Isa Lei (Fijian Farewell Song)

Bonjour family & friends!

This has been such an amazing week. I have had so much fun and felt so much love. The relationships I've developed here in Toukley are eternal. I know they extended on before this life and they will extend on far after.

So this week, I got the news that I was being transferred. It was kind of a shock because we really though Sister Koi would go as she's been in Toukley for 6 months already. But instead, she's training a Fijian sister! I could not be more excited and happy for the amazing things to come in Toukley. I know that this transfer was inspired of God. My first thought was of the beautiful Fijian family we've been teaching and how happy they will be to be taught the gospel in their native language. 

I have been transferred to the beautiful Charlestown ward in Newcastle! Don't worry everyone, it's equally gorgeous and still by the coast. I've just moved about an hour north. My companion is the incredible Sister Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaapuhi! (which is exactly how she says her name ahaha.) To have her as a companion is beyond my wildest dreams. #Tahiti

All I really want to say to you today is that the Atonement is real. It is infinite and eternal and it covers all. Every mistake you've ever made, every weakness you want to change, every trial you'll ever face. It has already been overcome. Not by some disconnected, aloof god who doesn't know or care about you. But by your own Brother. Your personal Saviour. We are not designed to be able to handle all the challenges and difficulties of life on our own. So why are we so hard on ourselves and why are we always trying to take on the world alone? 

True humility is the recognition of our own nothingness and our acceptance and complete reliance on the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He walks by our side, begging us to let Him carry our load. But sometimes we hold on to it though it is much too heavy for our own strength. Sometimes we allow Him to only carry half of it. Sometimes we give our burdens to Him for a time, but then ask if we can please have it back. 

My invitation to you is to put it in His arms and just keep walking with Him. The price has already been paid, you're not afflicting Him by calling on Him. He has already been afflicted. His every breath is dedicated to helping you. He anxiously awaits your call. He is waiting to rush in, to put His arms around you. He yearns to forgive and to strengthen you. Please, please use the Atonement. Fully and wholly and constantly. 

Grace - "Divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ." -BD

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS!

-REPTILE WORLD AKA THE CELESTIAL KINGDOM OF NSW. Reptile world was probably the most fun day of my life. I have one million photos of me with Aussie wild life but I'm still working on a new SD card reader so here's one from Sister Ete'aki's camera. I finally not only got to see a kangaroo, but pet one! 

(I promise I don't only hangout with Sister Eteaki but these are just the pictures she sent haha)

-I was so blessed to live with some of the funniest, most lovely sisters. I am overly attached to them haha. So hard to say goodbye but such a blessing to get to know them! I'll get to see them pretty soon anyway so it's not quite as hard.

-Saying goodbyes. Kind of a highlight and a lowlight. I've come to love so many people so deeply in Toukley. Susan had to be the hardest goodbye. She cooked Filipino food and made plans for a trip to Fiji for the three of us hahaha :)

Toukley Sunset

Goodbye Toukley - I love you!!!

-Bishop had me bear my testimony on Sunday which I have been waiting for the whole time I've been in Toukley! I'm so grateful I got a chance to share my testimony and express my love for this ward.

-Interviews were last week which means I got to see my lovely mission parents!

-I'm so blessed to have been companions with Sister Koi. She has taught me so much. I cannot thank her enough for all she's done for me. It's been amazing to watch her grow and I know she will be an amazing trainer.

-Riding the train through the Australian countryside up to Newcastle BY MYSELF! #thosetraveldetailsthough Yep, I was sans companion for about an hour on the train. Since I was the only person on my carriage I spent most of my time reading Sister Koi's letter and being sad, then looking out the window and getting so happy.

-As soon as I got to Charlestown, Sister Mapuhi and a couple other missionaries from my zone were there waiting. We spent some time singing hymns together while we waited for the last few missionaries to trickle in. I love it here already! 

Have a great week everyone!

Je t'aime,

SF

The Storms of Life

Bula family & friends!

I hope you all have had an amazing week! It's been a great one here in Toukley!

I had an experience this week that I struggled with for a while. I didn't understand why I was having this experience, but through the enabling power of the Atonement, I was brought to my knees in prayer and lifted off them to get back to work. Though I was struggling, I was able to continue working normally and I felt the joy of missionary work lift my spirits. But at the end of the day, I was confused as to what Heavenly Father was trying to teach me. I asked Him to help me to learn from this and His answer was "to help someone else." And at that, I ceased my questioning and continued on with enduring.

Then, later in the week, we went to a lesson with one of our investigators. When I first saw her, I noticed she didn't seem like her normal self. As we began our lesson, she started sharing what she had been struggling with lately. She felt she was going through this experience because God was punishing her and she didn't understand why He would allow this to happen. Tears filled my eyes as I shared how I had been struggling with a similar experience. I testified to her that I knew that God had allowed me to have this experience so that I could be there for her. And I testified that she was having this experience, not to punish her, but to teach her.

The miracle continued on as she shared more and I felt prompted to share one of my most tender life experiences.  As I shared, she began to cry. "I know that God sent you to me to tell me exactly what you've just shared."  It put everything into perspective. Who would've thought that at the time I'd had that experience, years later I would be a missionary on the other side of the world sharing it with someone who needed comfort? In that moment, every ounce of suffering I've ever experience transformed from a burden into a huge blessing. It is such a blessing that Heavenly Father allows our lives to become rich and full with experiences that allow us to help one another.

It is so easy to look inwards when times get tough and question why we have to suffer. But if we can focus on others, and cheerfully submit, we become living proof of the healing and enabling power of the Atonement. We become eager students of a Master Teacher.

In this life, we are designed to feel a spectrum of a emotions. We were created to experience. The vibrant blues, pinks, and yellows are given depth and dimension by the deep blacks and dull greys.

How grateful I am for this time to be tested and to be taught. I can testify that the stormy days of life have made the sunny days sweeter. And I have found deep, lasting friendships among those who have provided me with refuge from the storm and vice versa.

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS!!!!

-CATHERINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She's a Texan lady who we met before Christmas. (She is adorable and basically Charlotte from Princess and the Frog.) We hadn't been able to see her again since.

After District Meeting, we were going to go to lunch with everyone, but we felt really strongly to go stop by Catherine's house first. When we knocked on her door, she opened up the curtains to the window to see who was there. We see make-up and tears streaming down her face and signs of serious distress in her eyes. "I'm so sorry ya'll. Now's not a good time. My husband just went into the hospital."

I said something like "Oh, Catherine! I'm so sorry to hear that."

And then in her thick southern accent she goes "Wait... are you from Florida?"

I nod my head. And then she comes outside and we all sit on the ground and have a lesson. We testified to her of the Atonement. We read scriptures from the Bible and the Book of Mormon and she loved it. She said she felt so much better before we left. When we expressed that we felt prompted to come to her home today, fresh tears filled her eyes and she exclaimed "God is so good."

-Toukley storms are gorgeous. I will send pictures next week because my camera cord is not working today :(

-We got a 4 lb bag of frozen cassava from Tonga from one of the members.

-Sister Koi taught me HEAPS of Fijian this week. I was pretty excited because she finally taught me all the slang I've been wanting to learn. I also learned how to pray!

-Sister Koi and I have been teaching primary for 3 weeks and it's actually gotten pretty fun. The kids memorized 1 Nephi 3:7 this week. :)

-While walking down the Main Road in Toukley, 4 different members saw us and honked and waved. #famous

-It was SUCH a hot week some days this week. It was fun though! I'm getting some pretty great farmer's tan. Ice blocks have become our best friend!

Well, I hope you all have an amazing week! So sorry for the lack of pictures. We're going to a reptile park today for P-day so I'll make up for it next week! :)

Stay strong. (Romans 8:18)

Au lomani iko!

SF

Testimonies and Tongan Food

Bula family & friends! Hope everyone has had a great week!

I wrote out my normal 5 page sermon but as I tried to send it there was an error. I am taking this to mean a simple testimony will suffice for this week.

I want each of you to know that I truly love you. I know that we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father. We are here because of His unending love. The purpose of this life is to prepare to meet Him again. And this is best accomplished as we make and keep covenants and focus on the salvation of those around us. I cannot put into words my feelings for the Saviour, Jesus Christ. He is my dearest Friend. I know that His sacrifice is whole. I know that "it is finished" and "He is risen". The reality of the resurrected Saviour living this very day continues to be manifested to my heart each time I testify of Him. I know He lives and that none of us can comprehend what He has done and how He loves us. I testify that covenants and ordinances provide us access to the healing power of the Atonement. I recognize our constant need for the Saviour and glory in the divine design of the Gospel. I know that as we strive to live it more perfectly, we can be enabled and changed.

I testify of the divine mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He truly saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. He could not deny it, and after many prayers pleading to know the truth, I cannot deny it either. I add my testimony to his and countless others of the Book of Mormon. I know it contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and draws human souls closer to their Creator. I know that through the Book of Mormon and modern revelation, we have the same principles and ordinances that Jesus Christ himself established on the Earth. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a living Prophet of God this very day. I know that the work done in the temple is sacred, real, and that it is necessary for our salvation and the salvation of those we love.

I love my Heavenly Father. He has heard and answered countless prayers and continues to do so. I love my Saviour, Jesus Christ. He walked the path before me and now walks it again, leading me by the hand. I love the Gospel. I know it is true.

I say these things in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS!

-We saw the Fijian family again this week and had a wonderful lesson with them. They are so loving and kind. We know we will have to work really hard with this family as they do not realize that they want to change religions haha. But they love to learn and ask questions. They also love to share their testimonies. We are so excited to continue working with them.

-LISA CAME TO CHURCH AND STAYED FOR THREE HOURS!!!!!!!! YAY. Miracle. We had been trying to contact her all week with no luck and we were getting worried. But we were so happy when we saw her beautiful, glowing face walk into church on Sunday. She let us know what had been going on all week and seemed to love coming to church.

-Jason! We had the best lesson with him yesterday. We read Alma 36: 12 - 21 and he began to weep as we read. He said he could identify with how Alma felt and he said he knows that the Book of Mormon is true. He has so many concerns as he has been hurt in the past so many times. He is filled with anger right now but he cannot deny the feelings he has about the things we've taught him. We are so grateful for the spirit and the role it plays in conversion. He is praying about baptism and it's something that he wants to work towards although he was not ready to commit to a specific date yesterday.

-I get to live with this ray of St. George sunshine. #merica Such a blessing. She cracks me up and is always leaving me notes, quoting Disney channel, and giving me the best advice.

-My Christmas package from the Florida Fishes came in the mail! :) That was such a wonderful delight! How grateful I am to be in the PCB ward.

-Here's your weekly Toukley beach picture! It's always my favourite!

-The zone leaders got me a cute lil Book of Mormon when they went to the mission office and I think it's my favourite thing in the world. I am constantly reading it.

-Last night a Tongan lady from the other sister's ward dropped off some food for all four of us. I was pretty excited because sometimes I'm confused and I think I'm a Tongan. Next thing I know, I open the food and see CURRY AND CASSAVA made just like at home!  Didn't even know that was Polynesian food. No worries mom, yours is still the best but it was pretty amazing to have a meal that was so familiar.

Well I hope you all have an amazing week! I'm so grateful for all of your love & support. Please know that you have mine. You are always in my prayers. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help in any way.

Au lomani iko!

SF

"Free Agency is Why We're Here" -Sister Eteaki on a Daily Basis

Bula family & friends!

I hope you've all had an AMAZING new year! We have had an wonderful week here in  good ol' Toukley.

The Lord has really humbled Sister Koi and I this week. We have been struggling and having to work more than ever to see progression. It seemed that all of our investigators came to a screeching halt this week. They had gotten off track over the holidays and we felt we were watching them slip through our fingers.

We started out the week determined. We knew what we needed to do and we were sure we could do it. But our efforts seemed to be vain. Our plans seemed to always fall through and our lessons weren't going as planned. Concerns that we thought we had overcome resurfaced, and commitments that were made were broken.

Throughout this, I allowed myself to become discouraged. I want  to really emphasize here that discouragement is a choice. Or rather a series of choices. Satan attacks us every day. He tries his best to slowly and surely wear us down. He wedges his way into our lives. But, Satan only has power over us if we let him. We can have the Creator of the universe, Jesus Christ, by our side every step of the way as we go through this life. If we allow Him to walk with us, there is no temptation or trial we cannot overcome.

But sometimes we give in. We allow Satan to weaken us. He starts playing with our priorities, feeding us negativity, and prompting us to disobey. These are all our choices. As we do these things, we deny the spirit and no longer qualify for it's companionship. Our spiritual sensitivity becomes dull and before we know it, we find ourselves off the path. We feel alone, and afraid. Then Satan tells us we are too far gone, we can never go back. But this is a lie. It then becomes our choice whether or not we listen to Satan and follow him further into darkness, or whether we reach back to meet the always outstretched arm of the Saviour.

As I experienced this process in my life this week, I began to realize the power of agency. Do we realize how much power we have been given? Freedom to choose. To choose good or bad, obedience or sin, happiness or suffering. It is all within our power. There is nothing, no situation, no trial, no feeling, no circumstance that we do not have the capacity to change. We are agents to act, not objects to be acted upon.

Now, please do not think that I am saying that we have power on our own. We need divine help to be able to access the true power of agency. I know that I, with my own strength alone, cannot choose to let anger leave me, or to abandon sin, or to overcome discouragement. I need the enabling power of the atonement to empower me to make these decisions. But as we turn to the Saviour, we can access this power and move mountains in our lives.

I was amazed this week as in my moments of discouragement, the Saviour gently stepped in, picked me up, dusted me off, and bid me to follow Him. But ultimately it was my decision to take those steps towards Him. He was there to call me and comfort me and promise me the blessings that would come, but He waited for me to take the steps.

It is a new year. It is a fresh start.

Many of you have set goals and made plans for this New  Year. You may feel excited and fearless, or you may feel worried and unsure that you can accomplish them. Team up with your Heavenly Father, rely on the Saviour, use your agency, and change your life.

Many of you feel you are stuck. You aren't happy with the situation you are in, but you feel there isn't much you can do about it. You have become content with mediocrity. You may even feel it's just too late for you to accomplish the things you once hoped for. Team up with your Heavenly Father, rely on the Saviour, use your agency, and change your life.

Some of you might feel broken. You feel that you are too far gone. You feel that there is no hope. You have lost the light in your life and you feel too weak to be hopeful. You feel unworthy and don't see a possibility for change. Team up with your Heavenly Father, rely on the Saviour, use your agency, and change your life.

It is never too late, you are never too far gone, you can always come back to the path. Repentance is real. The roots of repentance are bitter, but the fruit is sweet. You can change, you can conquer, you can accomplish. Use your agency and become what the Lord needs you to step up and become.

I love you all. Here's to a year of change and hope.

WEEEEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS!!!

-If you're wondering what was the result of that challenging week for our investigators, it turned out alright! We continued to work with them and we are seeing progress again. It's been tough and slower than we'd hoped for, but they are growing closer to the Saviour. Lisa is getting closer to baptism. She is solidifying everything for the wedding prayerfully and she wants to be baptised the same week.

-THIS VIEW!!!!!!!!!

-The FIJIAN FAMILY!!!!!!!!!! What the heck, miracle. Running home from Lisa's house on New Years Eve trying to get to the flat on time. Sister Koi calls out to me to cross the road in Fijian. I cross and see a man sitting outside his house. I say "Happy New Year!" And he calls back in Fijian saying "Bye to the both of you!". We keep running and Sister Koi is beaming. "He just spoke in Fijian!!!" We went back two days later and found this amazing mother and son from Fiji who have Mormon family! They are so kind and funny and Sam, the son was close to baptism at one point but he just was a bit confused and pulled out last minute. We are so excited to work with them and help them gain greater understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the blessings that are there for their family.

-I beat the Elder from Vanuatu in soccer. He's probably the best in our district and I played him last p-day and he was so cocky that I beat him. He caught up to me fast, but I beat him and will most likely brag about it for the rest of my life hahahah. Probably can't do it again, but it was pretty sweet for the moment. 

#BlessingsOfHavingANationalChampionCompanion

-NEW YEAR! We had to be home early so I decorated our balcony and got us sparkling grape juice, poppers, sparklers, and grapes (12 each after midnight. I think I learned that from Naomi) We had so much fun celebrating and we set an alarm to wake up right before the new year. It was a good one!

 

  

-One of the members had us over for s'mores and a New Years message. She put out some ghetto old chairs that she was getting ready to throw out and long story short I fell through one. We were DYING laughing. I chilled like this for probably 20 minutes while we ate and our member was just cracking up. We laughed so hard that night! Love these people. As much as I hate to admit it sometimes, I really do love Aussies.

   

Well I love you all so much. Sorry this one was so long. But have a great week!!!!!

P.S. As an extra Sister Froemming sent me a picture story. I can't tell you exactly what is going on, but you really have to see it for yourself. If I get any info at all I will share!!!!!!

Missionaries!!!!!