Nature is Great!

July 23, 2018

Last week we were able to go hiking as a district so that was fun!

That night we had a lesson with Uncle Lawrence and Brother Recca was able to come and they talked story just about the entire time so it felt like Sister Lavaka and I were eavesdropping. I think it was good to have that connection though. We just ended up sharing a quick scripture. 

We had Zone Conference on Friday which was wonderful and motivating! 

That night we had a lesson with George and Elise. We were able to bring a sister with us from the ward. She ended up talking with Elise for a while and then George came home. Our member is a teacher which we didn't know so she analyzed Elise and what kind of learner she was and gave her some advice. She also shared her experiences about the Plan of Salvation and whatnot. It was cool because she lives right across the street too. 

Sunday we were able to have another lesson with Janelle who is the wife of a returning LA. She has many questions that are being answered so we hope she will continue to progress. 

Other than that we prayed and fasted for help so that we can find people to teach and get the work going!

Aloha,

Sister Heath 

  

Likeke Falls

Likeke Falls hike

 Caught a gecko to get out of the house

you'd think I starve my companion bit I don't...,

 spikey caterpillar

Slooow Week

July 16, 2018

This week we didn't have very many appointments and no one seemed to be home when we stopped by and were walking around...so it was a little slow and pretty warm outside!

But we were able to do some more training to help Sister Lavaka get more comfortable talking to people. 

We were able to talk to one guy as we were walking at night. He is actually someone I met with Sister Nichalson and we tried to go back because the missionaries used to meet with him and his girlfriend before. But his girlfriend moved out and he wasn't there when we went for the appointment and a few other times we stopped by. Anyway, he asked us to come by because his girlfriend is back and he saw a difference in her when she was meeting with the missionaries. So that was really awesome. We were able to go over the next night and have a really good lesson with both of them. They just seemed to need a reminder. They both have had spiritual experiences in their life. So we are excited to see what happens with them.

Other than that nothing too exciting happened this week...

I know that this gospel is true and that it truly blesses us individually and our families. When we live it we experience peace and joy personally and in our homes. What a blessing it is to be a part of this gospel and to share it with others!

Aloha! 

Trying to find some people to talk to!

The Thing That Will Be of Most Worth Unto You Will Be To Declare Repentance Unto This People~D&C 15&16

July 9, 2018

On Tuesday I was able to meet my new companion Sister Lavaka. She is from Kihei, Maui. She is Tongan and super awesome! I was a little stressed out the first day trying to do everything perfectly right but things got better. 

We visited an investigator that I have gone on a walk with before with his dog and Sister Nichalson. We just talked a little bit. This time he was washing his car but was willing to talk to us. He said he had a question he's been wanting to ask. He wanted to know what Joseph Smith had to do with our church. So we taught the Restoration really quickly. He was interested but when we asked if we could come back he didn't want to commit. He feels like he isn't ready even though he likes learning about other religions...but he did ask if you can buy the Book of Mormon online. We told him he could have the one we had. We read the invitation with him to read, ponder, and pray about the book. So we hope he does that and feels the spirit.

Saturday was an eventful day. In the morning we visited Uncle Gideon who we see once a month. He is very slowly coming back to church. He never went or listened when he was young so we are trying to teach him but he has a very hard time paying attention. He is so funny to talk to because of his strong personality.

We also visited with Brother Richards who is less active and he is really funny too. We read the Book of Mormon with him and explained it as we went because he has a hard time understanding. He won't come back to church yet but we hope to help him start reading more.

Across the street is Kimo who is another investigator we have been working with...he wasn't there for our appointment on Thursday so we decided to stop by. We were able to sit down and talk for a little while but he wasn't feeling well. He had a cough and he loves to laugh so it wasn't a good combination. He was really sweet about it though. We read a scripture and invited him to keep trying to read and to pray. 

Then we headed to the Waimanalo ward dinner in honor if Father's and Mother's day. I expected it to be something small, but it was a big event and a lot of people came. It was from 6-9 and we showed up at 7. Everyone was telling us to hurry and grab food before it was gone. So we were able to get some food and enjoy live music from our talented members. There was also a presentation for two of our oldest members(I think). Auntie Momi who is 92 and still plays music at Dukes in Waikiki. And Brother Kaio who is 85 and has always been hard working.

Sunday Sister Lavaka was asked to speak in Olomana at 1. But when we got to Waimanalo ward we were on the program. I completely forgot that we were asked to speak. Luckily we had some time to put our thoughts together. Sister Lavaka went first and she did so good. She was such a natural! She introduced herself and read the quote on the front of the program which was Our Missionary Commission. I just shared some thoughts from my recent studies about being encircled in the arms of safety through Christ (Alma 34-14-16) and how declaring repentance is the thing that will be of the most worth in this life (D&C 15-16).

In Olomana it was really great because Uncle Gideon came. (The day before he said his wife has been bugging him so much about church that he would come. He apparently wasn't in the mood for a lesson so he said he would come early to church and we could share something with him). So we shared briefly about prophets. I'm not sure if he learned anything because we were just in the back of the chapel. But I guess it's better than nothing. Everyone was surprised by what we've done because of his strong personality but since we are sisters he feels the need to be kind to us. 

There was a couple that has started coming to church. The husband is a less active member and the wife isn't a member. So we ended up teaching the wife during 3rd hour. We were able to get to know her more. She had a rough upbringing but is such a good person. She had questions about the gold plates so we were able to teach the Restoration. We also talked about the spirit and she was glad to know what the feelings were that she has experienced. We invited her to study the restoration pamphlet and we could answer any questions next week. They live out of our area but will keep coming to church. So that was really exciting. Uncle Gideon and this couple were both brought in by one of our members who used to be bishop. The best and most effective missionary work is through the members.

Well that's about it!

Aloha,

Sister Heath

 

 I inherited picking up pennies from Sister Kwak and decided to cash them in...Picking up a penny a day pays off! 

Sister Lavaka my new companion

Transfer meeting saying bye to Sister Nichalson

 Sister Lavaka and I with our white ginger flowers that Brother Richards gave us

Adventures and More to come!

July 2, 2018

Last week Monday we were able to go on a Jungle Expedition at Kualoa Ranch thanks to one of our members in Olomana that works there! We went with 2 other companionships of sisters. We had such a great time! We were able to see where some sets from movies were filmed, see some great sights, and enjoy ourselves!

We live with a sister that is going home. Last week was her last district meeting so we wanted to do something special. She didn't want a cake but we knew she liked avocados so we made her an avocado lei as well as a sign. We sang Aloha Oe to her after district meeting and she was surprised and loved it!

After that we helped film a video for the sisters to post because they posted daily about the 13 articles of faith. So if you look on facebook I'm sure you will find how it turned out.

Thursday we went to see one of our investigators but he wasn't home but we were able to talk to a friend that was visiting. We found out he was a member and that he is a Robinson! They are very well known in Hawaii because they own A LOT of land. They own the island of Niihau and they have given a lot of property to the church. I found out that he used to live in Kennewick too and he wants to move back. He only came to help his family in Kahala. So that was neat, I was a little star struck.

Later we were actually able to go back and meet with our investigator Randy. He wanted to know what prophecies Joseph Smith had but wanted someone that wasn't biased so he ended up searching it on google and reading what wikipedia had to say. All that I heard him read seemed correct so that was good. It was funny sitting there. But I was glad we could motivate him to search. We had him download the Gospel Library app where he can read the Book of Mormon since he is on his phone a lot and so we can search other things. So we hope that will help him!

It was a good Thursday because we were able to talk to 20 people which we are supposed to strive to do every day but some days is a lot more difficult than others and it was our first time actually doing it! It helped us be motivated to talk to everyone we saw about the gospel! We were able to meet a few people at the end of the day that said we could come back so we will see what happens with that!

Friday was Car Fast Friday for the mission so no one used their cars. We had to go the the mission office so we decided to ride the bus. I've done it before while I was at school but it was Sister Nichalson's first time. We did a lot of walking but it was good exercise. We weren't able to see many people because of traveling and studies but it was an experience for sure! We are definitely more grateful for where we are serving and have more empathy for those who serve in humid places and have to walk all say everyday!

Saturday we decided to use the bus again because we have a mileage limit and were at it and decided one more day wouldn't hurt. But man it did my calves were so tight from the day before but it was great exercise!

We were able to have a lesson with Kimo and try to help solve his concerns with the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. We were able to set a specific time to come back which we hadn't done yet so that was good. We hope to see some progress with him.

Olomana ward had a beach activity in honor of Father's Day. So we went to have lunch. It was fun to see everyone and the food was really good. It was pretty funny as we were leaving to the bus stop right after a member just asked us if we needed a ride. We were almost there and the bus passed by! 3 minutes earlier than expected. So one of our members gave us a ride which we were very grateful for.

That night we ended up finding out that an activity I had been invited to was happening in Kaneohe. We would have been late riding the bus so we ended up driving. It was the Ahuna's performing Polynesian dances which they do every year and traveling. They are going to Taiwan and everyone met up in Hawaii so we were able to get a preview. It was so fun. It was all the granddkids dancing. They even had them do fireknife dancing! I had a blast and was able to see another relative from my grandma's side and her husband who is the presiding bishop, Bishop Davies.

That night we got our exciting transfer news, well actually we knew most of it earlier in the day because I was asked to be a trainer! And Sister Nichalson go the hint from president that she is going to Maui. So we found out that she is going to Makawao and I will be staying and training! It's fun because the other sister in our pad will be training too!

Sunday Sister Nichalson said her goodbyes and one of her investigators that I taught a few times who moved to Kailua was baptized so that was really great. A lot of our ward was there to support and it was great to see the support from Kailua even though they don't really know her. Her name is Abcde. She is 10 years old and has such great knowledge of the gospel. She actually asked the sisters to teach her!

Aloha, 

Sister Heath

view on the tour

do you recognize this? I was so excited! (At Kualoa Ranch. Hint: Jurassic World)

 the sign and lei for Sister Downs

Thursday we went to the farmers market in Kailua for dinner and a member gave us Ahi chip things (I ate it AND liked it)

Car fast Friday (end of the month when we don't have any money but Sister Nichalson has a bunch of change!), 

Kualoa Ranch

 free yogurt on Thursday too! (Taro+coconut And papaya)

 Abcde's baptism

Getting attacked by a T-Rexadventures

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