to lunch. I took Sister Mousley to MJ Cafe to introduce her to acai bowls and she liked them.

One of the boys in our ward had a birthday on Wednesday. His parents asked who he wanted over for dinner and he said the Sister Missionaries! (I think he just turned 10) I thought that was the sweetest thing ever! So we went to their house for dinner and it was fun and really good. They made shrimp scampi and pasta. We had a good time. And Sister Meyer's son and girlfriend were there(less-active and nonmember) so I thought that was awesome too. We had chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert and we sang to Miciah. It was great.

We were able to meet with Molly our investigator that wants to be baptized. She has been really busy with family and her Yard sale but now things are back to normal. She made us lunch and cookies...it was awesome. Sister AhNee came with us and it went pretty well. Our conversation was kind of all over the place but only because Molly asks lots of questions. But we were able to touch on most of the plan of salvation. She is really trying to understand which is so great. We are trying to help her understand the importance of keeping the sabbath day holy so we can get her to church because she works at the swap meet on Sunday and that's how she earns her money. So we discussed that and she said maybe she could leave early...I figured that was better than saying no. And this week she said she isn't going to the swap meet on Sunday because of plans she has with her friend Saturday night so I got really excited. Sister AhNee invited her to come to church and give her a ride! But sadly she wasn't there yesterday :( I don't know what happened...

We had a really fun Stake Relief Society Activity that we helped out with on Saturday morning. The theme was something about being Anchored in Christ. Some of us Sisters were asked to be like stewardesses to lead the different groups around to the different classes they had. So we had scarves wrapped with anchors. We had breakfast and the classes were really great. We also had snacks and lunch. Everything was cruise themed so it was really cute. Janice Ahuna taught one of the classes so it was really fun to see her! (My grandma's cousin) 

Saturday night we had the Book of Mormon fireside. It was really great but not very many people showed up...I was so sad! It was mostly members... But the testimonies and musical numbers brought the spirit so string in addition to the testimonies of the Apostles in the videos that were shown.

This week was a little hard adjusting to being the one in charge of the area but I think it will get better. Sister Mousley and I get along really great. She is pretty easy going.

I know that when we share our testimonies with others our own can be strengthened. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that the only way to know that is if we study it, ponder it, and sincerely ask if it is true. And I can promise that no matter how many times you have asked you will receive an answer because that is how the spirit works. I've seen the blessings that come from truly studying the Book of Mormon and thinking about what you read and applying them to your life. I have learned so much through improving my study...The Book of Mormon is wonderful. I encourage you to study it every day, I know it will bring many blessings!

Love,
Sister Heath

On our way up to Waihee falls

Sister Tailleur and I at Waihee Falls

So stoked to be eating at Haliewa Joes

Sister Makua, Me, Sister Tailleur, and Sister Sampaio at Haleiwa Joes with our yummy food!

Yummy Shave Ice from Rainbow Crack Seed

Sister Tailleur and I for the last time :(

My New Companion!! Sister Mousley and I in beautiful Kaneohe

We were walking....forever walking!

July 31, 2017

So this last week we went to Lanikai Pillbox again with the Elders...it was nice weather, not hot and windy like the last time. But once again the Elders just kind of left us in the dust on the way up and the way down. We also were able to go to Boots and Kimo which is a really popular restaurant. They are famous for their pancakes with Macadamia Nut sauce. So we got banana panckes with the sauce and an omelet because Sister Tailleur said the omelets are good too. And she wasn't lying...it was really good. I don't think I've ever eaten something so fast...haha oops! We also went to Lanikai Juice and got a Pitaya bowl which was super good!

This week has been interesting as I mentioned we are running low on miles so we are walking more. And this was probably the work week to walk...this week has been the most humid and hot this summer! But we made it through and our love for our car has continually grown...haha

This week we weren't able to meet too many people sadly but one gentleman was outside in his yard with two puppies so we started talking to him. It sounded like where he was living the family actually took him in and he helps with their child that needs constant medical attention. He was really kind. It was interesting because he didn't know much about religion and at first and he didn't seem to know about God. So that was kind of a first for me but we were able to share that there is a God and He is our loving Heavenly Father. We invited him to church and the fireside we are having this week about the Book of Mormon. We were able to pray with him as well.

Another lady that was a former investigator we called a few months ago to see if she wanted to meet with us. But she was just heading out on a vacation so she said she would call us when she got back but she never did. We called her and she was super nice. We were able to set up an appointment so that was a blessing. So we will see how that goes this week.

We were also able to help with the house again and we were there for several hours this time. It flew by...the family is so nice as well as the other workers. And a lot of the floor was put in which was cool to see. Everything in the kitchen was gone as well except for the hood that goes over the stove and that was a hazard. There were many close calls. Sis. Tailleur and I both hit once...haha

This week is transfers and I am staying and Sister Tailleur is leaving to serve at Pearl Harbor hickam. We drive to the tabernacle tomorrow to meet our new companions. I'm a little nervous to take over the area because I don't want to screw things up. But things will work out.

We spoke in Church because here every 5th Sunday is Missionary Sunday so we spoke on member missionary work. It went really well and I hope the members can now see how important they are to this work. We also sang Aloha Oe to Sister Tailleur which was sad and everyone came and said their goodbyes.

I know this gospel is such a blessing when we follow the counsel we are given and as we share it with others. And I know that the only way the work can progress as much as it needs to if we have the help of others. We need members to help us find people to teach and help fellowship. We can't do the work on our own. Those that are brought in by members are way more likely to stay active in the church because they have constant support. 

Love,

Sister Heath

At the top of Lanikai with Sister Tailleur

Boots and Kimo

 Lanikai Juice with our Pitaya Bowl

some of the beautiful green area we serve in

Pray, Act in Faith, and Miracles Will Happen

July 18, 2017

Sorry I forgot to let you know last week that P-day was going to be on Tuesday because of our temple trip.

Last week we hiked Likeke Falls again but this time we took a different path to see where it led. After some really steep hiking we made it to the freeway! Woohoo! We were so bummed that we hiked all that way just to get to the road...haha But now we know and there is one more path that we can try out. We talked to some members and they said it goes to the back of the waterfall.

Later in the day we played chair soccer with other Elders and Sisters. It was really fun and guess who won? That's right I did! But we did have a fatality...the dvd player we were using for music got pelted in the face (the screen) and no longer works :(

We had an appointment with Ron last week and Sis. Wright was able to come interpret (ASL). She is amazing and we were able to communicate and teach a lot more effectively. Sadly our lesson was interrupted by a phone call so we had to stop where we were at to pick up the next visit. We went back a few days later with a lady named Sister Parker who is also wonderful. It is interesting teaching someone about the gospel and reading the scriptures with them because the vocabulary is so different. And its completely new to Ron. But Sister Parker did a great job of explaining. We were able to find out more about his story too. Apparently he went deaf after Hawaii was bombed! So sad! He is such a wonderful person though.

We went on exchanges this week and it was really great! Sister Sorenson and I were companions. I was a little nervous to take over the area for the day but it went pretty well...it just took me forever to plan who we were going to see...I usually get help from Sis. T. because she pretty much has the area memorized! But it was a great day. 

We started off with an appointment with an investigator in the morning. Our relief society president was able to come with us and it was amazing. She could have taught by herself. She talked about gospel topics and asked our investigator Molly many thought provoking questions. She shared that she doesn't know what her purpose is and how she is not sure about baptism because she doesn't really know what it is. So we taught about faith, repentance, baptism, the holy ghost, and enduring to the end. When she learned about the symbolism about baptism and the gift of the holy ghost she was like wow that's really interesting! The spirit was so strong and we committed her to baptism on August 26th!!! (It was crazy because I was telling Sister Sorenson earlier that Molly brought up in the last lesson how she wasn't ready to be baptized because she isn't ready to quit smoking) Miracles do happen. She also shared during the lesson that she has cut down from 2 packs a day to 1/2 pack a day which I think is huge. But anyway that was the highlight of the week!

On Saturday we were able to go to the Visitor's Center with our investigators Nichelle and Tyler. It was a really good experience. We saw the video about God's Plan for His Children and then we watched the new Joseph Smith videos (Days of Harmony and Eternity) They are so good. Afterward we walked around the temple and talked about the videos because we were freezing inside. Tyler shared how he felt something which was really awesome. I love going to the visitors center with investigators...the spirit is so strong. It was a great visit.

On Sunday a less active family came which was awesome as well as a brother we have invited to church that hasn't been for like 40 years. It was a great sacrament meeting...and there were a ton of members too. The benches were pretty much full for once!

Thanks for all the love, support, and prayers!

I know that Christ is our Savior and He suffered for every single one of us. He not only suffered for our sins so we could return to live with Heavenly Father. But He suffered for every sorrow, every pain, and every affliction we would ever go through in this life. He did this so we don't have to suffer, He is always there for us no matter what. I know He loves each of us and knows us perfectly. If we turn to Him always I can guarantee more happiness and peace than you have experienced before. I know this because as I strive to become more like Christ everyday and I use the Atonement, repent, and rely on Him for everything I've been able to experience more happiness and peace than ever before. 

Love,

Sister Heath

On our hike...in a nature made shelter

With one of the members from our ward that we visit weekly...she is so wonderful and always gives us food

with Nichelle and Tyler at the temple

Grateful for the wonderful people that surround me

July 10, 2017

Since I didn't say it last week... Happy 4th of July!

Last week for P-day I played volleyball with the Elders and some members while Sister Tailleur watched...she didn't want to get killed..haha It was pretty fun.

We had dinner that night with some members at Denny's and we got breakfast. I had Cinnabon pancakes and they were so good and we had a banana split for dessert. It was great!

Later Sister Tailleur felt like we needed to visit a less active family I didn't really want to but we did anyway. It is a man that is in his 50s or 60s and he lives with his Dad. Come to find out that the Dad had been admitted to the hospital because he swallowed a toothpick while sleeping. Luckily he is okay. But I'm glad Sister Tailleur is in tune with the spirit. I don't know what was wrong with me! I was definitely humbled!

 On Tuesday Sister Tailleur and I were feeling patriotic so we were singing great songs and we wore red, white, and blue. After district meeting we headed to our ward picnic in Waimanalo. It's called Sherwood Forest. I think that's the closest we will ever come to the beach. It was really fun to eat food and talk with the members near the beach. Then we headed home and tried to talk to people but there wasn't much time from travelling because then we had to head to Kailua for dinner. We got permission to have dinner as a zone at the Burnsides (the senior couple serving here who are also leaving in 2 days...but they are coming back in a month to serve 6 more months!) It was really fun to be with the whole zone. We had some patriotic trivia and we could see the airshow going on in the distance which was cool. We also played the game where each person writes a name on a paper. All the names are put together and read aloud. Then you just have to guess what each person's name. If you guess it right, they become part of your team. It was pretty fun!

Then we had to head home because we were supposed to be in by dark. We were able to see the sky light up from the firework show in Kailua but we couldn't see any fireworks. And sadly there wasn't like anything in Kaneohe. But since we couldn't proselyte it was nice to just have some down time.

We were able to meet a really kind man last week. We got a referral to go to this house because he chatted online or something but when we went there it ended up being someone else. But he was really nice. He's 80 years old and has his own little shop where he makes Ukuleles. It was interesting to communicate though because he is deaf. Sister Tailleur knew a little sign language but I know nothing. But luckily he would speak while signing so I could understand a little.

We also had Zone Conference in Laie which was great as always! The emphasis was on the Book of Mormon and the power it can bring to our life which I strongly believe. President Bekker also showed videos of Moroni traveling through the wilderness on his own and then burying the plates. He also shared a video of Joseph Smith's first vision that's suppose to be the most realistic. The part where darkness/satan's influence came over him was intense. But then Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ came and how glorious it was. We talked a little bit about how dark times and challenges come before miracles. So when we are going through hard things we can be excited about what's going to come next.

We also attended the baptism of the Skoneki family and it was really great. The Dad baptized the mom and the daughter and the two sons. Such a cool experience especially since I knew them a little from one lesson I taught with Sister Ogawa during exchanges.

I know this gospel is true and will bless our life if we live it!

Love,

Sister Heath

Driving Back from Zone Conference

Matching at Zone Conference

The Week of Community Service

July 3, 2017

Aloha!

This past P-Day we were able to convince the Elders to go on a hike with us. We went to the Kaneohe Pillbox. It was actually really steep and there was very little breeze so it was very hot. But it was great except the Elders think they are too good for us so we got left behind. The view was beautiful. 

We were able to clean the U.S.S. Missouri again which was fun. I was with Sister Cannon and we were singing disney songs as we were sweeping and mopping. It was a zone activity so it was fun to see everyone and we were able to go to Wend's for lunch with a few of them.

We also went to the community garden and helped with a lady's plot that had been neglected for a long time so it was a lot of work but it was cool to see the transformation. I found a lot of interesting bugs, more huge spiders, some huge centipedes (a few of them I killed...a few of them Elder Taka (from Tonga) played with after taking the stingers out), and some new geckos I've never seen (they were super cool).

We also did a service project for a member in another ward with quite a bit of land. A lot of his trees were being taken over by the vines so we got rid of them and man was that hard work! The vines are wrapped on tight! Luckily the Elders were there and they loved using the Machetes! We also had a golf cart to take the vines to a specific location on the property. It was really beautiful and they had a big grass area. We had a good time but it was tiring.

I saw my old boss from Pounders in Laie which was super crazy! I also saw one of my co-workers at the bus stop when I was driving.

We were able to try something new this week. We drive to visit people but a lot of times no one is home so we get back in the car and drive somewhere else. But our zone leader had the idea of trying to talk to someone before getting back in the car and it worked pretty well. We were actually able to find a new investigator because of it! It was a neighbor to a recent convert we visit a lot. She said she usually ignores people when she doesn't want to talk to them. But she said she had a good feeling about us (I was like woohoo) so we talked with her and shared a little. We asked if we could come back and talk to her more about the gospel while showing her the restoration pamphlet. She said sure and asked if we had an extra one so she could look at it before we came to visit...we were like of course! So we set up an appointment to come back. 

We were also blessed with 3 referrals this week which was awesome! One of them we were able to meet and she was really outgoing and awesome (the zone leaders actually set an appointment with her). It was funny though because she thought we were Jehovah's Witness. But she ordered a Bible and supposedly a Book of Mormon so we brought her both. And we talked about the Book of Mormon and Christ's church being restored and she was really intrigued. We were able to set up a return appointment. We contacted one of the referrals but it wasn't the right address. But we met this super cool guy named Ron. He is deaf so we couldn't communicate super well but luckily Sister Tailleur knew a little sign language and he could speak so I could understand some things. But he said the guy we were looking for lives in Kahuku, not in Kaneohe anymore. But he is awesome because he has his own Ukulele shop. He makes Kamaka Ukuleles and repairs them. And let me tell ya, Kamaka is not a cheap brand! We felt bad because we were late for dinner though. My first time eating at a Mexican Restaurant here. I wasn't really in the mood but I got fried ice cream for dessert and it was great!

On Sunday, one of the less active families we visit every week and never comes to church showed up while we were singing How Great Thou Art. Sister Tailleur and I got a little emotional. It really was great! Sadly they left right after sacrament but it was great that they came. And their oldest son who is like 17 helped pass the sacrament. It was great! Testimony meeting was really spiritual. A lot of people said they felt like they needed to get up even people who were just visiting. They spoke on the spirit and I felt like it was for one of our investigators. A few sweet boys bore their testimony and got really emotional. One of them invited his friend to church and was so happy and felt the spirit really strong...he made me cry! There has also been a lot of loss in our ward but some very strong testimonies were shared about the plan of salvation. It was so good.

The other couple that we teach comes for 2 hours but never all 3 but guess what?! They stayed all 3! Such a great day! 

We had dinner that night with a family from the Mainland. The husband served his mission in Mississippi so he made us a nice stew and it was great for a change. They have a really cool condo too that reminds me of Spain.

I know this gospel is true and I'm so grateful to be sharing it with others!

Aloha,

Sister Heath

Pictures: Kaneohe Pillbox, U.S.S. Missouri, Plot before pic, Plot before pic, Plot after pic, fried ice cream with Sis. Louis, Kaneohe Pillbox