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

Sorry everyone, I've been such a slacker and not getting updates/pictures on here. This was from last week when I was in Vegas for sales meetings.

Me and my companion, Elder Swanson

These past few days have been crazy busy. I am definitely not use to having something planned every minute of the day from 6:40 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. but it has it's upsides. Your brain is always moving, you learn a crap load, and most importantly your testimony grows so much. Let's see to answer, some questions. I love my companion. He is from North Idaho (Bonners Ferry), and has an amazing testimony. Elder Swanson is his name. I love my district we have 12 missionaries in our district. 7 are going to the Houston, Texas East Mission. One is going to Barbados. Then the rest me, Elder Swanson, Elder Lind, Elder Jenkins, Sister Cordon, and Sister Scarlet are headed to Gilbert. I love my District, I have loved them since day one. You can just tell they are here to fulfill the Lord's will, and do work out in the field. My Zone is amazing as well. And, President Metcalf told us we have the most diverse zone he has ever seen come through the MTC. South Africa, Papua New Guinea, Gilbert AZ, Houston TX, Trinidad Port of Spain, Barbados, West Africa it is crazy that we are all in one zone, but for the few days we have been here it is no coincidence that we were all put together. I love them all. You know my first day here was crazy. so much information to take in and I was sooooooo tired. Haha man, my favorite part is waking up. Yes mom and dad waking up is my favorite part and here is why. All the Elders are up and singing, up yelling at each other, hymns blaring, singing in the showers, they are all so happy and grateful to be here to serve. Conner thank you for your email. I laughed out loud when I read it and got some very interesting stares from all the Sisters and Elders in the computer room. And thank you for sending me snapchats that I can't even look at. It kind of scares me to think of what may be on there. . . Well Mom and Dad I love you and I hope all is well at home. Tell the boys I love them and I pray for them every morning and every night. Tell them I would like to hear from them. I do remember how much of a hassle it was to write Wilson, but if they can't get to it, it's all good. Well I gots to get going. I love you all and I will talk to you on Tuesday. I miss you all. Till next time.

MY DISTRICT

 This is what Tai sent to me when I arrived in Vegas.

Hey I had just a few minutes to hurry and get on and send you something. I love you and I miss you. I hope all is well at home and I can't wait to talk to you at Christmas. I know that's a while away but I can't wait. Tell the family I miss them and that I love them. I'll talk to you when I get on next week. I love you and PLEASE be safe in Vegas. BYE😔

Elder Matua

A few POLY brothers

This is my "I'm done studying face"

Elder Matuas subtle way of telling us he's in the choir

Elder Matua meets Elder Matua Cousins, Tautai and Mica

Sunday Temple Walk

UPDATE!!! September 14, 2016

First email from Elder Tai Matua, this was sent about an hour ago...

Hey mom and dad! Wow today has been long. There is so much to take in. My P days are Tuesday's while I am here. My companion is Elder Swanson from Northern Idaho. Anyways, I gotta get going. I love you all and I will miss you. Don't have too much fun without me! (; Goodnight!!!! I love you!

SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

He's official....Full-time missionary

Elder #2, Tautai or to those who know and love him just plain ol' TAI, entered the Provo MTC today. He was set apart last night by our awesome Stake President, Pres. McCleary and then just like that he was a full-time missionary. Man this day came way too fast. After a night of good-byes with family and friends, we were able to get some sleep. Our drive to Provo was quiet, subdued, emotional. After a quick bite to eat we dropped him off at 1:15pm and now he can finally put the long wait to an end and begin his service as a full-time missionary. He has been called to labor in the Arizona Gilbert Mission. It was another hard day, especially for Mom but we are grateful that Tai has made this very important and life changing decision in his young life to serve the Lord. As we drove through the gates of the MTC, we could see up ahead a familiar face, Tai's cousin Elder (Mica) Matua, smiling from ear to ear, who's been in the MTC since mid-August and is going to serve in the Korea Busan Mission. What a tender mercy for Tai and for us to have someone around that he knows and loves. Well, now it's time to GET TO WORK!!! We love you and God Bless. Alofa tele mo oe le atalii/uso pele!!

And he's off...Arizona is in for a treat

Elder(s) Matua...Mica and Tai

See you in 2

A picture before dropping of Tai at the MTC

Hey everyone, here's Elder Wilson Matua's last email:

I'm COMING HOME!!!!! WOOOOOOO MOMMA! I'll see you in a two days! Love you MOMMA! Don't have a lot of time to email today, but we will be catching up soon! Alofa atu ia te oe!

And that's it. I guess we'll talk to him on Wednesday. FYI-Elder Matua will give his mission report on Sunday Sept. 13 @ 9am (7350 S 1300 W). 2 years has come and gone and he'll be arriving in Salt Lake at 740pm Wednesday. We have looked forward to this day and now that it's finally here, we're excited and anxious for his return. Thanks again for all your prayers, support and love!!!

Elder Basson not happy taking the Driving Test

I'm beginning to get very anxious, mixed emotions is all that I can feel at the moment. But disregarding all of that. There is still work to be done. There is no room for excuses that the point. I feel like I am on top of the world. With these feelings Elder Basson, Telleman and I will be working the hardest we can and not letting our mistakes tear us down. It was a challenging week we might add. But with the hardship we faced we saw a great miracle happen with Aiko Fukumoto! She was baptized this week and more than anything brought much joy to us all.
          I've been very stressed out having to except the fact of leaving New Zealand in the coming week. I've been fighting the emotions because I do not want this experience to end. All good things have an ending and this will be the hardest one yet. We will be working as hard as we can to overcome our weaknesses and just do the work that we have this week. This is going to be the best week of my Life! I Thank you for all that you do and all that you say. It inspires me to do my very best!

Great Day!!!

Baptism....Rhoda Scanlan

Hey sorry it's been a busy day!!! I've got two new companions. A greenie Elder Tellemen (Australia) and Elder Basson (South Africa). Things are going well and well I will be finishing my mission here in Harbour! Woo don't need to move!  Congrats on Drew (Elder Burns) going on his mission! Kris let me know today about him going.
I'm getting excited!!!!! But also getting very sad...I'm glad President has done my last transfer the way he did...SO I CAN STAY FOCUSED!!!

My NEW comps, Basson (Left) and Telleman (Middle).

SORRY NOT MUCH TIME THIS WEEK, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

I will be staying here in Harbour for my last 4 weeks!!!! I'm in a trio right now with the Takapuna Elders until Thursday when I get my companion. I'm not too far from the mission home but I'll be going back to my area with my new comp. Things are starting to get crazy! I can't believe Jessica's leaving for her mission, Dominican Republic....Wow!! Spanish Speaking! Don't have much time left and I have to go shopping, so here are some pictures. Happy Birthday to my goofy little brother Garrett, and birthday shout outs to all the cousins, aunts, uncles birthdays in August. Special birthday wish for my Grandma Sherry Burt! Love you all!!! Have a great week!!!

Got to bless this little one...Carter Mataafa. 

The Elders in my District.