Kia Ora Whanau!

It has been an eventful week
We had exchanges and Sister Low and I were in Chartwell. Sister Low told me about all the appointments we had but when we got to them, they all fell through. Not knowing what to do or where to go finding, Sister Low suggested that we say a prayer and ask God what we should do for the hour that we had left. I said the prayer and asked for a specific name of a person or a street. After finishing, we sat there for a few seconds and the name Michael came to my head and I remember seeing a Michael street somewhere in Hamilton. I told Sister Low, "Is there a Michael street somewhere?" And she said "No. But there's a Michael! We usually just do service for him but haven't introduced the gospel formally yet!" So we ended up going to see Michael. He just got home from the mall and we caught him sitting in his car. He was a bright and joyful man! We gave him a Book of Mormon and he was really receiving. He even mentioned if they could come and study a chapter with him sometime. That was our miracle on exchanges. If you ask God a specific question, He will give you specific answers.

We met a lot of people this week because of not having a car (it broke down in Paeroa last Monday, sorry President :( ...) but walking has been awesome, we invited a lot of people to our ward activity. Met a Filipino family that just moved in a month ago. We invited them and gave a pass along card. They said they always see missionaries back in the Philippines from our church.

We had a ward member pass away from cancer this weekend. It was a young husband to our Young Women's President. He has two kids, a 9 yr old and a 13 yr old. His name is Rawz Pahuru. We straightway biked to our chapel and helped make the kai for the service. I met a lady there named Mel, she is a new mother. She brought her 4 month old baby. She came alone which was nice because when quickly formed a bond and she stayed with us the whole night. She's a nonmember and stays with her partner. She was very sweet we were able to give her our number on a pass along card. The service was beautiful and the spirit was so strong. We sang the church College Missionary Medley.

It was Diwali!!!
We celebrated with the family whose kids we are teaching. The Raj's invited us to Diwali, which is an Indian Festival of Lights holiday. The family dressed up so beautifully! And we are many delicious homemade Indian sweets and food! We also met a friend of their's that we gave a pass along card to and invited him to our Ward's Trunk or Treat! He's coming! We love the Raj's so much and their kids are so amazing and shine so much light!

Apparently, a famous Rugby League star came to our sacrament this Sunday. Will Hopoate. Also, the streets bled red as the Tongans won a game I believe. Ma te Ma'a Tonga! Poor All Blacks though. Anyways,  Heavenly Father answers prayers and He is truly a God of Miracles. I know that, I've witnessed it many times that I cannot deny it. Christ lives and His Atonement has given me strength and comfort everyday. This church is True.
Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

We had a cool and funny experience. We invited an inactive member to a Fireside on Temple/Family History work earlier this week. He didn't look interested when we extended the invitation but an hour before the Fireside, he called us and asked what the address was! He even said that his girlfriend would be joining too. He arrived, and I felt terrible at first.  He said "... Where's the fire? And roasting sticks?" And he was sincere and confused when he saw a choir and speakers up at the pulpit, people dressed up in church clothes, and pamphlets. But I was excited for him to be there with us. We sat next to them and I was pleading to Heavenly Father that he and his girlfriend would feel the spirit at this Fireside. Whanau, it was a loooong 2 hours of pleading.very long. And many of the speakers would speak about things that would just fly over their head. But at the end, they thanked us and they enjoyed it. They were lovely. It turns out that he was baptized as a child and never came to this church after that. He was even baptized in a Pentecostal and another Christian church. We will be seeing him again.

We did a lot of finding this week. A lot! But had no success as New people wise. There was a day when we walked from one end of our area to the other end. I got blisters but we met a whole lot of people. We met someone and asked for missionaries to share a message with him and his family because he lives in Chartwell and he accepted.  We had our finding fast and we knocked in many doors. During the last hour, we took a ukulele with us just to lighten the moods for people when they answer the door in the dark. We didn't have much success until around 8:30. We knocked and asked if we could share a song and a message. We met Sandy. And the first thing she ever said to us was "You know, today was one of the worst days of my life. I just arrived here at my friend's house one minute ago, crying and having an awful day. And it seems like every single time I feel sad, Christian's show up out of no where." We told her "God is really looking out for you. These are not coincidences!" we sang her a song and prayed for her and taught God is our Loving Heavenly Father.  She is from the Sikh religion.  A very kind lady. She is in the middle of finding a house and jumping from place to place so it'll be hard to catch her. But we are hoping things will settle down for us to have a lesson.
We taught the Raj's again. They are amazing and I love them so much. It's a 16 yr old girl and a 12 yr old boy. They have been set for baptism before but the father didn't approve. Please pray for them. And for a heart to soften. There's a lot I learned from these experiences but I'll leave it up to you to see what you learn from them. I love you and I love my Savior and Lord.

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

We taught someone online how to pray and more about Christ's Atonement. Doing the Lord's work online has been an amazing experience. I know that His gospel is being spread at a rapid speed through technology! It's amazing to feel the spirit even though it is over a phone call, text, or email! It is because whenever truth is being declared, the spirit is there to confirm, no matter how it is being told. We have been keeping in touch with referrals we've sent to local missionaries and many are considering baptism!

 Sorry for the short email because of limited time, but we've been able to watch general conference finally!
I really loved it all that I cannot choose a favorite. I enjoyed the first two talks spoken in the Women's session about seeking Christ through dark clouds such as depression and anxiety. And also to have Christ's name engraved in our hearts.
I highly recommend to listen to Michelle Craig's talking on the Saturday Morning. And do the 4 ways increase spiritual revelation! Ask God for an errand and accomplish what He asked of you. You will feel joy and happiness, you will be blessed with the Holy Ghost and become more receptive to His counsel. I love being an instrument in the Lord's hands.
#LessWifiMoreNephi
Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

Kia Ora Whanau!

Last Pday, we gave out a Book of Mormon! On Pday, We went to a music store for "fun" but then I ended up figuring out that Sister Raymond plays the drums like a beast!! She was playing the drums when we met a worker named Gabe. She ended up showing him some techniques and we talked to Gabe for awhile because no one else was in the store for a few hours. He asked us what we do as missionaries, we told him our purpose. He had lots of questions and we ended up handing him the Book of Mormon. Along our conversation, he asked if he could read the Book so we pulled it out and gave it to him. He was raised catholic but he doesn't go to church or anything and had a few questions about God.  He can shred on the guitar and is in metal band named On The Contrary. Sister Raymond and I formed a connection with him easily with our similar taste in music and her instrument skills. Wow, I never knew that my Emo/punk phase in middle school would help me on my mission, But it did! Haha So that's cool, we would speak about bands and Van's Warped Tour that I've been to a few times, and then talk about how we came to know God is real and that this church is true, then back to concerts, then back to the Book of Mormon. We even left reading him our favorite verses in the Book of Mormon, and another coworker listened in on it. Then Sister Raymond played with him on the drums a song from Whiplash?

We had a miracle this week. I fasted for Sister Raymond and I to be able to work more unified this transfer so we can have a baptism. During online shift today we met someone over Chat, her name is Jodie. She mentioned that she feels a warm feeling when she has looked at the temple before and a warm feeling that wants her to get to know Christ more, she has always been intrigued by the "mormon" religion she says. We were so happy to hear about this. We found out that she lives in New Zealand! She is taking care of her Grandma in Tauranga, but mentioned that she actually lives in Hamilton! We were shocked and asked where she lived in Hamilton and she named a street that's in our area!!!! Crazy! She is so excited to learn more and wants to strengthen her relationship with the Savior. We love her so much already! This happened online, what are the odds! It's a small world! Heavenly Father lives and answers prayers, our Savior Jesus Christ lives and you can feel His love as you watch General Conference this week!

Anyways, pukete is going well. I hope to be able to find more people to teach. Also, let me know what you thought about General Conference!!! A temple in Taylorsville?!?!?! Crazy excited!!!!!!

Arohanui,
Sister Wihongi

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