Combined ZONE conference. Panmure, Waterview, Mt. Roskill and Chinese zones. Can you see me?

Hello Everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic week and that you were able to feel an abundance of the Spirit this week!

Monday- Me and the Zone Leaders had a long talk. Many tears and out pouring of the spirit was felt and I am forever changed!! I love the way I feel and this week was a result of that!

Tuesday- We had District Meeting and I was so overwhelmed with the Spirit. My District was uplifted and set the tone for the whole week. A new theme for the whole Zone was put into place, 100 through 100. 100% of the Zone baptizing through 100% personal conversion. Oh my gosh did I take that to a whole new level! After the meeting we went back to the Flat and I offered the most earnest prayer making a promise to Heavenly Father I will do his will. It was probably about a thirty minute prayer I have been studying a book called Everlasting Life and it talks about Guardian Angels...I truly believe that they are here and that I have someone on the other side that has charge over me.....AMAZING!!!

Wednesday- The unimaginable happened...my bike tire popped....and oh was I mad we were in the furthest part of our area and luckily there was a member close! Elder Calizo was laughing at me and I was furious because my bike is currently unusable so that meant walking the rest of the week!

Thursday- We walked and walked and walked...we had to walk to the furthest part of our area and it took us an hour an a half to walk there....terrible idea changed to an opportunity to talk with everyone and share the Gospel! We pushed out 9 lessons with people on the streets but of course opposition is in everything and there were those that didn't want to talk to us..we have the choice to either accept or reject the Gospel...sad but has to happen that way:(

Friday- I woke this morning pumped up to go share the Gospel and that's what we did...but we got rejected a lot...so we did what we knew, and that was be happy and know we were doing what we were supposed to do! We also had a Baptismal interview it was so good! The Tongan Sisters Investigators!

Saturday- We didn't have much happen today but we do have someone new to teach!!! Its one of our youth's friends...so we hope to meet with him soon and share the gospel with him:)

Sunday- We had an awesome Testimony Meeting so many youth got up and bore their testimonies, it was so cool, it reminded me of home and the awesome youth in WEST JORDAN UTAH!! We also received another person to teach today, so we should set him next week!

I love this work and it's been so great being out here! I love you all and have a great week!:)

This was probably one of the most life changing times in my mission.

Monday- We as a district went for an adventure to a waterfall not far from our flat...oh my gosh was it beautiful! Small, but really cool to get out and do something! We also had an opportunity to talk to a man that just walked up to us! Name was Walker...wasn't exactly interested in the message.

Tuesday- We had a miracle happen. I had a prompting to write down an address that we passed on Sunday of last week....We put the house in our plans. We went an visited, a woman answered the door. We began talking and we asked if we could share a message she said yes...we did the lesson outside, we sang "Love One Another", when we finished the song I told her that "Our purpose as missionaries is to share messages of Jesus Christ and the one thing he has asked us to do is...Love One Another and we love you!" You know we felt prompted to come to your home. Why would God put us at your doorstep at this time? She didn't answer (too many tears). Well, we have an appointment with her next Monday! Her Name is Jennifer. We also had trade-off with the zone leader, and we had another miracle! It was so cool! We were lead to an alley to an Indian man, then to an Asian man in an empty house and then to a Maori girl...!!! It was the coolest thing!

Wednesday- We spent a lot of time in the furthest part of our area. Visiting the house that we wrote down on Sunday...we didn't have much success but we still were able to meet with a new couple that just invited us into their home and invited us to come over to their house on Saturday to sit down and talk to them, they are Catholic...but their family are members...so we are going to see what we can do with them:)

Thursday- I had my first Baptismal Interview with the Samoan sisters sets all in Samoan...wow was that a challenge...but at least I understood what they were saying. So they were ready for Baptism on Saturday.

Friday- We went to visit our investigators trying to get them set for baptism....but we didn't get the chance cause no one was home, so no lessons that night.

Saturday- We had to walk all day today---word to the wise don't walk on a mission......you never get anything accomplished, if you have a bike...USE IT!!!! We couldn't get anything done...it was terrible. We met with our new investigators and it went really good..we just talked and we sang I am a Child of God and closed with a prayer! It was so much fun!:) haha

Sunday- We had FOUR investigators at Church today, I was so happy!!!  Great day!!

LOVE YOU ALLL!!!!!

With Raymond Taala, CCWS old boy!

Monday- Normal P-day...Well a little different with having the opportunity to call home made the day that much more exciting! Very grateful I was able to talk to all of the family and let them feel of the spirit of New Zealand from a phone call:) We contacted investigators..and well it went somewhat okay..haha we ended up at FHE's.

Tuesday- We had planned last week to have trade-off with the Zone Leaders...they got busy and well we ended up doing some more finding and visiting present investigators and less-actives. The Samoan Sisters referred us to our set's house because there were three new people that moved in due to a funeral....sad but we contacted them...nothing happened but we set up an appointment with Vaiala:)

Wednesday- We had Zone Conference with Elder Pearson of the Seventy!! It was amazing. We got a Spiritual Beat Down and well all of us left that meeting HUMBLED.

Thursday- We did more searching for new investigators and we found one!!! Yeah Samoan..of course but he wasn't exactly interested but we just have to build a relationship with him:) We also had a meeting with our Ward Mission Leader and I gave a spiritual thought from Alma 7:11-13 one of my many favorite scriptures:) I felt so good when I finished..because I think they really understood me:)

Friday- Can't really remember what happened, but I'm sure it was a good day

Saturday-Stake Conference...Great conference all about THE WORK OF SALVATION (HASTENING) it was great to hear all the testimonies about Missionary Work. it strengthened mine a lot

Sunday- Second Session of Stake Conference and it was a broadcast from Salt Lake City,  President Monson....I learned so much about getting ready for the future.

I love this work and we are hoping to have a baptism this coming week or the next....Vaiala!!!:) Pray for him ...Please!!!

Love you all:)

Elder Calizo's birthday celebration

Love the GNOMES!!! Ha Ha

We didn't get a weekly email because we were able to spend about an hour on the phone on Mother's Day with Elder Matua. He sounds great, it was very emotional talking to him, in fact everyone that was at the house on Sunday was able to speak with him. I have to say as a Dad it was so amazing to converse with him in Samoan. He says his Samoan is not very good, but he understood every word my brother and I said and he was able to respond....SO COOL!!!! I don't know about Kelli but that call absolutely made my week!!!! Kelli was so nervous and anxious, we tried for over an hour to get through and the recording kept telling us, "ALL CIRCUITS ARE BUSY, TRY AGAIN LATER." It was so frustrating, but then we heard Kelli's phone ring and we literally jumped to pick it up, Garrett actually answered the phone and when he said "HELLO", Garrett lost it, then he handed it to Kelli and Kelli lost it. I'm sure all missionary moms who got to talk to their missionary reacted the same way. Nonetheless, it was a great way to cap off an amazing Sunday. Hopefully we'll get an update next week. He sends his love to you all and says that he is so grateful for your love and support.. Until next week, God bless and take care.

ALOFA TELE

I think Elder Matua may have shopped at the discount store, hence the picture

Well, this week's email is Elder Matua's testimony in Samoan. I've translated it into English so you can understand. Enjoy!!

Ia faafetai mo le faamalosiau ma le agalelei! Ia ou te lagona le musumusuga a le Agaga Pa'ia i le faasoa atu o la'u molimau ia te outou.
Ou te iloa oloo soifua le Atua ma lona alo o Iesu Keriso, e le mafai ona faamatala atu o lo'u alofa mo i la'ua. Ou te tula'i mai ma molimau atu ia te oe e moni ma faamaoni le talalelei a Iesu Keriso, e leai ma so'u masalosalo. Ua ou vaai i le galuega ua alualu i luma! Ou te alofa i lenei galuega talu ai ona ua ou tala'i atu le talalelei ina ia mafai ona ou aumaia tagata o loo leiloloa. Ia o lo'u molimau ua alualu i luma i le iloaina e iai sa'u Faaola, sa faapea ona tafetoto lona tino. Ou te tuuina atu le faafetai tele mo Ia talu ai ona o loo Ia silafia a'u ma lo'u puapuagatia.
Ou te tuuina atu le faafetai mo faifeau o loo nonofo i le tatou eria talu ai ona ua iloa e la'ua le ta'ua o lo'u uso!!!!!!  Ou te tagi aua ua la faaaogaina le la taimi e fesoasoani i si o'u uso . Ou te tatalo atu i le Alii mo le musumusuga a le Agaga Pa'ia sa faapea ona taitai la'ua i lo'u uso.
Ia o loo soifua se perofeta i lenei vaitaimi, o loo taitai le Ekalesia a Iesu Keriso ole Au Pa'ia o Aso e Gata Ai. Sa vaai Iosefa i le Atua ma lona alo o Iesu Keriso ma sa fai atu le Atua ia te ia, "E iai se galuega e ofoofogia mo oe"! Sa toefuatai e ia le talalelei a Iesu Keriso i le lalolagi ma toefuatai le perisitua a le Atua! Ia O lo'u molimau lea, faafetai ile Tama Faalelagi mo lenei avanoa sa faapea ona faasoa atu o la'u molimau ia te outou. Ou te alofa atu ia te outou mo le tou lagolago ma le tausiaina o a'u.
I love you and can not wait to talk to you all on Sunday!!
Love you and have a great week:)

Thank you for your encouragement and goodness. I feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost as I share my testimony with you.
I know that God and His son Jesus Christ live, I can't even begin to explain the love I have for them. I stand and testify to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and faithful, I know without a doubt. I can see the work moving forward. I love this work, I am preaching the gospel so that I can bring it to people who are lost. My testimony continues to grow and I know that I have a Savior, who bled for me. I give thanks to Him and I know that He knows me and my struggles.
I'm grateful for the missionaries serving at home because they have sought out my brother (Tai). I cried knowing that they have sacrificed some of their time to help my brother. I prayed to the Lord to prompt them through the Holy Ghost to seek out my brother.
I know that we have a living prophet today, who leads the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Joseph saw God and His Son Jesus Christ, and God spoke to him and said, "I have a marvelous work for you to do." He restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth, and the priesthood of God. This is my testimony, I'm grateful that my Heavenly Father has given me the opportunity to share my testimony with you. I love you for the care and support you have given me.

NICE HAT

Ou te tuuina atu le faafetai ma le viiga i lo tatou Tama ile Lagi mo lenei avanoa:) (Ask my Dad what I just said)

This week was on the upside for sure!

Monday- We had the gym today and we played volleyball with the Tongan Ward and the District. Did the usual for p-day...laundry, cleaning, shopping and emails.

Tuesday- Had District Meeting and President Lekias came to the meeting. Some changse were made in our zone but it didn't affect me. We road bikes in the city that was a blast!! Going so fast all around the city!! Such a rush! hahaha The trade off started last night and well we got a workout, there are huge hills in the city..oh my gosh did I sleep good that night! We had like five lessons with some SUPER keen people on the street and it was great!

Wednesday- The trade off was over around 3 but we went to teach a lesson with one of the ZL's investigators that was fun. We had lunch at this Burger Place called Burger Fuel....oh was it good but later in the evening I regretted it.... I told the ZL "You fed me food from Hell." We had a crazy a experience with a palagi but we still invited him to baptism ...we gave him to the English-speaking elders to see what they can do.

Thursday- We contacted members and tried to get some more referrals..well not much success there. We had MCM (mission council meeting) at Scotia Place Chapel..and well our Ward Mission Leader forgot so we had to go to his house....and did the meeting there. We got some books to help with reading scriptures, ended up being a good night.

Friday- We had a really good companionship inventory, basically time to share what happened in the week. Really just talked and share our feelings about how to make our relationship better:)
Made the day that much better:)  Spent time with Vaiala and the Keys:)

Saturday & Sunday- Visiting but not much to report. Church awesome as usual!!!!

Sorry no pics this week, will try and get some to you next week.

Love you all have a great week:)

Well this week was probably one of the most hectic (don't know how to spell that word) weeks yet.

Monday (only day really to rest) but we had family home evening with Bro. Gatoloai 1st Counselor of the Bishopric and we shared the things we learned from General Conference:) It was nice,

we stayed for about an hour and then stopped by and visited some other ward members. WE HAVE AN AMAZING WARD!!!

Checking out my new KICKS

Tuesday- The craziness begins. Well we received a list (five pages long) of potential investigators all in our area from the sisters, Sister Tugaga and Camiletti:) There was about 50 names we had to check...there was no way we were going to be able to do that all in one day (contacting potential investigators is what we did all week). So we began knocking, talking, setting appointments and what not. Got dirty looks, sworn at, and seeing some very interesting clothing choices along the way...talk about a different country..haha

Wednesday- We had interviews with President Lekias and well that was an experience in itself. In the interview I shared everything that I felt I needed to tell him and he simply told me....don't worry about it. If it happens, it happens. You are needing to focus on now and not too far into the future...honestly I feel so much. So much BETTER!!!!

Thursday-  Our schedule was packed and we had a lot to do today. Jumping from one side of our area to the other back and forth contacting all of these people...We thought that we were going to have a Baptismal Interview for the Zone Leaders for me to do...But having the busy schedule didn't help..so yeah we ended up staying in our area DOING WORK!!!

Friday- Was about the same just contacting all of these potentials and had no luck because some of them were at Church. Catholics, Methodists and other Christian religions were off to there "sauniga" (services). Then we had a ward dance ohhh my gosh was that funny, watching all the members make fools of themselves.

Saturday- We visited members all day just to switch things up:)  Visited our set Vaiala, Key Family, Gatoloai, and the Tapuali'i Family. Had fun with the families just talking and building relationships with one another:) Really nice to visit with them and see their personalities:)

Sunday-  Went to Church. It POURED all week and we didn't get caught in it until today. Went to church and it was PACKED. Priesthood was basically a discussion on WARD PLANS didn't even teach a lesson. Had our fafaga (dinner appointment) and taught a lesson to Vaiala.

Great week and another busy one coming up! Love the work and it gets better and better everyday:)

Monday was just a normal P-day, cleaning, emailing and getting ready for the week. We visited members and did a lot of contacting new investigators. I was very frustrated with one of our members because he just would not stop talking....I told him we had to leave but he wouldn't let us so I said ( it being 9:00 pm) Ma o and got up shook his hand and we were off...in the process of trying to hurry...my planner flew out of my pocket...I didn't realize it 'til we got to the flat....sucks! Got a new one on Tuesday.

Tuesday- This was my first district meeting as a District Leader:) HA I was so nervous but I pulled through and I did great....I think:) We got water thrown at us riding our bikes down the road...I just laughed and said " Thank you it's a hot one today" hahahaha So glad that I was leading the way if Elder Calizo was in front....that would have been bad..Thank you for being able to atina'e onosa'i (cultivate patience)! Went through the day laughing and full of cheer. It was a great day:)

Wednesday- I was not in the best mood this morning and I went through the day with this attitude until we had a trade off w/the Zone Leaders. Elder Jorgensen and I had a Fiji woman say to him " You should be a model" What? he said. She said "You are a tall, hot guy, you should do modeling." hahaha We shook her hand and we RAN back to the car laughing our heads off!!!!! So funny! We had a lesson with our set Vaiala about the Restoration...wow was the spirit strong:)

Thursday- We had Missionary Council Meeting in the evening...and we contacted a new investigator..a family actually that are so KEEN!!! So ready for the Gospel. I bore my testimony and we are planning to go back on Monday to share a lesson hopefully:)

Friday- Nothing to report. Friday's seem slow cause everyone just wants to start the weekend.

Saturday- Conference all day so AWESOME!!!!! I feel so full of energy and excitement for the things that I have been taught.

Sunday-  The same...Just listening to the Prophet and Apostles gave me a new appreciation for the Gospel and the work that needs to be done. And I'm blessed to be a part of it. I can't really say what my favorite talk was cause they all were amazing. But truly just hearing from the Lord's chosen servants is an inspiration.

That was the week. LOVED IT AND CAN NOT WAIT FOR THIS UPCOMING ONE:)

Love you all and have a great week:)

My new DISTRICT

First as week as DL....
This past week so awesome! I learned more this week than any other, SO FAR!

Monday- We didn't have P-day games this week because the other district was using the chapel....so we cleaned the flat and did a workout ....and took a nap. We didn't have our bags because we left them in Elder Kilpatrick's car....so we carried Book of Mormons around while riding bikes. That was interesting in itself. We knocked doors of potential investigators from the sisters who were in the area before us.

Tuesday- Can't remember anything unusual or special happening, so nothing to report.

Random pic..Hubcap Heaven

Wednesday-  We met one of the many "dry" mormons in our area. Haha He told us " I want to hear something new....really? Do you? We are still trying to figure out what to teach him to switch his thinking around....we also met a boy named Kumora. Just like Hill Cumorah..haha Planning on visiting him this week some time. We planned a lesson with an investigator named Vaiala (who we later in the week set for baptism!!!) it fell through...but we still ended up teaching a lesson to the family:)

Thursday- Zone Meeting. The Doctrine of Christ (My personal fave subject) Listened to Elder Holland's talk from Conference Oct. 2012, The First and Great Commandment "Do you love me?" The spirit was so strong! I love this topic. Drop your nets and move on...forget yourself and work. We all as a zone were spiritually uplifted from the message and implemented in our work this week:) We also had Missionary Council meeting with the ward Mission Leader..just letting him know about all the investigators we have and what they need the most to help them out. I met some of Dad's friends from Samoa: Brother Pogai, and also Fiti Taua, Ula Papali'i and Savea Harrington. All on the same day! All telling me about my dad's awesome basketball skills. That me doesn't have anymore;) hahaha

Friday- I had the chance to go on a trade-off with Elder Huffman one of the Zone Leaders. Had a blast with him talking to people that didn't want to talk to us..(persistence) what an awesome tool to use. Also makes the day funnier. "NO I DON'T WANT TO LISTEN TO YOU" they would often say. Why not? "BECAUSE I DON'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING". We had a man walking away from us, naming off all the beliefs in New Zealand except LDS. He went on to say, "I've been to Temple Square and I DON'T BELIEVE ANY OF IT!"  He just laughed and laughed and laughed. Also talked to a crazy Jehovah's Witness lady...yeah I'll just leave it at that. hahaha

Saturday- We did have a Ward Trade off (Ward Rescue) to visit all the less active members and non- members (our investigators). It went great and we did a lot of good today. After the meeting we had another meeting til about seven....with no food in our stomach we finished the night off and headed back to the flat we were hungry, so we called a member and they brought McDonalds....Thank you!

Sunday- Church :) We bore our testimonies today me, Elder Calizo and Sister Camiletti! We all did amazing with the testimonies:) I was exhausted today and I about fell asleep in Priesthood....We had our feed with the Gatoloai Family! Amazing food then we met with our investigator, Vaiala answering his questions about the difference in church standards. Why so many Rules? Why is it water and no wine? Is the Book of Mormon and the Bible the same? The spirit was so strong and I had the Baptismal Invitation in the back of my head. The spirit was telling me to invite him so I did, and he said YES!!!!! HECK YEAH!!! His baptism date is for the 19th of this Month!!! Woo Hoo Miracles!:) Love the work and time is flying faster and faster!:( Almost sad actually.....:( But making the most of the time while I can!

Love you all and have a great week:)

Aso Gafua: P-day, we as a district said goodbye (not knowing that we were going to be shifted) we made a video of all of us being goofballs, playing around:) Then we played basketball. Got ready for the evening and went to a family home evening with bishop

Aso Lua: We spent a lot of the day trying to TWE (?) but nothing came of it....just open ended and no one wanted to talk to us...because they had already been stopped by other missionaries before....hard but just got to do it. Had ward trade off....good turn about and a lot of work still needs to be done in that area.

Aso Lulu: Companionship study with the District Leaders...and it went great, learned a lot!...When we went back to the flat we had two messages on our phone one from Pres Lekias. I called President back..."Elder Matua, hello well I would like to call you to be the District Leader in the Waterview Zone!" I about jumped out of my chair and I began to cry...I accepted and soon after I went to my knees in prayer! I was so excited...so that meant packing everything that night into the next day.

Aso Tofi- Transfer meeting came and went, we said our goodbyes to everyone and boom in the new area...fast! Elder Calizo crashed into a trash can and took a tumble. He's okay:) We spent today and most of the day Friday getting familiar with the area and meeting the members. So much fun meeting everyone and our area is MASSIVE thank you!!! Means more chances to work!!!Yes!!!!!!!

Aso Toonai- Visited members again getting referrals like crazy!! This is what we wanted to see!!!! :) The members love the missionary work!!! Yes, yes, yes!!!:) I love it here! I can't wait to see what else is in store!!!!

LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Hello Family!!!! Here's the week:)

Monday- P-Day we cleaned up the flat for half of comp study..off to shopping with Elder Tascon. I loved the video of the Family Home Evening @ Grandma's. Thank you for that! Jennie "My nose will have a baby too!"..Great Grandma Burt " Where have you been all my life?" Both sayings were super hilarious! Met some Elders who just finished their mission in the Phillipines, then we played rugby....super fun!!! But I had some nasty blisters!! Played a game for Family Home Evening (Pitch, Hit, Read) Book of Mormon guessing the chapter:) Super fun!

Tuesday- District Meeting was all in Samoan and when we finished we took pictures (explains some of the pictures:) Had lunch with the District Leader and Elder Pulito and Elder Faasege:) Practiced a song for fun, Hymn 26, the First Vision. Helped our ward mission leader fix up some cars.

Wednesday-Companionship study with the District Leader and Elder Sione:) Did a lot of door knocking and well nothing came of it....but at least we tried. Visited a member and they said I had to sing a viiga (hymn) tomorrow when we visted...thanks....

Thursday Super slow also....nothing happened. The song I sang was A iai i le Aiga ma Elder Calizo, sounded good!:) We ate pizza at a member's house with this stuff called marmaid?...weird stuff..then watched volleyball at the fale sa (church):)

Friday and Saturday kind of a blur, can't think of anything exciting that happened. A couple of days that just flew by.

Sunday- We opened a fast last night for the area and went all day 'til afa le lima (5:30). It was an amazing day and I had a great spiritual experience that I will have to share with you all when I get home.

 Love you all FA:)