Post Christmas, Pre New Years Email

Elder Matua, Elder Gaga and cousin Valu Sauvao

As you all know me and Elder Gaga got to spend Christmas Day with my Aunt Dahlia, Uncle Tavi and their family, and I think I gained six pounds. No, literally I have gained about six pounds!!!  Not Good, Dad says I need to watch it or I'll gain seventy pounds in no time...ha ha. Anyway, on Thursday we met a lady who was going to be baptized but her sister passed away and so she put it off. We told her that her sister is still alive in spirit and re-committed her to baptism and she said YES, but we had to refer her to the English Elders to have them teach the lessons. She's a Maori (native New Zealander). I hope we can get an invite to her baptism, but I'm glad we got to meet her. Oh, and I get to baptize Sister Pe'a and Sister Brown's commit this Wednesday, I'm really excited for that.
So I met another of Dad's cousins here in New Zealand at church on Sunday. He (Valu Sauvao) read my name tag and asked who my father was, I told him Eddie and then he embraced me and explained how we are related. His dad and and my dad's mom are cousins (Uta'i side). His brother-in-law is Bishop I'aulualo of the Tamaki 1st (samoan) Ward that we cover. We were invited over to Bishop's house and we had tons of food and koko Samoa and Valu told me some stories of when he stayed with my dad's family in Samoa.

Talking stories

I also met one of dad's school-mates, Tariu Sa'u. I'm sure there will be more people that I meet that my dad and his siblings grew up with and went to school with in Samoa. It's so cool!!!! I feel very blessed. Hoping for more miracles....I have faith that things will turn around for us. Elder Gaga is a great trainer and I'm so glad to be with him and to feel his spirit and love for the work. My dad talked to him in Samoan when I called on Christmas Day, he was surprised and very humbled.
Well, Have a Happy New Years everyone and pray for miracles to happen in your missionary efforts and send some prayers my way too...LOVE YOU ALL!!

Best Christmas EVER!!!

TJ, Elders Utai, Brown, Matua and Gaga, Tavi

I believe that I can honestly say that having a missionary in the field is one of the hardest things for a parent to deal with, emotionally. Especially during the holidays. For the first time in 19 years Wilson isn't here to spend Christmas and New Years with the family. Waking up this morning felt different, there was a hole, a void. And yet, this afternoon around 4:15 p.m. all of the anxiety, anticipation and nervousness were all put to rest when we heard the simple word, "HELLO." Elder Matua spent about 45 minutes talking to us from half a world away, and let me tell you, just hearing his voice made this one of the best Christmases we've ever experienced. Unfortunately we didn't get the chance to Skype, but it was great nonetheless. It seemed like we talked about everything and nothing all at the same time, and it really didn't matter, but the time just flew. We laughed, we cried, we talked, laughed some more, cried again, it was AWESOME!!! He and his companion and the zone leaders all spent Christmas Day (yesterday in New Zealand) with my cousin Dahlia and her amazing family. Needless to say, they had plenty of food to eat. Big shout out to Dahlia, Tavi, TJ, Tamara, Taran and Teaghan for taking such great care of our missionaries!!!! Fa'afetai lava!!!
We talked about his health, area, companion, district, ward, members, language and through it all the most important thing was just HEARING his voice. Isn't is amazing how the sound of a voice can soothe the soul, especially if it's the voice of a loved one? Now I know firsthand how a missionary parent feels, I can say that I've been there, done that. And even though the time may be short, it is the greatest feeling in the world to know that through the marvels of modern technology we can communicate with anyone at anytime. We are truly blessed to live in this day and time.
He said that the work is slow, there are 12 missionaries assigned in his area, but he's not discouraged, just takes it one day at a time, and both he and his companion are doing what they can to be positive and look for teaching opportunities whenever they present themselves. He sends his love to everyone and is so appreciative of the emails and letters, they help keep him motivated. And thanks for all the birthday wishes!!! He had an amazing birthday and Christmas.

This is what happens when you eat too much

He did say that he could use some prayers on his behalf, to find more investigators and to open some doors to teach more people in his area. And to do the same for the missionaries here.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Happy 19th Birthday, Elder Matua

Still nothing happening in this area......still waiting for a miracle somewhere. But we haven't lost faith! Faith has been key this week and waiting. We have found new people to teach but seems to be that when we get the opportunity to teach...appointments fall through, they don't show up...yeah it happened a lot this week. But through the trying times the benefit of having the Savior is a BLESSING. A HUGE Blessing! The Lord has put Elder Gaga and I through this for a reason. We both are still trying to figure it out. But I think I know what Heavenly Father is trying to teach me....LOVE.....LOVE IS IMPORTANT....LOVE YOUR TRIALS.....LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR MISSION....NEVER GIVE UP!!!!
I have seen the blessing of being in this area, it's been coming from the members. The Lord knows what I need and I have felt it during this Christmas season. He loves me and He love ALL OF US.

Sis. Pe'a, Elders Matua and Wilson (Iese)

My gosh 19 already...Where did the time go?..Only one more birthday and I'll be home??? It is really that fast? WOW I CAN'T EVEN BELIEVE IT MYSELF!! My district sang to me today, so nice:) The mission is wanting to have a "WHITE CHRISTMAS" or in other words, Baptisms on Christmas Day! Me and Elder Gaga...don't have a set :( It's tough to see the success of others but trying to be happy for the new members changes the whole thing around. Me and Elder Gaga attended a baptism on Saturday. But I have a feeling of happiness and I had a thought "Be happy, don't get discouraged your time will come." What!? Okay I said. I'm waiting for the day when I get to see the gospel work in someone's life....patience, patience, patience, and also diligence in all things!

My District

LOVE YOU ALL HAVE A VERY,VERY, VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS ...REMEMBER CHRIST!! LOVE YOU ALL!

PS Today is the 23rd in New Zealand and it is Wilson's 19th birthday. Elder Wilson (pictured above) is Eddie's cousin, Rick Wilson's son and they are in the same district. Today, the 22nd in the states is also our nephew, Kingston's 19th birthday. He is currently serving in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission. We wish them both a very, Happy Birthday!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Missionaries from Otara, Papatoetoe, Manukau and Tamaki zones at the New Zealand Temple

I'M GIVING CHRIST MY SON...a poem

I wanted to share this poem for ALL the parents out there who have a missionary in the field.

Shiny gifts have lost their glitter.
I think I understand.
Christ’s birth should be celebrated
By giving him two hands.

I’ll spend more time in the temple.
I’ll spend time reading his word.
I will serve more humbly
And pray that my faith is stirred.

My head is bowed more frequently
My tears are quick to run.
I’ve put my faith in God this year.
I’m giving Christ my son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held
The hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones
Who will listen to what he’ll say.

I wonder how Lamanite mothers
Gave their sons to war?
Or how pioneers faced hardships
They sacrificed so much more.

My loss will be his presence.
His dimple, his laugh, his fun.
For two years we will pray for him
I’m giving Christ my son.

Because I know Christ needs him.
Until all the gathering’s done.
My gift has taken years to make.
This year…I’m giving Christ my son.

Where did this week go???

Before you read this post, I wanted to just preface it by telling you a couple of things so that you understand what Elder Matua is talking about. Kelli's Uncle Craig (Wintle, he is married to Kelli's mom's sister, Pam) was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October of last year and has been battling this disease, with dignity and strength I might add, for over a year. Mind you most people who are diagnosed with this type of cancer generally only live for a few months after the diagnosis. Well, throughout this past year many miracles have been wrought on Craig's and his family's behalf, but as is the case with this dreaded disease his body finally succumbed, and he passed away peacefully by his sweetheart's side on Saturday morning December 14th. Even though his body was weak, you could feel his spirit, so as we emailed with Elder Matua today, he related this experience he had this week and we wanted to share it with all of you. Be warned you may need some tissues.... This experience once again re-affirms my belief that we are not alone. That we have family members who have charge over us from time to time on the other side, to help us in our times of need. Uncle Craig was a great man, who raised a great family and his legacy will live on as he now continues to work on the the other side of the veil to link the eternal family chain together.


Well to start off I was really down last week and this week was much better! Not much success but it was to say the least BETTER! We as a mission had  the amazing opportunity to go to the temple in Hamilton! Oh my, beautiful!! I loved the experience. We had a Christmas conference. I offered the opening prayer and asked for the spirit to teach us. I was taught simple truths by the spirit. I was reassured that YOU ALL are okay:) I loved every minute of it! I cried like a baby and Elder Uta'i (Cousin Oscar was my crying shoulder) I was very grateful for that.

I'm very sad about Uncle Craig:(

Uncle Craig and Elder Matua

I had an experience last week that I wanted to share, concerning Uncle Craig. As I mentioned, last week was hard but this experience made it GREAT and also a bit harder. I was listening to a song, DANNY BOY by Vocal Point (listen to it and you will see). I was struggling and I offered a prayer to calm me down. As I listened, a face popped into my head, Uncle Craig. He spoke to me, " I'll be gone before you come back, but remember this; "I love you, don't give up hope and push through this hard time, I did it and you can too. I love you and your family loves you.  He also said to tell Pam, "I LOVE YOU!" I bawled like a baby the whole day, I left it alone for most of the day and when we came back to the flat for dinner, I had to know. So I prayed. I went to the other room and looked at my laundry bag looking for Uncle Craig's name and found it and started to cry again. When I prayed I asked "Father, has the inevitable happen? Is Uncle Craig with you? I need to know. I cried the rest of the day. I got my answer today. Wow!!!! I can't tell you how close I feel to him right now, he's here with me and I feel his presence, I KNOW IT!!!

Love you all! The weeks are flying by!

Aunt Pam, Uncle Craig and Elder Matua

P.S. We had an opportunity before Elder Matua left to see and talk to Uncle Craig. We're glad that we did and we will always hold a special place in our hearts for him.

A Stressful Week...But we're hoping for a better week

Me and Elder Gaga

Hello Family!! How the heck are you all?!  Well to put it in a nice way this week didn't go all that good. The area is so small. We have been talking to the same people much of the week. It's tough!!! I really think that miracles are going to happen in this area..." First a trial of your faith, then you will reap the reward!!" I know that is true. It's super tough going around the SAME streets, talking to the same people. I think SOMETHING BIG IS GOING TO HAPPEN HERE, BUT I DON'T KNOW WHEN THAT WILL BE. I hope it is soon.

Yeah Dad...that's KOKO SAMOA!!!!

Sad news. Ronalee's Baptism was postponed.But we are hoping that we can have her baptism this week Saturday. I know Heavenly Father has put us in this area for a reason. He is giving us experience. I'm praying for miracles in this area.

I had Trade-Off with Elder Uta'i on Friday!! Talk about fun... we talked to a ton of people and learned a lot on how we can be better. HAD A BLAST SPENDING TIME WITH THE COUSIN I HAVE NEVER MET BEFORE!! He is so funny but knows how to follow the Spirit, I think that's why we both had a great day! I loved it!

The Local Pharmacy

Bathroom/Laundry Room. Funny huh?!

I love the work but right now. It is super hard to get anything going!!! I'M NOT GIVING UP HOPE AND FAITH.

I LOVE YOU FAMILY- KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS!! PLEASE I NEED SOME HELP!!
LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

I will let you know when I'm going to call on Christmas Day. I'll see what time will work best! Remind me next Monday so I don't forget! I love so much!!

Elder Wilson Matua

Talofa Lo'u Aiga

I have the greatest news!!! I HAVE MY FIRST BAPTISM THIS WEEK!!!!! Saturday!!! Ronalee's parents are letting her! Elder Gaga and I did a role play with her as if she was talking to her parents. (To ask permission to be baptized.) She was ready to go so we taught her and she was balling like a baby that night, she wasn't feeling good either so we gave her a blessing and she continued to cry.....the spirit was so strong and she could not deny it! Wow this Gospel really, truly is amazing!!! I can't tell you how excited I am for her!!!  SO EXCITED AND I'M BAPTIZING HER!!!!

We had trade-offs this week and my District Leader is a crackup. No LIE! We had a sleep over (didn't know missionaries could have sleepovers) at his flat and the Assistants to the President were also there and the Zone Leaders......wow had to be on my best behavior....NOT!! The leaders of the mission are hilarious and super laid back so I had nothing to worry about. I had a great time.

Elder Dorosan (District Leader)  and I talked. He described everything about me in 10 minutes about who I am just by my attitude...Huh?! Am I really that easy to understand??

Our HUMBLE flat

I love this work! Everything is great with me! My testimony grows more and more everyday. I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!!! Alofa ia te outou!!

Tofa soifua ma ia manuia.
Elder Wilson Matua

ELDER MATUA AND ELDER UTA'I

This is the look on Wilson's face as he realizes that the Elder standing next to him is his cousin. Elder Uta'i (Oscar) is serving in the same mission in New Zealand. Elder Matua's paternal grandmother, Faleupolu Fetalai Uta'i Matua, and Elder Uta'i's paternal grandfather, Nuualiitia Tauamanu Uta'i are brother and sister. This marks the third time in our Matua family history that a Matua is serving with an Uta'i at the same time, in the same mission. My sister Teuila served in the Samoa Apia Mission with Uta'i cousins, Faamoana and Moira. And my brother Seti also served in the Samoa Apia Mission with Uta'i cousins Risati, Tauamanu, Sifaga and Polotisano. SO AMAZING!!! All I can say is that GOD is SO GOOD!!! By the way, Elder Uta'i (pictured above) has a sister, Luisa, who is currently serving in the Utah Salt Lake City East mission, and is actually heading back home to Samoa tomorrow as she completes her mission. I'm sure Wilson will run into some more family as he makes his way around the mission.

ANOTHER GREAT WEEK

Time sure does fly when staying busy. Feels like I just got here. I'm having a really good time here but still kind of miss being home around the family. But that will have to wait because THE LORD'S TIME COMES FIRST. I can't tell you how great it has been. I haven't been really saying much in Samoan just more or less listening...not helping. So I have made a goal of talking Samoan as much as possible this month so I can talk to you in Samoan when I call. A goal I surely think I can accomplish.
My companion and I have found much success. People prepared to learn more about the Gospel! Six investigators! Woooo I'm really hoping all goes well! Awesome things this week!!! One of our investigators is so close to saying the Book of Mormon is true!!!! She's so close!!! I can't wait to see the Gospel work in their lives!

I got to use my bike this week!!! So good to finally ride something instead of walking everywhere. Had a split this week too. IT WAS SO FUNNY!!! The Elder I was with is from Madagascar....his English isn't that good and everyone here speaks English. ha ha ha he didn't say much but I got to know some people around here pretty well;)

I bore my testimony Sunday! But had to do it in English not enough time to bear it in Samoan would have taken too long. But luckily everyone could understand me! The spirit was so strong I asked the ward to look for missionary opportunities to serve others and said I loved them and also said Missionary Work isn't easy but it is SUPER REWARDING. I miss Sundays at home the most. Where all of us are together, enjoying one another's company I loved that! But that will have to wait another 21 months! I've been out three months. It's gone by so fast! And is only getting faster I can't believe it! Before I know it will be a year! AHHHHH IT'S SO FAST! I'm loving this experience and when I'm down I've put my trust in the Lord to help me. My testimony has grown and is still growing! I love the Lord and love this Gospel! IT'S AMAZING!

I love you all SO MUCH and can't wait to see you all again!

LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!
Tofa soifua ma ia manuia.
Elder Wilson Matua

Part of an email from my cousin in New Zealand

I hope you're enjoying reading some of Wilson's experiences in New Zealand. As we've told some of you, a cousin of mine, Dahlia, moved to New Zealand and she happens to be attending the Samoan ward (Tamaki 1st Ward) in the Tamaki Stake that Elder Matua is currently serving in. I thought it would be nice to share some of her email she sent to us recently.

I want you to know that Elder Matua is doing really good.  We are so happy that he is here and while I really really want to tell you all about what is going on with him, I will leave it to him to share with you....but don't worry mom, they are all good things!  He is absolutely amazing and already during his first week has made an impact on the work in our ward.  

So, he is doing well my dear and like I said, not to worry.  TJ and I stopped by last night after they got home so I got to see their place. They are living in Otara, which I guess is the equivalent of Compton. A totally new but good experience for Wilson, and I say that because when he comes home, he will have a much greater appreciation for the things that mom and dad have done and provided for him and his brothers! Truly!  Having said that, they are surrounded by and live on a street that has tons of families from the ward.  The missionaries never have a problem in Otara.  They are in a nice clean flat but they dont have a phone yet so all of the work they are doing is on foot. 

The last thing I will share with you for now is that Elder Matua has also made an impact on TJ. TJ and Wilson have had just a few conversations, but it isn't so much about the conversations they've had that has impacted TJ. It's just seeing Wilson, his countenance, the way he carries himself, the way he talks to you, its everything about him!  TJ cannot stop talking about how he cannot wait to serve and he literally said, I hope I can be like Wilson.  

Love you all

Dee

THREE MONTHS NEXT WEEK

Talofa!

Wow NZL is so pretty! Driving on the opposite side of the road, completely different lifestyle than America, and everything is so expensive!
I'm still adjusting to the missionary life, I was struggling this week but my companion has been a big help to talk to when I'm in need of help. My companion's name is Elder Gaga from Malaela on Upolu!
Native Samoan. Oh my gosh I have learned a lot from him! I asked him to help me say things in Samoan and he has been able to teach me! His English is pretty good! I can usually understand what he is trying to say to me. We promised each other that we'd teach each other the language (me to him english, him to me Samoan) it's a struggle but I know with time it will get easier.

I have enjoyed the field! A lot of walking but it's been awesome talking with everyone. Everyone really likes talking to us. It's so nice both in English and Samoan. I can't for the life of me understand a word in Samoan because they speak with the K's. I'm usually just listening to my companion speak and then write down words that I don't understand and then have him tell me what that word is. SLOWLY BUT SURELY I WILL LEARN THIS LANGUAGE NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP ME!

This was week has been full of miracles. On Saturday Elder Gaga and I felt we needed to visit a member family in our area. We went to the house and the son (Sam) answered the door. He was speaking in Samoan and Elder Gaga basically talked to him the whole time. I caught a few words here and there but the one word that stood out was Papatisoga (Baptism). I wasn't sure why he said that so after we finished talking to Sam. I asked "So what did Sam say?" Elder Gaga replied " Sam's girlfriend wants to be Papatisoga, we have to come back later today and give the baptism lesson." I freaked out and hugged him  Elder Gaga looked at me when I hugged him and said " Elda don't hug me here you can hug me in the Flat" Me and him laughed and went on our way. We came back two times and no one was there. But third time, when we came back they were home.
When we entered the home, we sat and then conversed with the father of the family before we talked to the girlfriend. When she arrived she entered the room and I had to do a double take when she came in because I swear I had seen her before. Like it was from a dream!  Her name is Rona, she's afakasi (half Cook Island and half Samoan), she understands a little Samoan but mostly English. Most of the lesson we taught her was in English.  There was a long pause, and it was my turn to say something, I couldn't think of anything except committing her to Baptism.
I opened my mouth and said " Rona will you follow the example of Jesus Christ and be baptized and prepare yourself to be baptized on December 7th?".......................
She said YES!!!!!!!  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I am so excited and guess who is baptizing her? I AM!!!!! AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
I haven't even been here a week and I've got a Baptism!! AHHHHHHHHHHH
I can't wait!! We were led to that house for a reason and she was prepared by the Lord before we met her. The policy before being baptized you must attend church three times, she has been going for two months!!! Now we just have to teach her everything before the 7th!
SO EXCITED!!

 The field so awesome!
I've been out for almost THREE MONTHS!! Where did the Time go!!
LOVE YOU ALLL!! Thanks for the pictures!!!

Tofa soifua ma ia manuia.
Elder Wilson Matua

Elder Matua has arrived safely in New Zealand

Elder Matua arrived in New Zealand today (their Wednesday) and here is an email that his mission president sent along with a couple of pictures.

13th November 2013

Dear Brother and Sister Matua,
It was a great pleasure to welcome your son, Elder Matua, to the New Zealand Auckland Mission.  He arrived in good health, ready to begin his missionary labours with a people who are full of faith and love.  He is a credit to you both and I appreciate the privilege of having him here in the mission.
Elder Matua’s new companion is Elder Gaga, his trainer who will help your son adjust to missionary life.  They have been assigned to work in the Tamaki area.  We are confident that as they work diligently together that the Lord will bless them and they will experience the joy of seeing our Heavenly Father’s children progress towards baptism in His church.
Your son will look forward to your weekly letters of encouragement and support.  Monday is his preparation day and the time allocated to him to write emails home to you.  All mailed letters should be sent to the Mission Office.
Thank you for all you have done to prepare your son for his mission.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.  Sister Lekias and I will do everything in our power to help him have a wonderful and productive mission.  We pray the Lord will bless and sustain you in his absence.
Sincerely yours,

President Paul N. Lekias

New Zealand Auckland Mission

LAST FEW DAYS IN THE MTC

MTC LIFE COMES TO AN END :( ON TO NZ.....YEAAAHHHH!!!

Well this week has been great! Much has gone on this week Elder Merideth just got a reassignment to Ft. Collins, Colorado. Sister Camilletti got reassinged to Gilbert, Arizona where Braden Bennett is at!!  Hopefully she gets to meet him.
This week we lost Sis Lasike she's in Hawaii right now. We as a companionship wanted to say goodbye to her before she left on Tuesday morning @ 4:45 IN THE MORNING. We got up but it just took forever to get going. We finally got to the bus stop as we got there....a bus was leaving.... We wanted to see if she'd come later we waited 30 minutes and nothing happened so we went back to our room and went to bed for about a hour. Well in short we went to breakfast that morning and found out it was the travel office fault. They told her to come to the travel office at 6:50 am WE MISSED HER BY 20 MINUTES!!!! Shucks! I wish we could have said bye to her.

I've been great! The days are going by really fast and I can't wait to Get to New Zealand. And I'm hoping I don't get reassigned. Please no!! haha

The language is coming but I'm still trying to figure out sentence structures. Kind of stressful when I don't know when to use them. But I'm slowly figuring it out. I wish it were easier but I just need to be patient and talk and talk and talk  to EVERYONE! I'm doing a lot better than I was last week A LOT BETTER!!! I've been in the best mood for the most part.

I AM SO EXCITED TO GET OUT OF HERE!!!! You have no Idea!

I got a haircut today. Iese wrote me about the mission. So awesome! So good the hear about the Mission ahhhhhhhhhhhh I can't wait to get there. I leave here on Monday and won't get there 'til Wednesday....Tuesday doesn't exist for me. So weird to me how that works.

And I can't wait to talk to you all when I get to the Airport!!!

Love you all so much!

LOVE YOU ALLL AND CAN'T WAIT TO TALK TO YOU ON MONDAY!!

Tofa soifua ma ia manuia.

Elder Wilson Matua

It's Official..Elder Matua has received travel itinerary

Had to get this out because Elder Matua was so excited he sent us a picture of his travel itinerary!!! He will fly out of Salt Lake International Airport on November 11(it will actually be Nov. 12 in New Zealand), first stop is LAX. He has a 4 hour layover there and then he'll board a flight for Auckland, New Zealand. He should arrive in Auckland around 7:15 am (NZ time) on November 13. Any guesses which Samoan ward he'll be assigned to first? Anyways, wanted to pass that along because he has been looking forward to leaving and getting on with the work.

NZ bound in one and a half weeks

Hello my Dear Family and Friends!!

Well to start off, this week had it's ups and downs like any missionary would have. Kind of sucks how I'm on spiritual lows and spiritual highs, so weird to me how that works. But I guess I've got to be looking for the spirit ALWAYS!

I can't tell you how amazing it has been here.  I've only got a week and a half  left. I really want this next week to fly by so I can get to Niu Sila!! I want to be there so badly so I can share my testimony of this Gospel. My love grows more and more everyday for New Zealand. The amazing blessing of being on a mission are uncountable, my testimony grows more and more everyday. And as time goes on I'll be able to share all that I have to say in Samoan! Thank you so much for your love I can't express to you how much that helps.

The Lord said I will never give you anything you can't overcome. I love the packages and letters also. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Like Nike says, "Just DO IT!
Tell Grandma and Aaron THANKS for the package. I'm really happy to have gotten something!! Tell Aaron Happy belated Birthday for me. How's Jen doing ?? The baby okay??

 

I officially leave on the 11th of November! I can't wait to leave!!!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE YOU ALL!  Love you so much, SEND THE FAM my love!

Love, Elder Wilson Matua:)

ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT!!!!!!

Well here we are again.  Everyone is waiting anxiously to hear what has happened this week. The Spirit has been so strong this week. Stronger than usual. I believe that it's because my head is always buried in the Scriptures, all this week its been like that and I can't tell you how happy, and elated I have been! My district and I were assigned to read some scriptures on How the Holy Ghost helps in Conversion. I read some great scriptures. (D&C 8:2-3, Alma 17:2-3, D&C 4:5-7, D&C 84:85; 100:5-8, D&C 42:11-17, D&C 50:13-22, 2 Nephi 33:1-2, Alma chapters 11-12, John 14:26-27, Alma 32:26-37) If you want to feel the spirit in abundance read and follow the instructions that we must apply to our lives to have the spirit at all times. I know that by doing that assignment I have had those blessings bestowed upon me.

I can tell you this, I love the Lord so much more since I've been here!

I'm doing my best to do all that I can to learn the language and study my scriptures. I feel I that I am making progress, I really do!!! I think it's because I'm using my time effectively! Study study study until it's time for bed, and then do it all over again. It's actually not that bad I love it!                              Love you all!!!

3 down, 3 to go!!!

Sorry for the late email, been so busy. Cleaned my clothes, went to the temple, and yeah here I am finally. It's been so awesome learning the language. At times I've been discouraged but I have felt the love of the many prayers that have been offered on my behalf being a missionary. It's been a little crappy on the weather side but all is well here. So many experiences, I love it here!

I can't believe it's been three weeks already, imagine how fast it will be when I'm actually out in the field! I want to get out of here and be in New Zealand. Visa status, I can't track it here they won't let us and if  I do get reassigned I'll know a week before I leave if so and my travel plans will be listed in them.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke at our Devo on Tuesday, so sweet. He spoke on the Plan of Salvation, holy crap it was good. Just the way he words things, wow. It's so easy to understand. I don't know how else to explain it. How are things at home? Steven and Jen and the Baby announcement?!!! So exciting!

Tell the family I love them so much I love all the letters from EVERYONE!!!

I LOVE YOU  SO MUCH AND I LOVED THE PACKAGE!! 

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!