Kia Ora Whanau

This week in pukete, we were able to meet with the 5 rugby kids again. We taught them prayer and that they are all children of Heavenly Father. Some were very interested and some had short attention spans haha. But it was very cool and they all learned something from that visit. Especially knowing that they lived as spirits with God before coming to Earth. We did an activity with them called the prayer tie. Can't wait to meet with them again. <3
That was the main highlight of the week. We will be teaching others this week when they come back from holidays.

Since there's not much, here's a few words from my companion so you can get a glimpse of her spirituality:

"We listened to Remember Lot's Wife by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland this week during companionship study. Something I liked that stuck out to me was that a) the past is good to remember well enough not to commit the same sins and to remind us of powerful testimony building moments, but I need to also be a lot better at not thinking about the past so much. It was a good time (some of it wasn't, but ain't that the truth for everyone?) And b) although faith may have been founded in the past, it should be a continual effort. Laman and Lemuel literally saw angels but still turned away from God over and over because you can forget even very powerful experiences if your'e not having them continually. Faith moves forward. Strive to have a spiritual experience every day! c) when we live in the past and continually look back, we not only hinder ourselves, but also others around us. People have the ability to change.  If you say they don't, you're wrong. Through Christ,  nothing is impossible, including massive changes. My heart breaks for the people who are continually being defined by their past. Allow people to grow! How dare we hold them back by assuming that they're exactly the same person as last time we saw them? That's like assuming that Christ's Atonement wasn't even a thing, and that it's not powerful enough to erase literally EVERY sin we've ever committed, help us to overcome weaknesses and bad habits, and to heal from our afflictions and infirmities. It's as real as I am, and His power is INFINITE. Satan's strong, but God is stronger. Anyways, yeah... thanks for coming to my TedTalk... point is, don't let the past limit you, and don't use it to limit anyone else ❤ I hope you know that I say this with love " - Sister Raymond

I testify to what my companion said. It's true, let people change, don't label people. Christ lives and His Atonement is infinite. I love Him and my companion and my friends and my family!
Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Kia Ora Whanau,

It was the funnest week in Pukete so far!

One day, we felt the need to go see a referral less active member. We went to their house but no one was home. We heard kids nearby playing rugby on a small tiny field. I looked at Sister Raymond after we knocked 3 times with no answer and said, "Welp. It looks like we are supposed to be playing rugby today." Sister Raymond was like "Haha!...... wait.. Are you serious?!" Yep.
We went over and introduced ourselves. We played with them and the whole time they were asking us questions like,
"Where are you from?"
"What do you do all day?"
"How long are you in New Zealand for?"
"Wait, so what do you do?"
It was amazing! They were so open and interested in what we do and who we are. We then had a few races  with them (yes. In our dresses). Let's just say I've been having too much KFC my whole mission and I was wasted by a couple 12 yr olds. Afterwards when the kids were tired, we handed them a pass along cards with our numbers and they even told us their addresses to see them again! After telling them that we help others come closer to Jesus Christ and God, one of the kids said "Oh, I needed that a few weeks ago." We asked why and he said "because I got myself into trouble. I keep making the wrong choices." We spoke about learning from mistakes, prayer, Heavenly Father, etc. And so we told them we will come back on Thursday and share with them a message. Their mother even came and the kids shouted at her saying "Mum! Look, these are the Sister missionaries!" (oh, they were all the ages 9 to 13) this was my highlight of the week, I cant wait to see them again. I can see so much potential in them, and how the gospel can keep them safe for the future. They already are getting into gangs and stuff like that which breaks my heart.

Also, KEVIN WAS BAPTIZED! He was someone I was teaching in my last area (Nawton) with Sister Meto. It was a very happy and spiritual baptism, the spirit was so strong and we had the musical number. Kevin has come a long way. I've seen how much he has changed so quickly and how much our Savior Jesus Christ was there for him. Kevin was also so diligent in reading the Book of Mormon, that's how he received so many answers to his questions and prayers. He gained a testimony of Joseph Smith while reading the Book of Mormon as well. This book is true, and it changes lives. It changes mine everyday. I've grown up reading it but I never really understood it. I would read it with my family but it was just words to me, it went completely over my head. (Sorry Mum and Dad haha) And I would read it for seminary just so I can graduate, and not take anything in.. But ever since I read it on my own (right before my mission), that's when I understood everything!  I realized how extremely important it is to each individual, to me! "Woah!! No wonder why this book is so important." "Woah!! That's so relatable!"  "Dang, Amulek is savage!!" "What the heck?! I've never heard of this story before..." etc. Anyways, I can go on but please read it and you can even watch the Book of Mormon videos a long with it! :)

Back to Kevin, he got baptized on the 20th, got married to his sweetheart on the 21st at the temple view marae near the temple, and was confirmed the gift of the Holy Ghost on Sunday! All glory to God! Literally I did nothing to help Kevin through his conversion, it was All done through the spirit. All glory to God,

Also we did service for a few hours tearing up carpet in the chapel. It was fun. We also sang at a retirement home and worker came up to us, she turned out to be a less active that wants to come back to church! A returning member! <3

My companion makes fresh and homemade cinnamon rolls. She's the best. She is the sweetest. I love my daughter so much , in reality, she is the one training me haha.

There were so many miracles and tender mercies this week, too many that I cannot write them all. Jesus Christ lives!!! God Bless!

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Naomi Strother, a good friend of the family from way back.

Kia Ora Whanau!

Alot has happened this week. We went to a powhiri at a Marae in Frankton. Met a lot of lovely people. Had dinner with a Fijian family and their little 3 and 4 yr old babies wouldn't stop kissing and hugging mine and my companion's head. It was so cute. I would show them the prayer tie (an object activity for kids to understand prayer more) and after every sentence I finished, the little fijian girl would smile so big and shout praises and then grab my face and kiss me. Whenever there would be just a small split second pause, she would do that. So many kisses and hugs! The parents would growl their kids for being too loving!! Haha it was a tender mercy for me. Oh how i wish I could show just a portion of amount of love these little Fijian babies showed unto me. Precious♡

We had our Finding Fast this Wednesday, and this is an experience from that day:

Sister Raymond and I were doorknocking all morning. We went down a street and did every door on one side. Each person we met said they were not interested or that they were fine. No luck was happening the first couple hours but it was a pleasant time. Despite many rejections, Sister Raymond is joyful and makes the work easier. Anyways, we started to door knock the otherside of the street. We were about halfway through when I said "How about we just do 'inspired doorknocking'? It's going to the houses that stand out to you. Houses that the the spirit prompts you to go to." As soon as I said that, we walked by a baby blue house and I was looking at it and thought, "This house! I feel good about this one" and when I was just about to open my mouth to Sister Raymond, she said "Let's go to the blue house! They have a baby!" Seeing that we both had the same inspiration to knock this house, we were excited. We walked up to it, knocked on it. No answer. Knocked again. No answer. Knocked a third time. No one came to the door. We heard someone inside but they weren't answering. Sister Raymond and I looked confused, why did we feel prompted to go to this house but they are ignoring us? We were about to walk away when Sister Raymond said "Are we really just going to leave this house?!" Sooooo we started yelling out "Kia Ora!!! Anybody here?!" And a woman came out from here backyard and she was very happy and kind. Her name was Juanita and has a 6 month old baby. We got to know her a bit and asked if were able to share a message to her that can strengthen her new and young family. She agreed and we were able to exchange information. The miracle was being led to her and feeling that we were unified as a companion. I would have never experienced this miracle without Sister Raymond's stubbornness of not leaving the house when we felt ignored. So I am thankful for her and for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Hoorah for Israel. Christ lives and He leads us to the elect, those who are in need. This is His work and I am blessed to be a small part of it. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Kia Ora Whanau! It's been a crazy week!
We had exchanges, a lesson with a sweet woman who wants to get rebaptized, had an interesting phone call with an awesome friend in the Dominican Republic, met a nonmember who comes to church with her husband and she is very sweet! She is starting to see God in her life and she is seeing miracles as well. I can't wait to teach her more, she and her two little girls are very special <3

This wednesday we have a finding fast. We are going to have breakfast with our district in the morning and then open a fast for us to be able to find those who are prepared to hear the gospel. We are also going to be just doing straight finding the whole day for 11 hours. From 10am to 9pm. We will doorknock, street contact, referral seeking, go to where people are, etc. I'm excited! We definitely need to find more people to teach, and to help them come unto Christ! Don't misunderstand me though, I'm not excited to be adding numbers to our church, I'm not doing this because I am told to, nor am I finding people just to keep me busy. I chose to come on a mission to let others know that they are not alone. That there is someone who understands, someone who knows exactly how they are feeling. I want to share the joy that His gospel brings. Many people don't know that they can be with their family forever, that there is life after death, that they have a purpose here on Earth. That they can receive eternal happiness by living and keeping God's commandments, instead of relying on the temporal happiness that the world gives. That is why I am excited.

Saturday was my birthday and guess what happened?? I got into a car wreck!! Yayyy!!!... It was so scary. but we are safe. I felt so bad and sad afterwards, when we got everything settled and headed back to our flat, the Rototuna Sisters surprised me for my birthday! It was so cute! Then I went to my online shift, came back to the flat again and even more sisters surprised me! They are the best. I love them so much!! We had dinner with a member that night and they took us out to eat and I had my favorite food, Kimchi Ramen! They didn't even know it was my birthday and they were shocked, inspired by Heavenly Father! Haha. Then later that night, I needed to pick something up from the chapel and when I walked in, my whole district surprised me! This was so crazy, I didn't know anyone would know about my birthday. Anyways, it was a day filled with tender mercies and love and support. My companion is so sweet and spoiled me as well. I felt so undeserving for many things, I nearly cried a hundred times through that day.

Anyways, this week I invite you to join us in this fast. To fast for those who are in need of peace and comfort Christ's Atonement brings. If that's too much then please reach out to someone and tell them you love them. Christ lives and so does our Father in Heaven <3

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Kia Ora Whanau!
We had Zone Conference this week and it was amazing like always. President Erekson also made something called "Redneck (Missionary) Milkshakes" which is just a milkshake made from a cement mixer. He is an interesting mission President. But very inspired. I was  reminded that Heavenly Fathers plan and glory  "is to bring to past the immortality and Eternal Life of man." And in order for Him to do that, we needed a Savior to take upon Him all our mistakes, weaknesses, sicknesses, and pain so that we can be forgiven of those things and to remain clean and happy. So He sent His son to do that very thing. What stood out to me was that Christ has already done the hardest part of Heavenly Father's plan, all I have to do is to simply declare His word. To simply find others and to tell them about this beautiful Plan that enables us to live with our Families, Jesus Christ, and Heavenly Father for Eternity! IF we have faith, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, AND endure to the end. Anyways, it makes me pumped up to share the gospel. He's already completed the hardest part of God's plan, now I just have to do the easy part and open my mouth. Some people may overthink it and it may feel like the hardest thing to do, I admit, it can be frightening at times. But just think about all the times you've felt Christ's love and the comfort you received from this gospel, and then think about how some people around you have never experienced those things.

We also were able to take someone through the Church History museum! And had a lesson with someone over the phone call!

Anyways, Pukete Ward is the BOM. They feed us almost every night, and they always have someone in mind for us to go visit. They are on to it with their missionary work. Also, I had lunch with Bishop and his whanau, a dinner with the Golders and their family, the Robinsons, And Grandpa Pat dropped off a package to me from Auntie Trisha ♡ I love them, the ward, the bishop, my companion, Christ, and Heavenly Father.

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi