There was an earthquake at 3:30 in the morning on Tuesday! I was shaken awake and heard the dresser and things on the wall clatter from the tremor. Funny story, I fell asleep that night & it was the first time I forgot to say my prayers before bed, so my half asleep brain thought it was the devil shaking me, and that he got a grasp on me just because I forgot to say my nightly prayer. Frightened, I quickly started asking Heavenly  Father for forgiveness, pleading to Him to save me. Then in the middle of my prayer, I felt a tap and my companion said "Did you feel that earthquake?!" And I was like "oh.......yes." I felt kind of dumb thinking it was an evil spirit shaking the room instead Haha. But my companion and I were still "shook" and didn't go to sleep after that for about an hour. Lesson learned, don't forget to say your prayers before night-night.

I had a sweet tender experience this week. We met a little 5 yr old girl named Mihi that someone we've been teaching nannies for. After our lesson, she stayed around us and was looking at the picture of Jesus we had. She then looked at me and asked "Who is that?" I told her who He was, and that He was her Big Brother who died for all of us. She asked "Why did He kill himself?" I chuckled & said it was because He loved us so much that He was willing to give His life for us. (Trying my best to answer her in the most simple way, for a 5 yr old yo understand) I then told her that He is always there beside her and that she can always talk to Him. And she continued to ask so many sincere questions. I've never seen such a young child so interested in Christ, she was soaking in everything I was saying, believing every word I told her and trusting me (a total stranger) so easily. She asked questions like "How can He listen to you if you can't see him?" "How does He know me?" "Is He in the Sky?" "If He is God's son, How did he come to Earth?" She was one smart lil girl. After answering a dozen questions, I gave her the picture of Jesus and wrote his name on the back. She then told me that she couldn't read but I "should put a heart next to His name, so that He knows you love Him." I obeyed her precious request, drew a heart, and gave the picture back to her. She stared at it, stared at me, then put the picture right next to my badge (they were the same size). Then pointing to my badge, she said "Is that so you can always remember Him?" My heart melted and told her "Yes! Yes, it is! But how did you know that? I thought you couldn't read?" She just laughed. I  understand why Jesus tells us that we should become as little children. To be meek, humble, & full of love. To trust in Him as easily as Mihi trusted my words. I'm a little sad to know that she was brought up in a home without the comforting knowledge of our Savior. But I am beyond happy that I was given the opportunity to share my testimony with her. It was something I really needed during that time. I felt my Savior's love throughout that whole  experience. I know that Mihi felt the spirit as well, even at her young age. Christ lives and he loves you. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amine.

Kia Ora Whanau,

We had exchanges and I was in Rotorua with Sister Parkin. It was so cool to see what their area is like. We visited a lot of less actives. We read a chapter of the book of Mormon with a less active and it answered her prayers, and gave her more motivation to follow Christ. Sister Parkin is a great hardworking sister and it turns out that she used to live 5 minutes away from me near Bennion Jr High. We met a former person who was being taught to years ago and we were welcomed in the home, shared a message, and they said they were moving to South Auckland, they dont know the specific address, but we gave them our number to contact us so we can have missionaries visit them and for us to help them move.
We had a fireside here in Taupo. It was just what the ward needed. It was amazing. It was a stake fireside but not many came, just a decent amount. It was called "Do you have my name?" And it was about temple work. Lucy, a nonmember, came. And also less actives we've never met came along. It was great to strengthen the ward.
My Companion and I felt that we needed to visit an "Eternigator" (Eternal Investigator , someone who never progresses) and it turned out she had relatives over. They are a sweet Fijian family, and they never met missionaries before so we introduced ourselves and gave the mother a Book of Mormon. We told her what it was about, bore our testimonies, and answered some questions. She also is moving to taupo soon so we may teach her in the future! It's amazing how Heavenly Father leads us to people who are prepared. He will give us missionary opportunities, so please include in your prayers that you'll be given a missionary opportunity. It can be as simple as saying a short testimony. God lives and Christ gives me strength beyond my own.
Kia kaha.
Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Kia Ora Whanau!
We had our last Zone Conference and interviews with President Cummings. We also had Stake conference in Rotorua. 

This week was the best week of spiritual boostment. Especially because of Zone Conference. Last week, I was praying for so many things. "Heavenly Father, please help me strengthen my desire to be healthier and move faster in the mornings" "Please help me teach the Restoration more simply" "Please help me have a change of heart & mind as I feel spiritually weak" Every training we had was an answer to my prayers! We had a training on the best workouts to do in the mornings, a training on The Restoration and how powerful it is even when sharing it in a couple sentences, and a training on receiving immediate blessings through being obedient. I felt so much love and more strength to do the work here in Taupo.

We went door-knocking this week, of course, (Sister Sapoi's favorite...) It was a miracle that my companion was actually non-resistent to it this week! I love her Haha! We went down a street we chose (after praying to know where to go of course) The street we chose turned out to be all Airbnb's and vacation homes... 6 houses in a row, no one was home. Then we saw a vacation home that was being refurbished and a sliding door was wide open, we walked towards it and met a painter named Jason. He doesn't own the home, he was just doing his job painting. Spoke to him about the area, where he's from, etc. Then we told him who we are and what we do and said "we share messages that bring peace and comfort during trials, would you be interested?" And he mentioned that for the past month he's been thinking and wondering how to come closer and knowing more about God. He's been through rough stuff alright. No doubt we chose that street to be led to him. We bore our testimonies, & left him with a pamphlet and our number. Sister Sapoi and I felt joy! I love finding and seeing knew people, & I was filled with joy that Sister Sapoi can feel the happiness that comes from finding!
I know God Lives, He answers your specific questions. He listens to every prayer. Christ lives and gives me strength through the enabling power of His Atonement. I have a testimony of immediate blessings that come after repenting and being obedient. Hallelujah!
Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

This week, we met a 99 yr old woman named Joan. She loved talking and is so sweet. We told her that we were missionaries and what we do and she loved it. We also sang Christmas songs with her and it was spiritual. That was the highlight of my week, it doesn't matter what age you are, the gospel will still bless you! She invited us to her 100 yr Birthday... I love Joan.

This is a short email this week, if anything, read Alma 46. I love Captain Moroni, pledge to live the Title of Liberty! I know this church is true, I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God. You can truly draw closer to our Savior by reading those words.

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Kia Ora Whanau!
So much has happened in one week!
It was transfer week and we had another missionary stay with us , Sister Parkin, for a few days so we were in a Trio! It was so much fun and we taught a lot of people and it felt great having an extra witness with us. Sister Parkin taught me how I could show more appreciation and enjoy the little things more. And I am still in Taupo!

Rangimarie's baptism was on Saturday! It was the most unusual baptism but it was very special. I've been teaching Marie since the beginning of Feburary, we definitely had so many ups and downs. Along with the lessons, we cried, laughed, sang, read, cried again. I've seen Heavenly Father's hand countless of times in her life. I feel true joy seeing people change for the better, all because of our Savior Jesus Christ. That's my favorite part being on a mission, seeing the gospel bless others, watching them recognize how much Heavenly Father loves them, seeing them receive peace and comfort from Christ's Atonement. All Glory to God!!! This is true happiness! Oh how much I love our Father in Heaven and my brother Jesus Christ. I get emotional reflecting on her journey of coming unto Christ. I know God lives I know Christ lives and I can never deny it.
Anyways, she was baptized in Turangi, they dont have a font there so after opening the program at the chapel,  we moved to the Tokaanu Hotel. The President of the branch owns the hotel, Marie was baptized on a rainy day out in the Hotel's hot pool. What was amazing that the sun started shining right when she rose out of the water. And when she was done changing and came outside again, there was a rainbow!!! Of course we sang When I am Baptized. And the lyrics were perfect on that day! "I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain. And ponder on the beauty of an Earth made clean again. I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain..." ♡ we finished the program inside at the hotel's bar.
The next day was her confirmation & I forgot to tell her how she was going to receive the Holy Ghost, you should have seen her face when all the men started circling around her and placing their hands on her head... Haha. But her grandfather gave the most beautiful blessing.  Afterwards, she bore her testimony (fast and testimony meeting). It was the most genuine and sincere testimony,  what was amazing was that her parents were there. And they have been less active for years and years, and I know that they have felt the spirit that sacrament meeting.

Please. Please Notice the blessings He gives you. Notice Him. and if you cant think of a Time He's been there, kneel down and ask him. Call out His name. I promise you He is there always. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Kia Ora Whanau!
It's been the longest week of my missionary life!
We started off driving to Hamilton. We stayed with the STLs for the night in Lakeward. Then we woke up at 3am to go on a bus to Auckland to see....*drum roll please*.... the Prophet! We were in the Redoubt Chapel that is right next to the MTC. We were waiting in the hallway when President Nelson arrived. The spirit was so strong as he entered the room. We took a picture with him as a mission, and then we all lined up to shake his hand. It was a beautiful experience, and his wife is beautiful too! (Along with Elder Gong and Sister Gong, Elder Haleck and Sister Haleck) He spoke to us about how we can become who Heavenly Father wants us to be, and how we are fulfilling a lot of prophecies today. He encouraged us to continue studying the Book of Mormon, "Joseph Smith translated about 9 pages everyday, how many pages are you Reading everyday?" He is so funny. Later on that day, he announced that the new temple will be built on Redoubt Rd., right next to the MTC and the chapel we where in! I loved Elder Gongs talk also. He encouraged us to listen with our ears, eyes, heart, and with the spirit.

Coming back to Taupo, I was having spiritual withdrawals. It just makes me think about how amazing it would feel being in the presence of our Savior! I can't wait for that glorious day.
In the meantime, we taught a lot of amazing women. We taught Marie (who's baptism is this Saturday) the Law of Chastity, I love teaching her. She asks so many thoughtful questions and I know she will be a huge influence on her family. She has grown so so much, we first started teaching her in February! I love her and I'm so thankful that Heavenly Father led her to us. We also taugh Raj, Rebecca, and a different Marie.

I know that President Nelson is the living prophet! His council is directly from Heavenly Father. God is good, He loves you more than you can ever imagine.
In the name of our loving Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen.

This week was overall spiritual and filled with miracles and tender mercies. Here are my favorites.

Miracle: Priesthood Blessings
When we arrived for our lesson with Sela, she was very distraught and stressed. She's been wanting to be baptized but she had to marry her less active partner first. But she doesn't want to marry him if he doesn't have a change of heart to live the gospel again. She was crying and saying "what should I do? What do I do?!" We then asked her if she should like a priesthood blessing. she agreed to it. The Elders then came to give her the blessing and she it was her first time experiencing this sort of thing. It was very powerful. The Elders left right after and we sat down with her. Her facial expression changed immediately. As we sat there letting her think, we can just see the cloudiness and stress just fade away. She looked at us and said, "I know what I have to do now." My companion and I were shocked and amazed! She is now set for baptism for the 1st of June. She is going to have the bishop marry her and her partner, and she will continue setting the example for him in Hope's that one day he will follow. I thanked Heavenly Father for giving her a clear mind and comforting her at this time! Glory to God! Heavenly Father needs worthy Priesthood holders to help him perform miracles and to help His children on Earth.

Tender Mercy: Hymn 193
I had to give a talk this Sunday and I can never get used to the nervousness that I get before public speaking. As always, during sacrament I said a little prayer to help me calm my nerves. And it turned out that one of the hymns we sang before my talk was Hymn 193, I Stand All Amazed . This is my favorite hymn. It was sung at my farewell, in the MTC before I gave a talk, and this Sunday before I gave a talk again. It's amazing to know that my Father in Heaven knows me so personally that he comforts me in this way. All my anxious feelings melt away as we sing about the love our Savior has for us. I knows He knows each and every one of you. He knows your likes, dislikes, desires, every single detail! I know He Lives! In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

John 14:18
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi