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

Pukete, Hamilton

Well. This week was a rollercoaster.  It was transfer week and Sister Meto and I recieved news that we would be in a trio! But the day before actual transfers, we received a call in the evening about some change of news... I will  be training while Whitewashing an area! That means I have a daughter! And will be serving in a new area with my new companion. When I received the news, I was actually shocked and a little frightened and excited! This was crazy! I had to pack everything that night and say goodbye to families in Nawton that I grew close to within those 6 weeks of being there. I love Nawton so much, I'll miss it.

Well, my companion was unexpected & was still flying to New Zealand. I was waiting for her to arrive at 6pm but... I received another interesting call saying that I would actually be going on a roadtrip with my Mission President up to Auckland to pick up my companion at the airport!! President and Sister Erekson and another missionary couple and I started heading to Auckland, we stopped at Pokenos for ice cream as well! They said that I was spoiled that day and it truly felt like it Haha. Well, I picked up my companion, Sister Raymond! She is a funny, spiritual, proud Idahonian! She's so perfect and so genuine. I admit I was scared at first, but Heavenly Father had comforted and helped me so much these past couple days. We were able to get return appointments with a nonmember and less active families already. The ward is amazing and so loving. When we moved to our new flat, we had no food and no money. Other missionaries dropped off some food for us AND Grandpa Pat and Aunty Jaz came to church on sunday and dropped off some goodies as well. That was a huge blessing and I love them so much. <3  I had no need to fear in the first place. I thank Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ for always being there for me, and for sending support through other people as well.  I know They are always there for you as well. You have do not need to be afraid of high expectations, the future, or of messing up. Because you are not alone!

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Tomorrow we hear transfer news and it will be my 6th transfer! How time flies. I love it here in Nawton and with my lil cute companion. I hope we will have another transfer together here in Nawton, hopefully my companion feels the same way... haha. This week we went to the Church History Museum with Kevin, he is the one who is set for September 14th. It was fun and he was amazed being able to see his Fijian culture in it and learning more about the restored church coming to the islands. At the end, we watched Ask of God (The new Restoration video) in the theater. It was fun and Kevin is so excited to have the fulness of the gospel be part of his life. He has a childlike excitement that is fun to see. His Fiance helps him a lot and they've been reading the Book of Mormon together, they both are waiting for the day they can enter into the temple :') This week we spent lots of time with the members and they are going to prepare for a fireside to boost them in confidence for their missionary work. We will be helping them and being a part of it. We had our last district council with our lil tiny district that has only four missionaries. My companion and I & my District Leader and his companion. Haha, it's so funny because thankfully, every week the Zone Leaders or the AP's come and crash our district council and our District Leader always says, "Sorry sisters, looks like we won't be having our double date today." And we all just laugh and look at each other awkwardly. I sang a duet at a training, I am a Child of God in Maori. We've been having meals with members almost everyday this week, my companion and I just only drink smoothies when we are at home. It's been great, I love being a full-time servant of the Lord. I love the fulness of the gospel, I love the Book of Mormon, I love my Father in Heaven and my brother Jesus Christ. They live and this is true!
Arohanui!
Sister Wihongi

Kia Ora Whanau
This week was full of miracles!!!!
First miracle was Kevin. He is a nonmember who stays with a member family. He has taken the discussions with past missionaries but wasn't very into them. We have been trying to get an appointment with him for weeks. Every time we set one, it would fall through. Until one night he messaged us randomly saying that he wants to take the discussions again, every night, starting the next day. So, the next day we came over for our first lesson, I walked into the living room and he was sitting on the couch with a big smile on his face. He then told us that He wants to get baptized in September! (It was going to the 20th but he just told us he wants it sooner on the 14th!)  That was so unexpected and the best surprise ever! We then had the lesson on the Restoration because he wanted to start from the beginning again. It was the most spiritual lesson. When we told him about Joseph Smith and how he had the question of why there are so many churches and which one is true, Kevin related to him very well. He was amazed and told us, "Wow. I used to make fun of the 'mormon' missionaries because they believed in Joseph Smith. Now I'M the one who believes and relates to him!" The family he lives with (The Bennette family) sat in the lesson as well and shared their experiences which brought the spirit in more strongly. Kevin has gone to so many churches prior to this one & his grandparents are strong Pentecostal. We taught him the importance of having the priesthood and the fullness of the gospel in the Book of Mormon. Best. lesson. ever.
The next day we came over and we asked him what he thought about the night before and the Restoration. He told us that it was amazing and that he could hardly breathe the whole time we were teaching! We then taught the Plan of Salvation and He asked such amazing questions, that I wouldn't have even thought of! It was another great one and the family learned things they never knew before too! He then told us that the Book of Mormon is like an "upper cut" to the face. Haha! Everything that he reads answers his questions or gives him more knowledge of our Savior.

The second Miracle was Phoenix's baptism! Phoenix is a 10 yr old boy that I've only taught a few lessons too. His baptism would always post-pone and we could just see Satan working so hard on him and his family. Their care broke down this week and they were stressed to the max! We kept visiting them every day, sorted out rides from the members, prayed with them everytime, let's just say lots and lots of tears were shed throughout the week. I had exchanges this week and took a different Sister to go see them. She shared a scripture in Ether 2. The story of the Brother of Jared and how he asked Heavenly Father how they are going to steer the barges when they had no way to steer them, and the Lord said that He will prepare a way before them through the crashing waves. Phoenix's really parents needed to hear that.

It was a lovely yet unique baptism. It was so cute, Phoenix came out of the water with a huge smile and the word, "Wow!" He also bore his testimony, simple and powerful.

I am so thankful for Heavenly Father's hand in Kevin's and Phoenix's life. I'm so grateful for His love for them. I know He loves each of you so much, and He is there for us when the waves of life come crashing down on us. He has prepared a way for us to escape the depths of the sea, that we may one day return into His loving arms. Each morning as I wake up, my heart is full that I am an instrument in the hands of God to bring souls to repentance; and this is my joy. All Glory to God!

Best week in Nawton!!! It was my companion's first time seeing snow!

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi