At the Barber shop

Seems to be going too fast...I don't like it one bit! But besides that the past week was full of great things! So here we go:)

My stylin' haircut

Monday- We played Touch today for about 2 hours...was I sore...we planned to go to visit an investigator with Bishop Papalii and then go to his house for dinner...but it didn't happen...but we found a new investigator to make up for it!

Tuesday- No District Meeting..so we were out of the flat by ten and we were off to visit an investigator ...didn't answer so off to see one of our members the Misi's (Samoan). Talked to him and he told us about his conversion story:) Really good to hear these kinds of stories it's a huge motivator! We then walked through the city we began talking to an Indian man..he couldn't walk that well so he grabbed my hand and made me walk him across the street...ahh talk about funny! Oh and also went up this MASSIVE HILL to our chapel..I didn't have legs anymore..

Our home-made GYM

Wednesday- We had specialized training with President Lekias..our last meeting with him...sad but it was time for change....I gave the closing prayer...and like always I cried. I also got my package from Mom and Dad!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We also had trade-off with the District Leader I was with Elder McKewon from the UK that was probably one of the wettest days I've had...IT POURED and the bad thing was Elder McKewkon had no brakes and of course we had to go down a HUGE hill..well in short he almost ended up in the road into on-coming traffic luckily the brakes worked ...just a little bit! We were laughing so hard.

Bruises from my handle bars

Thursday- I got really down on myself because I felt like I didn't belong here in this area..I prayed and prayed and prayed but it won't go away..so I went all day with this feeling in my chest....really hard day.

Friday- We had another experience of someone telling us he didn't want to be alive anymore...It was so hard listening to him. His name is Josh. So we listened to him talk for about an hour...and we were about to leave but the rain started up again (Heavenly Father's way of telling us to go into the home and say a prayer with him) So we did and I gave him a hug and we left.

Saturday- Was super busy. Got hair cuts and did a lot of biking around talking to people...who didn't want to talk to us...but at the end of the day we had a miracle of meeting and sharing the gospel with a man named Toamoa and shared pretty much all three lessons in a hour...it was so cool to teach by the spirit!!

Sunday- Elder Thorpe and I were fasting that we would have some investigators come to church and plus we were singing in Sacrament Meeting (Love at Home) and plus I was speaking about Faith in Christ! When the sacrament was being passed I had never felt the spirit so strong it was so peaceful and in the words of Elder Thorpe, "It feels like he is here"...Amazing! And then we sang our song...it sounded like there were Angels helping us...so powerful and the mood of the congregation changed for the rest of the meeting. I then spoke about Faith in Christ and The Stripling Warriors. Great Sunday!!!! After the meeting we went back to our flat..closed our fast and ate dinner and talked about the day..I felt the impression to right in my journal, and then Elder Thorpe handed me a Book.. Green Eggs and Ham (Book of Mormon Edition) I read it and it reminded me of giving some one a Book of Mormon.

This week has been great and has been one to remember! I Love You all and have a great week !:)

Me and my new comp, Elder Thorpe.

Well, the news is I have been transferred and into a different program....English and in Henderson!
New companion and new area..nervous yes...excited yes! Elder Thorpe is my new companion from Layton, Utah!

Tuesday- Was the day I got my call from the Assistants letting me know that I was being transferred...sad but its His plan not mine...it's okay:) So I began packing....I was super excited to meet my new companion.

Wednesday- Last day in the area..visited members and investigators saying last goodbyes and what not. I really connected with this area and so much change had a occurred in me that I didn't want to leave ..hurts to leave. But it had to happen!

Thursday- Transfer meeting and finishing up packing I thought I lost my camera cord...luckily I found it..phew! Anyway first day in the new area super nervous to get my new companion...but the funny thing is is that I have met Elder Thorpe before....during the Mission Temple trip. We hit it off just fine, sat down and talked together for a minute getting to know each other then off to work...we didn't have bikes because Elder Thorpe's bike was broken...so we walked. OUR AREA IS MASSIVE!!!! Met with some investigators and my feet were sore, hadn't done that much walking since my first area.

Friday- Today was Weekly Planning and did we plan...we went into some deep detail on what was needed to be done for our investigators to progress and come to church and also finding new investigators....We had two appointments today but they fell through...We had to come back to our flat for dinner we sat and waited for forty minutes then our investigator came, Lekasa was his name. He took us to his house and we ate and shared a message about the Title of Liberty. the spirit was so strong! Then we contacted our some of our other investigators with the help of Lekasa and his car.

Saturday- I dread Saturdays, no is never home, always with sports and stuff like that...so we did what we could and talked with anyone we could...still ended up being a really good day though staying positive at all times!

Sunday- First Sunday in a different ward and in a different program. I dislike first Sunday's in a new ward...but it turned out to be really good. I was able to meet with the members and talk with them a little bit. The ward is great, we didn't have a class our ward mission leader was gone on holiday so we had no class to go to...we spent it making copies of progress reports...it was also Ward Conference and also a ward dinner it was really good to see ALL of the ward together. Met some ward members that know Grandpa Moa! Sunday ended up being really great!

Love you all and have a great week!:)

Hello Everyone:)

Monday- We met with our newest investigator Ata, with the Zone Leaders. We invited her to baptism and had a kneeling prayer ( The best way to get an answer to anything) She received her answer and said" I think I will go ahead with the baptism thing"...but she wants to learn more before being fully committed to baptism. We also had to ride our bikes in the rain! So fun!

Tuesday- District Meeting was so great the topic was kneeling prayer...it really helped with it being a focus last week and putting it to practice. It went so well and I know that the Sisters and Elder Calizo learned something new that could help them out! We also had Trade-Off with the Zone Leaders...wow did I need this trade off. I have a different perspective on everything that I do as a missionary now. "Give the Lord the key to your heart, do His will and please the Father" I have been changed once again. I am becoming more and more converted to the Lord everyday. This day marks another day of personal deepening of conversion. Please the Father. My life has been changed and everything I do will always be done with the Father's authorization first of what he would have me do.

Wednesday- Concluding the trade off we listened to a talk from Elder Bruce R. McConkie, That we know the Saviour! I want to KNOW the Saviour more fully than I do right now! The spirit was so strong and I was spiritually pierced to the soul and knew THE LORDS WILL IS FIRST. My whole heart's desire is to please Him! We also had a companionship study with the Samoan Sisters helping them feel the spirit in all things and being able to recognize it! It was a great companionship study, the spirit was for sure present! One of the sisters is finishing this coming week and wow was she crying....I hope I don't do that...

Thursday- We were riding our bikes so much today talking with people that we met on the street..not much success today but we were able to have a really good lesson with Vito one of our investigators, the Restoration went really well and then headed to our meeting with our Ward Mission Leader. One of the best ones we have had. We were able to find fellowships for all our investigators and discussed what the next step is for them!

Friday- We met with Ata today, just to catch up and talk for a minute and invite her to come to church with us..she said yes...then headed to Lisa Aumua...one of the many less actives in our area and talked to her brother James, who served in Samoa but is less active also....really sad:( So we talked to them and got to know them a little better:)

Saturday- We had Ward Trade off with seven ward members! So I was with the Ward Mission Leader visiting with investigators..went really well...

Sunday- Five investigators came to church today! Oh I was so happy and I hope they enjoyed it! We had a feed with the Key Family. We also had an appointment with two other investigators and shared the Restoration with them also. Invited them to be baptised and they said...no but want to hear more about the lessons so we set up an appointment for next week Sunday!  Transfers are also this week....so we will see what happens. I may be staying....I may be leaving...but I will know on Wednesday.

I love you and I hope you all have a great week!! :)

GREETINGS FROM THE LAND OF THE LONG WHITE CLOUD!!!!

Monday- Started off with a Bang!! We were able to meet with a new investigator, Ata and her family. Super keen to learn more about the Gospel. Her husband actually passed away about two months ago...really sad. But it brought up a lot questions she had about eternal life and she came to us to find out more about our view on the topic. So we taught her about the plan of salvation and told her that she'd be able to see her husband again. She was sobbing. She asked why was he taken away from me? Then we said..if you want to know you need to pray and be specific about what you want to know. We all knelt down and Ata gave the most heart-felt prayer then we concluded the visit.

Tuesday- We had a follow-up meeting with Ata. She ran out of the house to meet with us and she told us about her experience last night. (Ata's experience) "I went to bed at about one and around four I had a dream, I saw a man who I didn't know...I walked up to him and I touched him..it was my husband, he told me...why are you so worried? I'm still here. Don't worry."  She went on the say I awoke and said thank you to Heavenly Father for the sign that it is true! We invited her to baptism...but she said she needed to think about it. Soo so so so cool!!! The Spirit was so strong! We hope to get her on the path to baptism.

Wednesday- No one wanted to even acknowledge us...no one answered their door...nothing was working for us..the whole day. I felt so inadequate and went home that night and called President Lekias. I called the Zone Leaders and asked them for guidance because I was feeling pretty down. They told me to pray for an answer and I felt better.

Thursday- We Had Zone Meeting and following the meeting I received some mail from Dad and Grandma !!! I cried,  Dad telling me to watch what I eat. Grandma sending her LOVE like always. It was so good to hear from them, it was what I needed at that time.

Friday- We had another really hard day with no success...we were exhausted by dinner time and we felt like giving up...we did what we could and once again..nothing was happening so the whole night we rode around looking for people to talk with...no one...that was the day. SO FRUSTRATING!!!!

Saturday- I still felt terrible this morning..then I remembered what Elder Jorgensen said to me....DON'T BE STRESS BE HAPPY. So I did as he said and my attitude changed for the whole day. We attempted to invite someone to baptism....he said no but we didn't get mad....we worked through it and we found a Samoan man with no religion and he invited us to come to his home tomorrow and teach him about our church! Really cool how that works!

Sunday- I gave a talk in Sacrament Meeting in Samoan...I'll have to send the copy of the talk so you all can see what I spoke about...I felt like a natural and only stumbled over one word, yes a very long word and hard to pronounce...I think I did pretty good:) I asked how it sounded and the ward said it was like you've known the language all along! High note of the week! We also went out with our Ward Mission Leader and he took us to a bunch of people we didn't even know about that we can teach!! Our Ward Mission Leader is the Best!!! Love Him.

Well that's my week and yes was it packed with Highs and Lows...and a whole lot to look forward to!  Love you all and I hope all of you have a great week LOVE YOU ALLL!!!
~ Maunia le Aso~

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:)