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