This MISSIONARY of ours, turns 20 today!!! WOW!!! We send our love and best wishes to Elder Wilson Matua on this very special day. We LOVE YOU and hope that today was the best birthday ever. As you can see by the picture below, someone gave him an awesome gift. Much thanks to the saints in New Zealand who take such great care of him and all the other missionaries. Alofa tele!

HAPPY "20TH" BIRTHDAY, ELDER MATUA

Decorate the tree with....ELDERS???

Hello again on yet another Sunday (my Monday) from New Zealand! Oh my goodness has this been a great week. It's been more apparent with this time of year that Heavenly Father's love is being radiated to the hearts of His children here in Papatoetoe. It's been a blessing to serve here during Christmas. Being able to really spread forth God's love to those that are honest seekers of truth in Papatoetoe! Being a representative of Christ, I LOVE THIS WORK! Christmas brings out the best in all of us, especially the Gift of Love. In remembering Him, God will bless us with Love. The simple request God gives us is to spread forth the same love we have received to our brothers and sisters. The joy it brings to be able to do that each an everyday is indescribable, and especially during this Christmas time!

"A time for Gratitude and Forgiveness" -President Ucthdorf.

I love Christmas and I love this time of year! Being here on the Lord's errand, the feeling of love is more prevalent and more easily felt! I love the scripture that says "Fear not: For behold, I bring you  glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all men, for unto is born in the City of David, a Saviour who is Christ the Lord." HE is the first and most precious gift of the season. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Can't wait to hear your voices on Christmas Day, So EXCITED!!!

Love you all ! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Elder Grinch

Hello! Here's the week oh yeah  Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

Monday-  We had a very simple P-day. We had to print some pictures just in case either of us shifted. We walked around Hunter Plaza until they were done then decided to get lunch. But lucky for us we got spotted by this tall, blonde surfer haired Maori! Talked to him for a bit then went to email home and spent a little too long so we had to jog from the email shop on St. George Street to our flat on Station Rd...I was so winded. Had sport...it was kind of boring...but made the most of it until we went to work again.

Learned an important lesson. We worryry that here in New Zealand some interesting things are seen here. Almost all our plans had fallen through except for one. Tila Hunt and Grand Greig (recent converts). We showed them the "He is the Gift" video (I hope you've all seen it, look it up on Christmas.Mormon.Org).  

 

Tuesday- Sisters are crazy drivers, they were late to District meeting and Sister Kata made the tires squeal so loud coming into the car park. We made a Zone video and Sisters Tuneti, Solia, and Pe'a wanted the video so I copied it to there USB. I love this area, so many humble people here. We met a man named Junior Tepara, one of the most humble men I've met here. He invited us back on Saturday this week. I love the members in this area! They love the missionaries and they know how to cook some really good food! The Iorangi's made burgers for us and they were SO good! Following dinner we had BYC. Brother Lavea asked us if we would do some role plays on contacting less-active members. Elder Burns explained the process and I would demonstrate. We had the 2nd Counselor Brother Haiane be the less-active member.

Wednesday- For the beginning of companionship study Elder Lee, Ward and I had a yelling competition..I think I won..I think. We also did some service setting up a swing set. We had a drive with the Zone leaders to drop off a car for the Sisters for transfer meeting! Oh and yeah Elder Burns and I staying here in Papatoetoe for another transfer! Made some new house rules because a couple of the missionaries in our flat don't clean at all! 

Thursday- Ran into a less-active recent convert and chatted for few minutes. Viarn and her non-member friend Eden. We also helped out one of our investigators set up for her son's birthday party. Moving a grill cleaning it for her. Marion noted "I was trying to figure out who I was going to call to help me out." We were meant to be there the help her. We gave a blessing to Shirley and Uasi to help them calm down and also to help with quitting smoking. Had dinner with the Parkers (Joseph Parker world famous boxers parents)

Friday-  We did service with Irvines pruning an apple tree. We did push-ups for all our numbers this week, at least 150 we did one hundred each and Elder Burns did the other 50. Had dinner with the Stake President.

Saturday- Mini Mission Day with the Stake, had an interesting talk with a Muslim man about the word "Begotten".

Sunday- Afternoon with the Irvines. Elder. Irvine ran over a rubbish bin and also a rubbish bag...His wife almost killed him.

 

 

 

Talk again soon. Be humble, share your testimony of the Savior and His Atonement and do something nice for someone this week. LOVE YOU!!

I feel pretty, oh so PRETTY

Hello, Talofa and Kia Ora from New Zealand!!!

Sorry I didn't have anything last week, we had a ZONE p-day and things were super busy so we didn't get a chance to email. But here's the rundown of the past week.

Riding in the car with Irvines

Lunch at the flat

Monday- Zone Devotional sharing our thoughts and feelings on Christ-like attributes. I had Virtue and Knowledge. I had the impression to use Alma 46. King Moroni and the Title of Liberty. A great story illustrating who Christ is and how virtuous we need to be when Satan stares us in the face. I bore my testimony that if we know who Christ is we should not be ashamed of who is and what he is capable of. We had Zone P-day. It was so fun! We had a bunch of different relays. Some really fun games.

THE ZONE....P-day games!!! What a blast

Tuesday- No District Meeting! We worked all day and had a cool miracle in this morning. Having received a referral from the Busby Family, we felt impressed to go and make contact. We ended up meeting with Mary and Matthew (a brother and sister) and had a powerful lesson concerning the Restoration. We invited them to read the Book of Mormon and to pray.  I said "There's many misconceptions about the Church. But what are you going to believe? Internet websites or God? That's why we invite people to pray to know if these things are true." He later said Okay, I understand I want to find out more. To conclude our lesson Matthew and I said a Prayer. I said mine first and then Matthew. Matthew said Lord, Father about fifty times in his prayer. Following this awesome lesson we had another lesson with Samuel, whom we hadn't seen for quite some time. We explained to him who God was (he had no belief in God) But we taught it in such a way that left him thinking. To finish the day we attended a funeral service for the Crichton Family. His mother had passed away. It was a reassuring feeling that the gospel IS true that families are eternal and will never END.

Elder Burns "wrapped up" for his BIRTHDAY

Wednesday- Companionship Study with Sister Kata and Kelly. We helped them practice teaching the Law of Chastity for one of their Investigators. Then we went to the Funeral of Fialupe Shoebridge. It was a great service! President Fitisemanu lightened the mood, by cracking some jokes about our weight, he was just kidding. Following the service, lunch was held at the Crichton's SOOO much food! We got a ride from President Fitisemanu to our next appointment with Leonda. Leonda (recent convert) has a learning disability so we have to teach very simply. Sister Irvine got him a "Book of Mormon Stories" book (much easier to read). He had read half the book when we met with him today! We were shocked but impressed and encourage him to keep going! Instead of using our bikes we rode in the car with the Irvines. We visited with Shirley (shared a Mormon Message with her about a loving father, Heavenly Father). Then off to Inamata's. Her father is in prison:( It's quite sad. I offered a prayer to close our meeting and her eyes were full of tears. Then before dinner we met with Ema. We also shared the same video with her. Elder Irvine is the best at talking with people! Elder Burns calls him "The Master." LONG DAY!!

Elder Minion, ha ha!

Thursday- Specialized Training. Oh how I love these trainings! The spirit is always so strong! We had much instruction about studies and making them effective, and well I have a lot of work to do! Then we had the awesome chance to have a new tool introduced. "HE IS THE GIFT". Look it up on lds.org, it is the best video! Then President Balli showed us Elder Holland's talk "Do you love me?" Then asked us to insert out names into it. It meant so much to say "Yea Lord, thou knowest I love thee." So much personal revelation was gained just from one inspired talk from a member of the Quorum of the Twelve! Coming off a powerful meeting makes you hungry so Elder Burns and I made a sweet lunch! (much better than ones in the past). Work continued and it was an inspiring day. We had a lot of chances to talk with everyone (TWE), caught up with Jordan (investigator) Gave Jane (recent convert) a blessing and went to the chapel for a Youth Cook-Off. 

Thanksgiving with the Busbys and Irvines

Friday- hmmmm, guess nothing really sticks out, but I'm sure it was a great day. Out here on the mission the days seem to just blend together.

Saturday- This morning during studies I tried to tackle a grizzly bear...oh I mean Elder Vave. Had a great morning talking to Lisa (investigator) she offered us some cheesecake, boysenberry? Her kids insisted that we should play with them so we threw around a frisbee until it was time for us to go. Also we did the same at another investigators house with kids jumping all over us. I talked to their mother Ana (Samoan lady) while Elder Burns was being attacked by these kids.

Sunday- Emergency drill in church! It was a blast and had heaps of fun, checking emergency packs (72 hour kits) Lunch with the Stake President. Kept working and had a blast talking to our 1st Counselor, Brother Haiane about his mission.What a great week, so much work and still so much FUN!!!

Picture with Stake President & Sister Broederlow and the Irvines

 

I love you all, til next time!

Another Week Finished, Another Week Wiser.

Well yet again another week has gone bye bye. And oh boy was it a WET and WINDY one. It was for sure a crazy one for us here. Let's just say that when adversity comes that's when the real You is shown.  This week was stacked with Cool Experiences!

Monday- Was pretty funny! One of the sisters in our district while playing a game called Turbo decided she'd tackle (more or less fall on) some chairs. She told us that night she had the bruise to prove it.

Tuesday- Ran into a crazy Indian man at lunch. We decided to have lunch at KFC. Elder Burns bought it but had to use the restroom. I ordered while he went. Then this Indian man walks in and begged for me to give him food. Then he followed us out and touched our feet and kissed our hands and walked away. So weird.

Wednesday- Taught a new investigator named Jordan! He is super keen. Just so you know I am a terrible cook. Made the worst lunch. Four ingredients: noodles, sugar, tomatoes, and cheese. It tasted horrible. I threw what we had all together and what we got was a mess! I am the worst at cooking. Tried and failed. It's a daily thing for us as missionaries. 

Thursday- It rained so hard. Hail battered the windows, we thought it was going to break the glass. We were soaked all day. Had a mean lesson with a new investigator named Marion. Really awkward because when we got there she'd just kicked out her boyfriend. Heaps of contention and well quite frankly he wasn't happy to see us. But it was a miracle, she said in her own words "The Mormons always show up when I need it the most" We were supposed to be there. Also had a mean lesson with a former investigator named Teamio, who was referred to us by the Parker family. She had been invited to be baptized multiple times. We extended the invitation again and she said no, but didn't say she wouldn't, we will be working with her.

Friday- We boldly testified on the great blessing of having the gospel in our lives to Jordan and his friend Ricks, and we committed them to church. Then rushed to give a blessing to a sick baby. Then gave another blessing to a non member, his name is (try to say it) Etuina Utumoengalu Utuina. I barely could even say it...

Saturday-  Companionship study with Sister Tuneti and Solia Lulai. I was super groggy and almost fell asleep. Elder Burns woke me up and had me do a role play, practicing using the Book of Mormon to resolve objections. Elder Burns and I crashed because we were so tired. Had funny conversation with Cargo a less-actives and her Friend. Who said this "Chickens are children of God also." Ay?? We told her that wasn't true but she firmly stood by what she believed. The Taani Family have one of the funniest little girls, Moso. She got in my face and started to laugh, she snorted and wouldn't let me put my shoes on, so I picked her up and moved her. She didn't want me to let her go so I laid her flat on her back, got my shoes and left. 

Sunday- Primary Program! All the kids yelled into the microphone. Still cute as could be! But by the end my ears were ringing. Helped Jane our recent convert get her Temple Recommend! That night we had a "Come and See" fireside. It was so cool, good turnout. After the Come & See we went and did a visit with our Bishop (Matelau). 

That's a little brush over of my Week:)

Hope you enjoyed it:)

Hello Family and Friends I'm back again:) I hope you all had a great week! Because I did!

Who you gonna call.....DUSTBUSTERS!!!! Ha ha cleaning church

Monday- Just a normal P-day, Elder Burns and I were the only ones playing rugby, kicking the ball back and forth to each other until it was time to go back to work. Had a lesson with recent converts about Family History. The day before we committed them to fill in the "My Family Booklet" as much as they could to allow us to teach them the importance of families receiving saving ordinances

Tuesday- Had a funny companionship study extending commitments to one another but before we took off to go to work Elder Burn's helmet got stuck and pulled heaps off his hair out. We had a sweet contact with a former investigator who investigated the Church in Fiji. We taught her about the temple and asked her if she wanted to learn more about how families can be together forever. She said we could come back. We were again threatened by a dog. The day before while planning I had a prompting to visit this house where this dog was at. The dog was behind the fence when we got there. The dog cleared the fence and charged at us. We used our bikes as shields and as weapons. I was terrified. I moved backward still holding the bike in front of me. Elder Burns followed behind me. The adrenaline in my body forced me to ride my bike so fast down a hill to get away. We laughed it off and continued working.  We worked with the Irvines today. We had them visit names on the Ward list we weren't to sure lived in our area. We met a man named Tommy Thompson who once was a member but called it quits and moved on. Failed to teach Francis a lesson and succeeded in talking to Jane in reteaching l essons. Then had an inspired trade-off with the Elders Quorum President, Bro. Lapu'aho.
 

Wednesday- Today was Mission Leadership Council that meant a 7 hour meeting with the special topic of planning (Making it effective). Usually it's just for the Zone Leaders but President Balli invited the District Leaders and Comps (Me) to the meeting. Following the meeting we had dinner at Mcdonald's wow is it expensive here! Had a awesome lesson with Hemi a less-active who wants to come back to church!! Gave him something to do and he said he'd do them!! Guy Fox Day means Fireworks!

Thursday- Zone Meeting was three hours, Elder Burns and I did training on nightly planning and spent two hours helping the District plan for the upcoming week! It was fun and I really enjoyed it! Following the meeting we cleaned the gym then got a ride back to the flat for lunch. After lunch back to work, talked to a recent convert (Hunter) home from school. Then had to rush to dinner with the Kints. The whole family except for the father is a member and is super keen to accept the gospel but there are some things he needs to get out of the way first.

Friday- Rugby for morning workout. Today Elder Burns had interviews with investigators for baptism so I stayed in the area with the Irvines while he did the first of two interviews. We attempted to visit the Broughtens (Investigator Family) but were told off and told to leave and go about out business somewhere else.

Saturday-  Football for morning workout- I was Quarterback...yeah we got smashed...ha it was still fun though. I had an awesome study on planning and the great importance of it. following Comp study we were off to the baptism of Dahnel. His testimony is so strong! We also taught the Restoration for the interlude! After the baptism the Stake had a carnival, which we were able to go to! We had a mean Tug-of-War with the Stake members...and....We Won!!!! There was another baptism (Alofa Peilua), I had the honor of baptizing her. We got to the baptism late and I had to change SUPER fast because they were waiting for me. Almost messed up but Elder Burns set me straight.

Sunday-  Preach My Gospel Class we taught Plan of Salvation. Sacrament meeting some changes were made to the Bishopric the spirit was so strong, everyone was crying (Bro Haiane is the new 2nd Counselor) We had an inspired meeting with Uasi an inactive member who opened up to us about his desire to come back to the fold. We shared 3 Nephi 17:7-8 I felt the power come from the scripture.  Elder Burns broke a light socket in the bathroom because I got scared by a bee. I hate the bugs here they are MASSIVE!!!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

More Sea Urchins

Sea Urchins....yummy????

Hello again! I have a lot to tell about my week!

Monday- The night before some stuff went down, I was called some rude names. I had to sit on it all night. I confronted the problem and expressed how I felt. The situation turned out a whole lot better. The relationships that I have with the Elders in our flat has grown so much stronger all because of courage. What a blessing the have to Holy Ghost to teach each of us the importance of control. We also had a funny argument with an investigator about pencils. Weird!!!

Tuesday- District Meeting. Working with the senior couple in our ward is one of the funniest times, but one of the most stressful times all put into one (The next day will explain this). Many of our appointments fell through so we did what we could. As we were leaving a less-active member's home we heard a man from across the street said "Who are you?" And then added "Ye are deceivers of the truth", and "your doctrine says that Satan is Jesus' Brother". Quite an angry man. We talked for a few minutes and then moved on because he just wanted to argue.

Wednesday- While traveling with the Irvines to an appointment with a recent convert a bird pooped on Elder Burns' window and he about threw up. Before getting to the actual lesson Sister Irvine asked me if I would say the prayer; she said, "Sister Matua is a Young Women's President." Elder Burns sat there laughing while I was super surprised, not sure why she said that but I was hoping to ask this contact if we were related. Plus Elder Irvine being the driver about killed us while driving from appointment to appointment; driving on the opposite side of the road, almost running into islands in the road. Yeah it was scary. We had a lesson with the Sisters in our District, Sister Kelli and Kata. Vai is her name. She had some really deep questions, she is a 7th Day Adventure I mean 7th Day Adventist. A very spiritual person who has read almost the whole Book of Mormon! One of the Elect!

THE DREAM TEAM

Thursday-Another day of work and humor. I attempted to fix my bike....didn't work. Spent an hour on it just to find out the the little pin that keeps the air in the tube was broken! In frustration I called it quits and to relieve the stress I made lunch for Elder Burns, then everything turned out okay:) I learned a lesson today that missionaries should NOT talk with teenage girls because they tend to have misconceptions about what you are doing here. They try and sell themselves to us, so you could say they "Reveal" who they really are. Then we were mocked while visiting with an in-active member (Ta'ala Family), the friend of the father pulled into the driveway yelling a Samoan word out his window he said "Pepelo" (liars in English). So grateful I was the only one that understood what was said. Later, Elder Burns was attacked by a Shiz Tsu. But nothing too serious just a little jump from the dog trying to bite him. Elder Burns told me gave the dog a knee to the stomach. To conclude the night we had a super inspired lesson with Nestacia. Phoenix's Partner:) She's been reading the Book of Mormon and had some really cool analogies. She related the Book of Mormon to the Lord of The Rings. We invited her to baptism but she said she wanted to wait until she got to the middle of the book.. NO!!!! We tried our best to teach her the reasoning behind it, and asked her to have a kneeling prayer with her. But Elder Irvine took the situation into his hands and said the prayer for her..it defeated the whole purpose of having her pray. We were a little upset but hopefully we can get her to pray next time.

Friday- The Assistants (Elders Talamaivao and Huffman) had a Trade-off with The Zone Leaders, which meant that they would need to spend the night. Friday morning we played rugby at the Local park for morning workout! What a great workout! Kept me awake all day. We had an awesome idea to play a game during lunch. It consisted of a box and flexibility. In the process of bending down I attempted to bounce to get the box ( Bad Idea). My hip bone popped and I jumped up and immediately grabbed my right bum cheek. Everyone laughed at me. While walking around during the day Elder Burns and I had a deep talk about concerns and worries that we had. Having someone to talk to really eased my mind.

Saturday-We ran into an atheist couple who verbally attacked us with questions concerning God. And why religion causes people to fight. Why should we give our money to a church. He had a whole lot of concerns. We felt so confident about the truths of the Gospel we ended up teaching them the Gospel for two hours. Each question they had we were able to teach a Gospel truth. Also had a full on conversation with a Samoan lady, haven't done that for a while. It felt really good. Ran into a member from my first area who is currently the Bishop, Bishop Afui'e. Then one of the scariest moments of my life. Always ask what is in the food before you eat it. The Taukolo and Tutagalevao families fed us a sandwich with AVOCADOS!! I didn't know there was until one of the little kids ran out and asked what's on the sandwiches. I have never pedaled so fast back to our flat. I took allergy meds and I was okay for the rest of the day.

Sunday- I learned another lesson about SIN. Gospel Principles lesson was on repentance. What I found out was this, Satan works on us by attaching thoughts of sins and feelings we have, that leads to sinful actions. So keep your thoughts and feelings clean so that we don't have the temptation to act on those feelings. Visited with Pita, he was the only one we visited. He shared stories about Tonga and his crazy dad killing cats. Ha, Ha! To end the night we had a visit with Phoenix. He was hung over. Couldn't really teach a lesson so we talked to him. So sad to see him regress, but hope we can help him on his way towards the Savior.

Halloween...look closely!!!!

Hope your week is amazing and full of happiness:)

We spent the whole time emailing back and forth and he didn't have time to give us a weekly rundown. So, again apologies but he did send pictures, he is doing well, still in Papatoetoe, he and Elder Burns are working hard, and having "heaps" of fun. He sends his love and is grateful for all your prayers. Wishes everyone a GREAT week!!!!

Look, we both fit in size 50 pants!!!!

I'm FLYING!!!

Serious Study

Still looking fit, ha ha!!!

 Sorry no letter this week cause Elder Matua spent the whole time emailing his Dad. He'll definitely get one out this week. Love you all!!!

THE ELDERS IN OUR FLAT

NEW TIES FROM A RECENT CONVERT....STYLIN'!!!!!

The Marshland

Chillin' in the flat, like my haircut?????

Once again another week has passed and yet again I get to write you all another email! Woohoo!

Monday and Tuesday- Two days of being SICK! I did not even feel like a missionary for that space of time because the routine when being sick goes like this, Sleep, sleep, wake up, eat, take medicine and then repeat until better. That's all I did during the duration of the sickness. My companion on the other hand had his watchful eye on me making sure I was okay. He later told me that when I was sick he was SOOOO BORED!!!! But when I finally got better we buckled down and went to work.

Wednesday- Today was full of miracles! With our minds clear and ready to work we did as we have done and that is WORK!! It paid off because we were able to find keen investigators after sharing the importance of the temple and how they can be together forever, we asked if we could come back and share more. They said yes and we scheduled an appointment! We also had a service project at the Sagala's home doing some gardening! We ate lunch with them and then realized that we had another dinner with a Samoan family in the area. We had to be rolled out of their house because of the amount of food we ate! Not good!

Thursday - We had a Family Home Morning because last night the Family Home Evening we had planned fell through so we had to reschedule it for today. We taught the lesson of the Plan of Salvation then we sat and listened to Nga (an investigator) talk about her life story, she talked for an hour sharing experiences she'd had in her life about her kids and a rough divorce she went through.

Friday- We had intentions of inviting of investigators to General Conference and well it didn't go good at all:( But we still tried the best we could. We also had visits tonight with our Ward Mission Leader  letting him see who we are working with. The only person that answered was Erina (the one with the bunnies) We taught her about Prophet and the importance of Conference. She said she would try to come..we left with the feeling she wasn't telling the truth.



Saturday and Sunday- Conference Sunday or in other words a Missionary's Christmas! The best two days on a mission because the messages are so closely related to us as missionaries and a lot answers to questions came from it! I love Conference just because the spiritual intake of it brings more encouragement ! I love it so much! Any Favorites? Mine,  Elder Holland and President Utchdorf! So good!
Love you all and have a great week:)

Hello everyone Good Morning, Good Afternoon, and Good Evening:) This week like any other week had it's up and downs. I hope all is well and that you all had a great week:)

Monday- Once again we had to wait for the sisters to come to the chapel. For one reason or another I don't think the sisters like me. I get serious when it comes to playing games. Either I or Elder Burns would win; oh the power of a companionship:) We watched two cops along with a helicopter hunt down two boys while talking with someone.
It's really awkward when a random person refers you to a member's house. While talking to a man named Emmanuel he did exactly that. Expecting us not knowing the area that well went ahead and knocked on the door. Just so happened it was the Roberts (Samoan member family in our ward). We had a family home evening with a member family, the Taani's (Tongan Family).

Tuesday- I wasn't the happiest today. Waking up in the morning with a sore throat is a horrible way to begin the week. Everywhere we would ride on our bikes I would feel so out of shape that or I was sick. Elder Burns would take off and I would be left in his dust. I got so mad I smacked my handlebars with my hand. We spent some time in the afternoon with the senior couple in our ward visiting families and other less-actives, and investigators. It was a pretty successful day besides feeling like falling asleep each time we got in the car. Elder Burns and I dozed in and out of sleep through the afternoon.

Wednesday- We were back on bikes and had a few appointments today with some recent converts and investigators. We had to go to our first appointment with Leonda by ourselves. We taught him the importance of the Priesthood. When we were teaching him he asked, "Can you give it to me right now?" Our reply was No because he needs to stop smoking first. He said that he would prepare to receive. Other appointments with some other recent converts: Jyshiah 15, Viarn 11, and Hunter 9. Along with Elder and Sister Irvine (Senior Couple). Three Girls who were just recently baptized. Wow are they a handful. They don't have a father figure in their life and their mother is steadily working on getting a Masters degree in medicine. We planned to re-teach the Restoration to them. We finished the Lesson at 3:00 pm and our appointment was at 1 pm. Our other appointment with Shirley fell through so we visited with some members we hadn't met yet.

Thursday- Zone Meeting today and it was good? Of course it was! Then we had Trade-off with the Zone Leaders following zone meeting. I was with Elder Jones for the day along with the Irvines. We visited with Shirley and talked to her about Family History. We all shared experiences about families and invited her to be baptized, she said No. But gave her the commitment to pray to know if it was what Heavenly Father wanted her to do. We then continued on with our day contacting less-actives. It went great! Having the Irvine's with us opens the doors to more opportunities to meet with new people. Jane a recent convert never told her mother that she was baptized in to our church. Her mother is super "anti" but with the Irvine's the doorway was opened wide for us to say a prayer with the family. Our dinner appointment went over an hour. A bird pooped on my head while walking to contact the girls (the three girls in the last paragraph), we ended up meeting with Megan the girl's mother.We talked and taught and she later said that she's been reading the Book of Mormon off and on for the past 10 years. We committed her to Read 2 Nephi 25.

Friday- The night before we didn't get any planning done so that meant we were going to have to wing the day. But for some reason the Lord knew our situation. We again spent the entire day with the Irvines going off their schedule. We worked all day with them and wow were we tired of sitting in a car.

Saturday- We had companionship study with Sisters Tuneti and Solia Lulai, practicing using a Ward Mission Plan effectively with the ward members. We did one role play, and we committed them to use what they did in their role play with their next member visit. The weather in New Zealand is SO RANDOM! It would be sunshine and clear skies then suddenly the weather would change to cloudy and raining. We were out in this weather all day. It got to me and gave me the flu. After having a member visit with the Lapu'aho Family, he is the Elders quorums president. We went home and I began to get chills so I took an ibuprofen and went to bed. The whole night I was tossing and turning because I got a fever. I kept shaking all night even though I took more medicine.

Sunday- Only went to Sacrament meeting. We went back home and I tried my best to get as much rest as I could. Elder Burns checked up on me every hour or so, to make sure I was okay. I felt good enough to go out for about three hours last night and felt great, but the symptoms came back around two o' clock in the Morning.

Love you all Bye:)

This week has been a crazy one! Full of fun and funny experiences and well obviously work!:)

Monday- District Leader Council and Elder Ofahengaue was struggling so I shared with him D&C 122 and bore my testimony to him...He perked right up and said thank you. We spent the day with the Zone Leaders getting some shopping done, cleaning the flat and getting lunch (Subway) we didn't have much time to email so we went straight to sports.

Tuesday- We had a cool experience of trying to set one of our member's siblings. She declined but it's what she needed to hear because the previous missionaries in this area never invited her to be baptized...we hope to hear back on what happens:)

Wednesday- We had the another cool experience of teaching a miracle family. The couple had a brother serving in this mission and we began to talk to them. They had some idea of what the Church was about and we taught them about the temples and committed them to pray to know if they should be baptized, great spirit, but we still aren't sure if that will happen either. After teaching some people on the street about the Nature of God Elder Burns said, "God is the Perfect Scientist he's the Only Scientist who doesn't need to do experiments because he has all knowledge." In other words God knows everything and he knows the outcome.

The week was full of amazing experiences but unfortunately I don't have enough time to share them. I'll try better next time. Have great week everyone!

ELDER MATUA OFFICIALLY HITS THE ONE-YEAR MARK TODAY!!!! WOW! WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?

Sorry folks no email this week. But Elder Matua has assured us that he will send one next week. He sends his love and thanks for all the support you have given him. One year already???!!! For us the time has just flown by and we've seen the blessings evident in our lives every day because of his service in the field. Sincere thanks to all of you for your prayers and support!!!! GOD BLESS and here's to another great year for Elder Matua!!!!

Hello Family AND Friends!

This has been one crazy week for me and my two companions (Elder Lolohea and my new Companion, Elder Burns) I was emergency shifted to Papatoetoe! I wasn't expecting to be companions with the son of an old friend of my mother's. The Lord works in mysterious ways! I love him to death! He knows how to work! Really helps me to focus on what the Lord wants us to do! Elder Lolohea is still in Henderson. I pray that the Lord will continually bless him to be able to speak English and that his area will continue to have prepared souls for them to meet and teach! I know that the Lord needed me to be here for some reason. I'm only three days into the new transfer so I hope that we both as a companionship will be able to the best we can. And to figure out what the Lord is needing us to do here:)

Happy Birthday Bella! I love you so much!

I hope you all have a great week and I pray that the Lord will bless you all!:)

Sorry everyone, I was in Vegas last week and totally forgot to post Elder Matua's email from Sept. 7. so here goes.

 Hello Everyone and Good Afternoon or whenever you are Reading this:) But I hope you all had a great week because I did:)

Monday was yet again another day at Piha! One of the most beautiful places in the world. We spent the whole day there. It was great but it was raining the whole time we were there but it was nice to get away from the city:) I had to say a prayer and the joy that followed was definite! Heavenly Father is there! All that I know is that I could feel the Savior's love for me!

Tuesday- District meeting and the spirit was so strong. The district meeting topic was companionship unity. Each of the members of our district expressed love for one another and how much we enjoyed being with one another. Following district meeting we had to go shopping for food. It was a light shopping because we didn't have much cash on hand (thank goodness the members like to feed us) being on foot was a the biggest problem for us but we were still able to contact those we needed to see.

Wednesday- Well the plan was to contact a less-actives and members with disabilities that are bound to there home. It didn't go as planned in the beginning while visiting less-actives. But visiting with the members with disabilities was amazing. We met Joe. He had been stabbed in his bladder and is unable to do a whole bunch. He asked us if we could help him with some things and we did. It felt good to do service for those in need:)

Thursday- Same thing happened today nothing...just sore feet haha No one was out on the roads and it was raining all day...Shucks! We met up with some Aiono Family in Lincoln Ward They know Earline, my aunt. But nothing happened yet again:/

Friday- Trade off with the district leader and Elder Hall....I went with Elder Hall....It was so boring. We did nothing we walked and talked to no one...Terrible:(

Saturday-Nothing, spent another day on split with Elder Hall.

Sunday-Mel and Diamond were confirmed members. Finally:)

Taking a little break

This week has had it's ups and downs. I've needed to do some changing around of attitude, expectations and yes like always repenting of mistakes and moving forward. I've had a lot of priority changes and what I need to do is clear. The time just seems to be quickening and the days seem to get shorter and shorter. Guess that means I'm doing something right?? It's a funny conundrum to say "The harder you work the faster time goes but the less you work the slower the time goes" I don't know where exactly to start but all that I do know is that, I have felt the Savior's love more abundantly this week than any other.

Monday-  I'm grateful to say that I was very happy that today was P-day I needed to left off some steam. volleyball was the key component added to this equation of release.

Tuesday- The morning came with a headache caused by the heat from the space heater. Personal study ended early and we headed to District Meeting; upon arrival the gate appeared to be locked, turned out it was. We called the District Leader and found out the meeting was cancelled. I was looking forward to the meeting but we went home and got ready to meet with President Balli. I told him that I was struggling with some things cause we weren't seeing much success. President simply said, "You need to stop being so hard on yourself." I went away from this meeting with a weight lifted on my shoulders.

My comp, Elder Lolohea and...the MACHETE!!!

The rest of the week was spent walking. Our bikes seem to lack the ability of staying in one piece. This made for a somewhat unproductive week with not much success. I was quite sure it was another week of testing to see if we would be able to endure. We must have done something right because of the miracle baptism of Mel and Diamond Toloa on Sunday. The days that came before the actual baptism were the days of growth in Myself. I saw myself change rather quickly in a week and a time to move forward!

I LOVE the LORD, I LOVE my FAMILY and I LOVE MY MISSION!! Love you all and have a great week!

Baptism Day for Mel and Diamond Toloa