Miracle May!

Monday, May 29th, 2017

Happy Memorial Day!

Well this was probably the best week yet!

We started P-day off with a nice hike to a waterfall which was great.

At waterfall with Sister Cannon...and I'm wearing my Chacos!

Then after emailing home we got a text from a previous investigator who was referred to Honolulu because he moved there. But his girlfriend is here in Kaneohe so he comes to church with her here. Anyway, he texted us and said "I was wondering if I could be baptized on Saturday". Sister Tallieur and I were freaking out! We were so excited! Before doing anything though we needed to get permission from the Zone leaders. So we went to the store while we waited. We ran into some members there and ended up being behind them in line and they were so nice and bought our groceries for us! (They are the best...they let us use to their devices for Mothers Day and are letting us use their devices to email today! ) Eventually we got permission and we were so excited that we could do it. So we did everything we needed to in order to prepare for the baptism.

We got money from a member for dinner so we went to Quiznos. Next door was a frozen yogurt place and I wanted to at least look. As we were standing outside the entrance I heard "Hi sisters!" So we turn and around and see a nice lady next to her van with her kids just getting inside with their frozen yogurt. She comes and talks to us. I thought it was  someone that Sister Tallieur knew because she was really happy to see us. But it turns out she goes to church in Kailua and has the Elders. She said she wishes they could have sisters because she loves them and she offered to pay for ours. I was like are you sure? We have money... but she insisted so we went and got some. She was the sweetest lady  ever! I got coconut and pineapple...it was so good!

We also went to the car wash and had our car cleaned and vacuumed it was great...(I know...the things that missionaries get excited about :))

We had dinner at a members house with an amazing view of the ocean, beach, and sailboats. It was so beautiful. They fed us a pretty healthy meal which was nice for a change.

This week we had interviews with the President which was good and we had Zone conference. Even though we had to be ready to leave by 6:15 I still had a great time at Zone conference. It was really weird driving up to Laie...it was like I never left! Anyway, the speakers were great as well as the testimonies. I was the first one to give my greenie testimony and it went well. We also sang Aloha Oe for an Elder that was leaving. Then we took our lunch to go because we had to be back for an appointment with an investigator. We ended up being a little late and then she wasn't even home! 

Later that day we had another first appointment with an investigator and he was very interesting. At first he told us that he thought we were Jehovahs Witness when he scheduled the appointment...haha. But he uses an interesting simplified version of the Bible and is pretty set in his beliefs of nothing being added to the Bible in addition to other things. So the meeting was a little rough because we were teaching and he would bring up unrelated questions. And he wanted proof from the Bible. So that was a challenge and not to mention it lasted for longer than an hour.

The next morning we were super excited for another first time meeting with a family. As we were driving up they were leaving...they said they forgot to text us and they would have to reschedule. So that was sad.

But later we were able to go to the chapel for Kainoa's baptism(he is in his late 30s). I felt all the emotions and I wasn't even the one being baptized! The spirit was so strong throughout the meeting it was amazing. 

Then we had some members offer to take us to dinner so we went to this place called Ichiriki. It was really good. You choose a broth and meat and cook it in front of yourself with noodles too. It was really good. And I ate one of the Sisters raw fish. I think it was Ahi poke but it didn't have much sauce or flavor. I was really scared to try it (my first time) but I did it and it was an interesting texture...opposite of what I expected. Not rubbery but really soft.

At Ichiriki with Sister Sampiao and Sister Makua

Trying to get myself to eat the raw fish!

Then we had our regular meeting with our investigators Nichelle and Tyler but decided to make it more casual so we went to the mall and Sean(one of the members) treated us with Ben and Jerrys. It was sooo good. We had a good conversation and Tyler actually prayed about being baptized! I was so excited that he actually did it! But he feels like he didn't get an answer so we talked a little bit about that and how it takes time and doing certain things to receive an answer. We also challenged them to come to all 3 meeting of church. They ended up only staying for 2 hours which was really good but I was sad they didn't stay all three.

Well that's about it! Oh also this week seemed like we got endless food from people. It was great and bad at the same time. Sister Tallieur and I are going to try and eat healthy this week so we will see how that goes...

Aloha,

Sister Heath

We also went mini golfing last week which was great. I got a few holes in one!

My toenails were glowing!

Toads?

Monday, May 22, 2017

Another week has flown by!

So last P-Day we were able to go hike Lanikai Pillbox which was so beautiful! It's right next to the beautiful ocean and beach. We went with another companionship and it was pretty funny because a bunch of elders ended up at the same hike!

Hike to Lanikai pillbox (Me, my companion Sister Tailleur, Sister Cannon, and Sister Ogawa)

Sister Tailleur and I at one of the lookouts

We went to the church to email and after we were done I really wanted to shoot the basketball so I asked the Elders what they would give me if I made a 3? (Just wanting an excuse to shoot the ball) One of the Elders said $5. So they gave me the ball, I shot it... and nothing but net! Ha. No one was expecting that to happen! Everyone one was impressed! I felt bad taking the Elder's money so I told him not to worry about it.

We went to a members house and baked some treats to give to investigators which was really fun!

I am trying to continually take in the beauty of this island. It is so green and the mountains are huge! And I can't complain about the weather except for a few times when it got really humid and I am so grateful for our car and the AC in it.

One day we did service at a community garden and I got eaten alive by mosquitoes!

After visiting a family we found toads outside which made my night! And of course I had to hold one! It was great and I'm sure my companion thinks I'm a weirdo because I'm also obsessed about finding a gecko to catch! haha

Me and my toad! Ha

Sadly one night after eating dinner I thought my stomach was really full but it started to hurt through the whole night and into the next day. A member took us to Denny's before doing service at her house and when we were outside her house I ended up throwing up. It was not fun! So we ended up going home and I took a nap which helped but ever since then everything I eat hurts my stomach but I think its slowly getting better.

It was great one night when we went to visit a recent convert and her son. The son answered the door and he was super excited to see us! But his mom was sleeping but he was so excited he ended waking her up even though we told him not to! So that made me feel good.

It has been really hard finding people to teach but we keep visiting members and less-actives.

There is one couple that we have taught twice and they have been taught by missionaries for several years. But last week that actually made progress. The husband prayed for the first time out loud. And this week he seriously considered baptism for the first time (his wife is ready but she wants to wait for him) and his wife prayed for the first time. You know when people talk about being sent for specific people. These are my people! It's so cool! The power of the spirit and testimony is real!

Sorry it's all over the place and I didn't have more details!

Aloha,

Sister Heath

Sorry for not having many pictures. I still wasn't able to get them from the other sisters. 

Aloha!!

Monday, May 15, 2017

Aloha!

Sorry I wasn't able to email last week because I didn't have a P-Day. We flew to Honolulu on Monday. So I will update you on the happenings from the past two weeks!

So on P-Day two weeks ago we got breakfast in a bag and were able to eat outside at a table in the MTC and it was really fun. Also, while we were waiting for our laundry we used our small containers of juice, milk, and yogurt to sing the cup song. So that was a fun random thing.

We were able to go to the temple for a session which was great. Then we had dinner and the person working the check-in counter was Brandon Hansen. We were best friend's growing up in Moses Lake. It was super crazy!

Then we went to choir practice and they actually recorded us singing which was cool. Then we had devotional and Elder Rasband came which was really awesome. He referenced back to the talk he gave in conference and did a question answer type of thing. And the thing that actually hit me the most was the song we sang after, "Because I Have Been Given Much". Especially the line that says, "I cannot see another's lack and I not share," which made me think of all the people I'm going to teach and how I need to share it with everyone!

We had class and taught TRCs like usual and we had in-field orientation to prepare us. It was really long, like 9 hours but it was good. We learned how important members are to finding new investigators which I didn't really realize before but it makes sense. Especially because they have someone to fellowship them and they've had an example to look up to. Saturday was our last class and it was pretty fun. We did an exercise and we all taught together which was really fun. And we had a good discussion. At night we had time so we hung out as a district and wrote in each others journals and practiced singing "Come Thou Fount" to perform during sacrament meeting.

Sunday was an interesting because sadly my companion was having terrible pain in her stomach, she couldn't even stand up so after a long time of waiting we made it to the ER. I imagined it to be a little more urgent but nope. They took their sweet time checking us in and whatnot. So by the time we got back in a room and someone actually came to help us she had been in terrible pain for like 2 hours! At one point she said the pain went away which was super odd. But of course we were glad. They gave her liquids and an IV to get her hydrated and took some tests  to see of they could find out what was wrong. We had to wait a while for the results. But they didn't seem to find much except they think she might have had an infection. So they gave her prescription for antibiotics and pain just in case since we were going to be flying out the next day. We were both pretty sad to have missed sacrament meeting because it was fast and testimony meeting and we weren't there to perform the song with everyone. But I'm glad that my companion was able to be helped. And we got to go to the outside world. We got escorted to the ER so when our ride arrived I was like you've come to take us back? Which made me think that it was super cool that we got escorted or that it was like a jail because they keep an eye on wherever we go. Haha

So we were able to attend the rest of the meetings and devotionals. And we had our own district testimony meeting which was really special and I couldn't keep myself together so I cried quite a bit. 

The next morning was the day for 4 of our district to fly to Honolulu. So we all headed to the bus and said our goodbyes. We took the bus and train to get to the airport which was fun with all our bags. We also traveled with 4 other Elders and Sisters flying to Honoulu. We were able to call home at the airport and a bunch of people on the same flight as us offered their phones which was super nice. We also went to go get food and one of the men that let us borrow our phone offered to pay for our food which was super nice. So we got Costa Vida and it was good! 

On the flight I saw some friends that used to live in Kennewick, the DeSanti's which was crazy! I got to sit by an Elder on the flight. His name is Elder Fa'alavaau which is really fun to say. I practiced it a lot in the MTC because we would see them a lot. We talked for most of the flight which made it go by really fast and I took like a 2 hour nap. It was really hard not to watch other people's screens on the plane because everyone was watching movies! 

When we arrived we took some pictures and headed to baggage claim and there were President and Sister Bekker along with the assistants! We all got kukui nut leis which was great. They are super nice and the assistants were there too. We got in the car and headed to Tantales lookout where the first missionaries that came dedicated themselves to the work. It was really cool. Then we headed to the tabernacle for orientation and dinner which was good. Then we headed to the mission home for the night. It was so pretty! And it was super cool because it was the same house that Elder Groberg and his family stayed at when they were here. We all opened our "Christmas Letters" to find out who our companions were and where we would be serving. I was called to Kaneohe!

The next morning we said our goodbyes and met our new companions. My companion is Sister Tailleur. She is super nice. We also have a car which is great and our apartment is actually pretty nice. I was expecting a shack.

I am running out of time so sorry for the lack of details for my first week in the field. It was a lot different than I expected. We visited a lot of less actives and whatnot. We didn't tract like I expected and I struggled with being tired all the time! Every night I slept like a rock! The people here are so wonderful and kind like I knew they would be. I've met a lot of people and have had great fun.

We were able to go to a traditional Japanese dance class called Bon Dance which was really fun and there were a bunch of cute older Japanese people. Then they had Zumba after which was super fun! And then a member took us to Pizza Hut for dinner which was delicious. 

It is still really hard for me to go up to random people and talk about the gospel so I've been working on that. We have met some great people and had good experiences. I love it here!

Sister Heath

Your Missionary Has Arrived!

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Dear Brother and Sister Heath:

We’re pleased to have Sister Heath serving in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission. Included are several photos of her with President and Sister Bekker and the group that arrived with her.

We have found that weekly encouragement from home helps missionaries remain happy and also inspires greater missionary effort. Mail should be sent to:

Missionary Name (First, Middle Initial, and Last)

Hawaii Honolulu Mission

1500 S. Beretania Street, Suite 416

Honolulu, HI 96826

Please be aware that first class and priority mail can be forwarded from the mission office to missionaries without cost. Other services (FedEx, UPS, DHL) do charge to forward mail, which we collect from the missionary.

May the Lord’s blessings be with you and your family as Sister Heath serves the people here in Hawaii.

Mahalo

Compassion

This is the video Danielle mentioned in her first letter. 

She wanted to share it with everyone.

"The greatest example of service is Jesus Christ, who gave freely of Himself without any thought of reward. When we follow His example by serving others, we can discover peace even amid turmoil in our lives."

Principles of Peace: Compassion

Second Week. WHAT?!

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017

Sorry my letter won't be as detailed this week...

This week has been great! We were able to do a session at the Provo temple last Tuesday with our zone which was super great! It was fun being with a bunch of people my age. On Wednesday a new district joined our zone so its been fun getting to know more people.

I have been eating, going to class, eating, studying, class, teaching, eating, exercising, and falling asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. Our district has gotten closer each day and it has been so much fun! We love doing everything together. And it's been fun a few times when we've been able to play volleyball with each other.

We had some really great experiences with our TRCs where we felt the spirit really strong. We were able to commit one of them to baptism which was great and she understood everything super well. The other lady we taught would refuse to pray because she felt like it was dumb and that she was talking to herself. But we invited her to pray. The next day when we saw her I was expecting her to say that she didn't pray. But sure enough she did! I had been praying for her that her heart would be softened and my prayers were answered. She also shared how she had a few experiences prior to that that made her think about it and try it out. Heavenly Father answers your prayers! Although she didn't feel like she got an answer I was elated that she actually did it. And she said she wasn't going to give up but keep trying. But that was our last lesson with her but I was proud! 

On Sunday the district that has been here the longest sang a musical number because they were leaving in a few days. It was really great and brought the spirit. Sister Bowen and I got to teach Relief Society on Sunday which was interesting because it was on the Apostasy and the Restoration which are things missionaries talk about very often. So I was like how are we going to make this interesting. But we had good discussions and it went pretty well. 

Yesterday we were able to host arriving Senior missionaries which was super fun. It went by so fast, I could've done it all day! It was fun to talk to them. One couple I recognized the last name as one of the girls I taught with last summer in Ukraine. So I decided to talk to them and it turns out it was her grandparents! Another couple is headed to BYUH so I might see them there! So fun!

We started our new TRCs yesterday and they went really well. We said goodbye to the Sisters that were leaving today and it was sad.

I love being at the MTC but I am excited to go and teach the people of Hawaii. I can't believe I have already been here two weeks...time flies!

Love,

Sister Heath

First Week in MTC

Tuesday, April 25th, 2017
Hello Everyone!

Wednesday April 19th I woke up bright and early to get to the airport for my 6am flight. I was able to see one of the ladies I helped a lot with Physical Therapy which was fun and she was so sweet. I hugged Mom and Dad goodbye which wasn't as big of a deal as I thought it would be. I think I was too excited and my mom was too tired to get emotional. I also saw a couple from one of our old wards so it was fun to talk to them. Then I headed to my gate and saw Kathy Martin at the desk so I went over and completely surprised her. She had the great idea to call Kendra and wake her up so I could talk to her and I was amazed that she actually woke up. We had a nice long conversation especially because we didn't want to say goodbye. Then Sister Tingey was boarding the same flight as me so we talked for a while until she had to board. Sister Morgan came and talked to me which was really fun and she walked me up to the airplane. Kathy also upgraded my seat so I was in comfort economy which was nice. I didn't sit by anyone which was fine because I was able to close my eyes for a bit. I arrived in Salt Lake and was on my way to baggage claim and Sister Tingey was waiting for me to say bye again. She is so sweet! I got my bags, checked in and waited for my shuttle. 

I rode the shuttle to the MTC with 2 other Elders. They weren't very talkative so I closed my eyes for a little while which was nice. Then when I got to the MTC there were Elders and Sisters waiting to take our bags but I told them I wasn't checking in yet because Kaylee was going to pick me up. They were super confused but they ended up taking my bags so I didn't have to take them and luckily Kaylee drove up right after that. I am super grateful for Kaylee and her willingness to bring Charlotte to come pick me up because it was a pain in the neck for her to get into the MTC entrance but she did it! I gave her a hug and Charlotte is even cuter than I remember and she wasn't even scared of me! We got in the car and Charlotte and I had a great time playing and she was in such a good mood. We played peek-a-boo and she was so cute trying to cover her eyes and her giggles. We got to Kneaders and Branden was already there. I am also super grateful that Branden and his sacrifices to spend time with me before I left. I had delicious French Toast and stuffed myself to the limit. One because I didn't want to starve later and two because Branden challenged me to see who could eat the most and I didn't want to lose. I only ate like 3 pieces but they were so thick! It was super cute to see Charlotte walk around especially with her cute piggy tails. We talked for a little bit and Branden gave me some great scriptures and stickers to mark them for lessons and whatnot which will be super helpful. Then Kaylee had to leave so Branden dropped me off at the MTC. It was funny because the welcoming Elders and Sisters were really confused because I didn't have any luggage. But I told them I dropped it off earlier. Branden and I hugged and took a picture next to the new missionary sign and said our goodbyes. 

I went into the MTC main building and waited on the couches for other Elders and Sisters to arrive. Then a Sister took my luggage and showed me where to go. I got my name tag which was super cool. Then I got other essentials: ID card, room key, Ipad, and my welcome packet. We dropped everything off in my room. Then we went to my classroom and I met one of my teachers Sister Archbold. She is really smiley and cute. I was the first one there so she took my to the computer lab to do some orientation stuff and write that I made it safely to the MTC. Then as I waited in the classroom I was told to do some reflection questions. Eventually the other Elders and Sisters arrived and I soon learned that they would be my district. We got to know a little bit about everyone. There are eight of us. My companion is Sister Bowen, then we have Sister Lomax who is from Arizona, Sister Johnson who is from South Carolina, Elder Owens who is from Idaho, Elder Maxwell who is from Alabama, Elder Hatch is from Alabama, Elder Ridgwell is from California. My companion is super great and we get along really well and have so many things in common. We had a welcome meeting where we sang Called to Serve and it was cool because the lyrics were changed a little bit because we are missionaries. There was also a really beautiful musical number on the piano. Then we had dinner at 4:15 which was super weird especially because I am used to eating a lot later at night. So I was starving that night but I only wanted something healthy to eat and that wasn't really an option so I just decided not to eat anything. 

We have a busy schedule of class and studying but it's been good. Our other teacher Brother Walters acts as an investigator so we could practice our teaching. We would prep for a lesson with prayer and think about what their needs are and what commitments will help them. Then we have personal and companion study. The first day we did this I felt the spirit really strong and we knew what we should teach "Sam". But the next day was a different story because I felt like we had skipped over a lot of things that we should have taught in the first lesson. So we took forever to decide what to teach. It was pretty stressful and we didn't have time to get our other assignments done. But we did well and after a great lesson by another teacher Brother Jolley where he kind of taught us that you never know when someone is ready for baptism so just invite them. So we decided to do that with our second lesson and "Sam" said he would get baptized. It definitely took some getting used to with the schedule, the buffet and controlling what I eat, having a companion and not having free reign to do what you want.

We also met our Branch Presidency: President and Sister Redding, Brother and Sister Hawkins (who were actually in Hawaii because Brother Hawkins served as mission president there), and Brother and Sister Bird (who are neighbors with Kaylee and Branden. What a small world!)

Saturday we got to do our Book of Mormon reading as a district outside. It was great! We each wrote a question down, prayed before we started reading and looked for our answer as we read. The spirit was really strong and I got my answer pretty quick. In order for me to be a better teacher I need to testify. I also found many other great things while we were reading. I know that if you have a specific question and ask God to answer it,  listen to the spirit and read your scriptures you will receive an answer.

We were also told that two people are called on during sacrament to give a talk so we need to prepare a talk on the subject assigned each week. The subject this week was on the Atonement and I wish I would have brought my talk that I gave at my farewell but I was able to remember a small portion of that talk with the help of Heavenly Father. But luckily I didn't have to give it. A sister from our zone was called on Sister Charles and she did such a good job. The rest of the meeting was great but I was having the hardest time staying awake. I was even trying to take notes and draw to keep me awake but I still could not keep myself awake... We had relief society a little later and Sister Charles and Wilstead did a great job on the lesson. They started out with a great scripture D&C 6:14 that says you are where you are supposed to be. Then we talked about the plan on salvation and they drew it really cute on the board with clouds and love in bubble letters. We also talked about Adam and Eve and why God commanded them to not partake of the fruit of the tree of good and evil if that's what he wanted them to do. And that's something I never really understood and then I new the answer. It is because they needed the chance to use their agency. It was super cool. And my companion Sister Bowen said something really cool too. That God doesn't command us to do things that are wrong so he wouldn't have commanded them to do such a thing. We also talked about how we should focus outward and not inward. It will bring so much more happiness in our lives.

We had lunch and got to have BYU Creamery ice cream and it was delicious. We went to choir that night and man I have never seen that many people in a choir especially men! My favorite part was listening to the Elders sing. We had devotional which was good but I struggled to stay awake sadly. But there was one point where they played a Principle of Peace video and it was an interview of Dallin's cousins who put on the Hero Up race in Oregon. So that woke me up and got me excited. It even showed the video of the race so I was able to see some familiar faces and I told my companion I know them and that's my sister! Afterward we watched a recorded devotional from Elder Bednar called the Character of Christ and it was so good. It talked about how in any situation especially when it would be so easy to focus on Himself. Christ focused on those around Him. So we should try and do the same. He used the reference that we shouldn't be like the Cookie Monster who says I want cookie...me...me ..me!

Yesterday we taught our first TRC I was trying not freak out about but we got some practice in before we taught with the Elders so that was good. TRCs are when we teach people that work at the MTC to play investigators they can be members or non-members. But you don't focus on that, you just teach them to the best of your ability. The first girl we taught was good but it didn't really seem like she was too interested but I felt the Spirit very strong. There was even a point in the lesson where Sister Bowen said something great and neither of us can remember what it was! Frustrating but awesome. The Spirit is real and does guide you. I also felt the spirit strongly as I was teaching about the restoration and Book of Mormon. I know that the gospel was restored by Joseph Smith and that the Book of Mormon is true and testifies of Christ and can help us come closer to Him.

Things have not been easy but I have been enjoying the MTC even with how tired I am. But hopefully I'm sure it will get better. Oh and I can't forget. Friday was the first day we got to exercise and all of us Sisters were so excited and it was great to run and workout. Other days we have played volleyball and shot the basketball and its really great! Thanks for all your love, support, and prayers!

Love,

Sister Heath

Here are some of the pictures Sister Johnson took on her tablet. We thought we couldn't get pictures from our cameras to the computer because of the restrictions. But we will try in the actual missionary lab.

Sunday walk to the temple

Our district: Elder Hatch, Elder Owens, Elder Ridgwell, Elder Maxwell,
Sister Lomax, Sister Johnson, me and Sister Bowen 

Sister Bowen, me, Sister Lomax, and Sister Johnson