Hey everyone! So things this week have been great! A lot of lessons and a lot of people to talk to now that it is cooling down! (80 degrees...) I love this work and the blessings that come from it! We had a sacrifice and covenant this week that if we "fasted" from music we would find 2 new Gators (investigators) And we did! A man named Joe and a young man named Josh! Both we pretty excited to here about this beautiful gospel and the way that it makes our lives better! I love it. I am still loving my comp. We work hard together and we get things done. He teaches me something new each and everyday. I found out this week to not do wheelies on your bike in the middle of the intersection because the Lord has a sense of humor. I came crashing down with eyes staring at me through windshields of cars. I got up quickly with a hole in the right knee of my slacks. Oh boy did the pain come after that as I kept riding to the other side of the intersection with a red face and throbbing knee... Needless to say my comp couldn't stop laughing... I haven't learned my lesson because even after going to the doctors and having a fear that I re-injured my patella tendon, I am still doing wheelies across intersections.I love this work. I get to see the fear in the eyes of those of other faiths as they speed walk back into their houses,or back into their cars as they just pulled up to their house. I get to see miracles happen. We just had a baptism this Last Sunday for a young boy named Taylor, he is 10 years old and boy does the light of Christ shine in this young man. He is so receptive of information thrown at him and he has so many questions! I love teaching him! I am having a great time down here in Arizona. Although I get doors slammed in my face, and little girls chasing us down to throw water on us. Times do get hard, but I know through the love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for us all things are possible. My love for others grows stronger everyday, even those who I have just met. I am grateful to be serving. I love my companion and the example he is to me. I am so thankful for the love and support you all show me back at home! I miss you all. I hope all is well back home. God bless, and I will talk to you next Monday!!! 

Hey everyone, below is a link to a youtube video that the Ward Mission leader in the Eastridge Ward put together. copy and paste to your browser. Enjoy!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FfYb-xxMLg

I love my mission. It is so much fun, and I love the work. Everything is going great, and we actually have a baptism on date for the 29th for a boy named Taylor and he is 9. I am excited cause me and Elder Wilcox started teaching him. It gives you such joy and happiness. I love hearing from those in the ward! I am glad  haven't been forgotten.I love my comp. Elder Wilcox. He is a stud and he teaches me something new and important everyday, and he is a missionary I want to be. He is hilarious! Every morning he wakes me up and says wakey wakey princess! Weird, but I laugh every time. He keeps me in line and tells me what to do in a way that doesn't make me want to strangle him.

It has been hot. like mid 90's all week! It makes you sweat through everything you have on. Thank you Lord we have a washer and dryer in the flat so we can do laundry whenever, so my shirts aren't 5 different shades of yellow.. But, all I'm doing is getting skinny and black. haha what else could be better! 

We just had a baptism for David Abel and he is a goof! He always looks so stoned, but he is the funniest kid you will ever meet! Man, the light in his eyes freaking brought me to tears as I look him in the eye and got to tell him that he will receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and that he will remain a constant companion as long as he stays worthy of that. As I asked him if he would take that challenge to always stay worthy of it he got the biggest grin and said YES I WILL. Man that made my day.

Thank you for your support I hope all is well. And here is some advice to better your life. Read your scriptures. AND Pray about them. I promise you that it will help you out immensely.

Mormon 9: 37

Alma 32:21 

Alma 26:12

Mosiah 4:9 

Here are just a few of my favorites.

 Anyways I gotta go I love yo all! Have a great week! Until next week!

O and the picture of the elders on the phone is them trying last second to find a pianist for the baptism. don't wait last minute to fine the pianist!!!!!!!!

Love, Elder Matua!

Last minute calls for a pianist

Saturday's baptism in YSA ward, David.

 

FIRST P-DAY

My Companion - Elder Wilcox

OK, so crazy week since I've been here. My companion is Elder Wilcox. He is from Bend, Oregon. Has a family of 6, 2 brothers, and one sister. He is 6' 3" and loves football, basketball and track. We get along so well and he is such an amazing missionary. He teaches me something new like every hour! It is amazing here! I love it, and it is hot!!! But, as long as you don't think about it, you are golden!!! I'm currently serving in the Mesa Arizona Eastmark Stake. We cover the Marbella, East Ridge, and Hawes Wards, and also the Meridian YSA ward!!We have a baptism on date for this Saturday with a young man in the YSA ward. I love the people here they are so nice, and I love the investigators even more! I miss you all! So much!! I am doing great and I have just a few pictures cause we have been so crazy busy! But they do these things here called mini missions. Where YM, YW come out for the weekend with us missionaries and see what it's like and it is so cool to see how they react!!!    I love you and tell the boys I miss them!   Love, Tautai

 

On the plane to Arizona

Me and Elder Holland at Mesa Temple

Elder Tautai Matua is officially in Gilbert as of this morning. Above is a picture of the NEW missionaries with President & Sister Wheeler. As you've probably already seen on Facebook , there were several pictures of his Trax ride and in the airport from the amazing Curtis Hawker (our friend who works at the airport for Delta). We received an email from Sister Partridge who works in the mission office and I've included it below. Also I didn't include any pictures from General Conference because those are also already on Facebook. Suffice it to say that it was an awesome experience for our family. All I can say is....GOD IS GREAT!!!!

Your wonderful missionary arrived here in Gilbert Arizona this morning – and we love them already! We have 13 wonderful new missionaries.  We had an Elder arrive from Mexico and we have two Visa waiters in this group. They took turns getting their pictures taken with the mission president and his wife and for the group pictures. I’ll be sending you a picture of your missionary with President and Sister Wheeler in the next few days.

Their day began early morning at the MTC, so they had an early start and were worn out by afternoon.  Sister Zollinger prepared a lovely luncheon for them which they really enjoyed.  Our senior missionary couples oriented them on bikes, cars, referrals, housing, and the office. Each of them will have an opportunity to meet and interview with President Wheeler.  Elder Ashton  will introduce them to their bicycles, and by evening they will all be looking forward to a good night’s rest.  They will be housed in a host member’s home tonight; then Wednesday they receive more training, meet their new companion, attend Transfer Meeting, and then head to their assigned areas of service.  We have attached a photo of group.  They are going to be great missionaries.  All the other missionaries in our mission are very excited to have the opportunity to get to know them.

We are happy to have each one of them, and we will do all we can to support and encourage them while they are here.  Thank you for sharing your missionary with us.  They will have an opportunity to email you on Monday, Preparation Day.

Sincerely,

Sister Kathy Partridge

Arizona Gilbert Mission

1001 North Burk St.

Gilbert, AZ 85234