IMUA MAUI

ALOHAAA friends and family!

Yeah, not really sure where to begin!!! SO much has happened and it's been less than a week!! Well, first off, I am in LOVE with MAUI!! IMUA (forward, in Hawaiian) MAUI !!My ward is amazing, my companion is amazing, our area is amazing, our investigators are amazing...everything is just perfect! I have never felt so blessed in my whole entire life. Looking at so many blessings you can't help but be so excited to go tracting and share the message of the gospel.

In the words of my Dad, here is some "House Keeping" business:

• Guess what? We see whales and dolphins on a daily basis from the ocean. Did I mention this is the most beauitful place I have ever been in in my life...?

• Our zone covers the islands of Maui, Molokai' i and Lanai, with I think about 20 Elders (four on Molokai'i) and 6 Sisters (two on Lanai). The zone is so awesome, and although there are a lot of Elders in our Zone going home within the next couple of transfers, we're excited to hit our high water mark in getting 23 baptisms.

• My companion is Sister Barnes! She is from Tennessee, has been out 6 months, was transferred from Hilo on the big Island, is a big ball of energy, and we work SO well together! She's super cute, makes me laugh every day. She always appologizes for how awkward she is, haha. But she is awesome, and her testimony just illuminates a room.
• Sister Barnes and I are WHITE WASHING!!....uhhh, what? We were both so shocked to find that out, and sometimes we still wonder why "us," but we know that the Lord put us there for a reason.....

HALEKAHALA HIKE, 10,0000 feet up!

• So in our area, Lahaina, there is a large portion of it that is nick-named as "mini Manilla"...as in a mini Philippines! So yes, pretty much everyone in our area speaks Tagalog. I've started studying up, and am beginning to read the Book of Mormon in Tagalog. We'll see how it goes. When I asked our investigator ( whom speaks hardly any English) if she would teach me, she just laughed! I told her I was serious and wanted to learn. So I pulled out the MTC learning Tagalog book and she helped me pronounce words and begin my training. I'll probably only be here for two transfers, but anything is better than nothing!!

• The ward is SO missionary minded!!! Our ward mission leader, Uncle Joe, he calls us every single morning to check up on our appoinments to make sure we are able to find a member to go with us or to fellowship. If we don't, he finds someone in about 5 minutes! He pretty much rocks.

Of course I want to share our miracles, because we definitely had choke!

Miracle #1: 
Sister Barnes and I were able to find 3 new investigators!!! CHEE-HOO!! Agh, it made us so happy!! We know that it was all through Heavenly Father's help. One of our ward missionaries told us that he felt very impressed for us to tract a specific street. Sister Barnes and I went to go tract it and we were trying to find where it was...well, we looked down a street and we both looked at each other and said, yup this is it!! Turns out, it was the wrong road, but we found Nelson, a new investigator! THEN the next day, when we were tracting we remembered that we still hadn't gone down the street he intended, so we went down it and found not only a less-active member who agreed to going with us to Tagalog and Ilikano speaking appointments, but another investigator! He is 19, from the Philippines, but speaks really good English, and is living with his grandparents. We used what is called the prayer approach that President has asked us to use (and we are seeing why), and after we prayed with him, we asked how he felt. He said that it was really nice and that he wants to draw closer to God, and really wants to know how he can do that. SO we set up a day and time to begin teaching him!! It was PERFECT! I'm so grateful for Heavenly Father for blessing us with the Holy Ghost that leads us and guides us so that we can be His hands in bringing His children back to Him. There are so many out there ready to hear the gospel, we just have be worthy to have the Spirit guide us, and willing to act upon his guidance.

Miracle #2: 
A couple of days ago we went to go meet our investigators in the ward and we were so happy that one in particular was home! She was really sad when Sister Christensen and Sister Patlingrau left the area (both went back to the VC), and was really worried, and told us she almost didn't want to learn from anyone else because of how awesome they were for her. She has been through a couple of sets, but these two were so patient with her. Well, we knock on her door, she realizes that we're the new missionaries, and lets us sit down. We end up sharing Helaman 5:12 with her, and she said that she loved the scripture because that is exactly what she wants. She wants that foundation, she wants to know for herself, and wants to know that she can be steadfast and immovable when trials come her way. We talked just trying to get to know each other and getting to know her expectations in learning the gospel. It was so good, and by the end we were all laughing together! It was such a blessing. Before we left she made sure that we knew that her son's third birthday party was on Saturday and would love for us to go. We were so grateful that she has opened up to us, and we cannot wait to begin teaching her as well.

Miracle #3: 
Last, but DEFINITELY not least. WE HAVE A DEAF INVESTIGATOR!!!!!!! Ah, I could not be happier! I had needed to call Sister Christensen the day before the transfer, and when we spoke on the phone she mentioned that they had tracted a man and his family, and that he was deaf! She was so nervous because she didn't know if anyone would be able to contact him again after she left if no one in the area spoke sign language. Yesterday Sister Barnes and I had about a half an hour before our dinner appointment and so we decided to go check the family out! We get to the house, unsure which was their's (in Hawaii there are probably 5 doors to a house, each leading to a different family). But we knocked on the right one. A little boy comes to the door and we ask if we can speak with his dad. Jose came outside and we immediately began signing! He is so sweet and just so kind. His sign is different than American Sign Language because he is from the Philippines, but it didn't really become a problem! I introduced myself and Sister Barnes and asked if he belonged to a church. He said no, and I asked that if he had time I would love to teach him more about the gospel of Jesus Christ! He said sure, and led us to some chairs just right outside where we were. We (well, I, but with Sister Barnes amazing spirit there) taught him the restoration of the first vision to introduce the Book of Mormon. After teaching him that it was a testament of Jesus Christ I explained that God loves us. He wants us to be happy, but not just for this life, but for all eternity. I asked if he wanted that...he said yes. I then invited him to follow the example of Jesus Christ by being baptized so that he could enter into the gate of eternal happiness. He said YES!!! We gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon and he committed to reading it. It was SO cool!!! Sister Barnes kept saying how amazing it was that even though she couldn't understand, the spirit was so strong.

I am so grateful to be here. There are so many times we ask Heavenly Father why, or don't understand, or can't see the purpose in our trials or changes, but I can testify that He loves us. He sees who we can become and the trials and circumstances that will help guide our way if we let them. I know that as I have trust Him and put all of my faith in Him, I have seen miracles, I have seen him lead me in every aspect of my life and especially this work! It doesn't matter where we are in this world, or how much money we have, or what positions we have. What matters is that we are willing to be an instrument for God. I know that as we are, he will bless us with more than we have room to receive (Malachi 3:8-10). I love you all, and hope that you know that, and pray that you will always see the hand of God in your life. He loves each and every one of us!! Have another miraculous week, and I'll be back next week =)

Mahal Kita (I love you...tagalog)

 Kasama (Sister) Moyes

ALOHA MAUI !!!

Aloha cousins!!

I'm so excited to share with you that we just got transfer news, and
I am being transferred to the Island of Maui!! CHEE-HOooo!!
This is so crazy. Six VC sisters are going to full-field and we are getting five brand new Sisters, with the sad day of seeing my mom and trainer (Hermana Rodriguez) going back home to Guatemala. I feel like she just trained me and her time is already up! So crazy. I don't even know how to react to all of this. I know that I am called to go where the Lord needs me, and I am so excited to teach the people in Maui! With that being said, we still had some sweet miracles this week.

Miracle #1: Our baptism from a couple of weeks ago, he was able to pass the sacrament to Sister Tsai and me in church on Sunday! It was the coolest thing ever, and there is no greater joy than seeing someone progress in this gospel. It is true, and it brings true happiness that lasts forever!! 

Miracle#2: The good part about being in the Visitor Center is planting seeds. The better part about being in the Visitor Center is seeing those people leave their information on our guest card interested in learning more. AND the BEST part about being in the Visitor Center is getting to contact those guests, sharing your testimony with them, and they express to you that they would love to have the missionaries teach them about how they can show their faith in Jesus Christ by joining HIS true church on this earth!! That happened this week with a woman from Oregon, and it all started simply from coming on our tram tour from the PCC into the VC! I am so grateful to be serving in a Visitor Center where I am able to not only plant seeds, but see others truly draw closer to Christ. There is nothing like it!!

Miracle #3: So last week I wrote about a miracle of a couple who came in! I talked mostly with the woman and she said she wanted to be baptized. Well, when giving her a guest card, she didn't give us any information, but she agreed to have missionaries come visit her. That's always hard to get the card back and they don't give any contact information. Well, we had a miracle. The VC directors take the Sisters who were able to get the most self-referrals from the week out to go get ice cream, haha. So they took us. We were walking into the ice cream shop when a woman and man start waving at us! I take a double take, and it is the same couple!!! We were able to set an appointment at the VC for 12 on Friday. The sad part is, they didn't show up...BUT, that's okay, because it was a testimony builder to remind me that if we are doing everything we can, Heavenly Father will guide us and help us find those who are lost. We continue to pray for them that they will come back to the Visitor Center to be taught =)

Major Flooding this Week

I am so grateful for this wonderful week. I have never felt other's prayers more than I have this week. Sister Tsai and I had such a blast our last week together, and were able to have such a strong unity. I know that Heavenly Father sees who we can become, and if we are willing to trust Him, the trials we have are to build us and help us grow. Then, when we have overcome them, we can look back with no regrets! Don't ever forget that you can simply get down on your knees and pray. Heavenly Father will lift you up and make you stronger. I know this to be true. I am so excited for the miracles I will be able to see in the "full-field," and look forward to see what the Lord needs me for. I love you, and miss you all, but know that all is well! 

Until next week in Maui, ALOHHHHHA!

Sister Moyes

ASK AND YE SHALL RECEIVE

Family and Friends, ALOHAAA!!

I feel like it's been forever since I have written! Well, the transfer is coming to an end, with only this week to go, and the Lord continues to show His hand in this work. This week for me has been all about prayer. I don't know if I have ever prayed harder in my life with such faith in knowing those prayers would be answered. Well just as James direct, "ask, and ye shall receive," I have received many witnesses that God does hear and answer our prayers. Those witnesses came through the miracles I saw =)

Miracle #1: 

On Tuesday I had the blessing of going on exchanges with Sister Millett (Sister Trainer)! We seriously just saw miracle after miracle after miracle. During the morning shift at the VC it had been pretty slow, so we were excited to see what was in store in all that we had planned to do in her area! We were super bummed because one of their investigators with a baptismal date wasn't at home for his appointment, so we prayed to know what we should do next. We went to our back up plan to see a potential investigator! Unfortunately, she was not home either, but her grandmother was. She is pretty old and was trying to move out of her house, climbing up and down the stairs with these heavy boxes. Well Sister Millett and I jumped to the opportunity and convinced her to let us help! We were able to do so and then drive with her to where she was moving. When we got to the house, her son (the Potential Investigator's dad) was there to help us unload. After speaking with him we were able to leave with the PI's phone number so that we could contact her and set up an appointment. It was so simple, but it was a witness that as we pray for guidance, God will help us know where to go.

Miracle #2: 

Almost every single day this week we have been able to go to our dinner appointments! My whole entire mission, this has NEVER happened, haha.  When we have a tram (MWF) we don't finish until 7:30, which is usually too late for the families, and they will just drop off the dinner. For whatever reason, (prayer), the families have said that they would love to have us, even if their kids will already be in bed!! As we have the trust of the members of our ward we can work together to bring less-actives back to church and find more people to teach the gospel!!

Miracle #3: 

My favorite miracle of the week. Well, although we have a couple of potentials in our area, they've told us time after time that they are not interested. We are doing our best to get to know them if we are passing by and they are outside, but we have felt that at this stage this is what will be best. Needless to say, our Laie 8th ward has been busy more with visiting the less-actives. Anyway, the past week I had been praying so hard that I would be able to find someone to teach, so I can share this joy that I have! "Ask and ye shall receive." Yesterday, a man and a woman come walking in. I immediately greet them and get to know them. I ask which religion they are most familiar with (both Christian), and ask if they would like to listen to the narration that goes with the Christus statue. After we listened to it I asked how they felt as they heard the words of Christ. The woman said she felt so much peace. I asked both of them if they had any experiences where Christ has brought peace into their lives. Both shared stories with me. I testified that the peace they felt now, and during those times could be with them forever by following the example of Jesus Christ and being baptized by someone holding the Priesthood authority of God. The woman just took a deep breath, and said yeah, I want that. Bah, it was AWESOME! I told her that when we are baptized we can start over, start clean, be pure, and show Christ that we truly want to follow Him and take upon ourselves His name. "Is that something you want to feel for yourself?" She responds, "You have no idea." 

Often times on the mission I feel like my prayers are answered by Heavenly Father allowing me to be His instruments. I know that as we all pray for experiences to serve God, and serve our neighbors, that Heavenly Father will provide those for us. There is no better feeling that serving others! You can a love for them that could only be gained through knowing you are helping God's children come closer to Christ. I love this feeling, and I pray that I will always live worthy to have the Holy Ghost as my comforter, guide, and witness that this gospel is true. I know that as we humble ourselves to our knees and pray to our loving Father in Heaven, He will answer our prayers, and lead us to where He wants us to be. He wants us to be happy, and will always provide us experiences that will not only help us grow, but understand how much He has blessed our lives. I am so grateful for this gospel. I am so grateful to know that when I am sad, when I feel alone, or even when I feel happy, or grateful, I can pray and feel the presence of the Lord comforting me and lifting me up. He is there; trust in Him. I love you all, and love your prayers. I feel them, and I know that is through them I can be made strong! Have a wonderful week, and don't ever forget to pray =)

                                          Love always,

                                                                                                   Sister Moyes

Just DO IT !

Family and Friends, Aloha!

President Spencer W. Kimball was known for repeating the phrase, "Do it," throughout his life. In a famous speech by Art Williams he also emphasized that if you want something, "Just do it!" This week on Wednesday we had an amazing and inspired Zone Conference where the theme was centered around sticking to the basics and just doing it! I absolutely loved this. There are so many times in our lives we feel inadequate or don't know how to achieve a goal, but as we simply do it, we can achieve all that we want to. If you want to know this gospel is true, then DO IT. Live by it, see if it doesn't bless you life! If you want to be like Christ, then do it. If you want to become something, then do it =) In these past couple of days since I have applied this principle I have noticed the difference in the way I work. If we want results, then we must DO everything we can to achieve them. That being said, I know that this is possible through the guidance of the Holy Ghost. We would not have received the miracles we saw this week without the inspiration to know what to DO, but then actually going and doing it as well.

 

Miracle #1
With each of our guests we always invite them to receive missionaries to understand what they have learned or felt while in the Visitor Center! Well, a while back there was a couple on my tram tour that was very receptive to the gospel. Usually we hand out the guest card for them (where they can mark if they would like to learn more from missionaries in their area) when they get back on to the bus. I felt very strongly that I needed to offer the guest card while I was speaking to this particular couple right then and there. I went and grabbed the guest/comment card, and invited them to learn from missionaries! They both said yes! Well, I've been trying to call since then, and sent an e-mail, as well, feeling a little hopeless. Well, a couple of days ago I received a reply! She said that her and her husband were now in contact with the missionaries and learning more!! For all I know had we not given them the card in the VC, it could have come back to us empty or they might not even have received one. It is so important to act on those promptings (to just do it), because we never know what could be in store. 

Miracle #2
So, I guess my family/friends will realize this when I get home, but I've gained a LOT of weight, haha. I'm really good at hiding it in pictures ;) It's been really hard, I'm not going to lie. It doesn't matter how much you exercise, the amounts of food we get fed from members outweighs it. Until, Sister Tsai and I had a dinner appointment with the Masaniai family. It was truly a blessing, and a miracle to me. Not only because their family has been through SO much, and still have such strong and steadfast testimonies, but because they really helped me put things into perspective. Grandma Masaniai reminded me that when they have the missionaries over, they are not just helping us as Sisters, but they are helping the Lord. They give EVERYTHING to feeding the missionaries. Hawaii is expensive, the people don't have much, but when the missionaries come over, they prepare large meals with the best food that they have! Not because we are missionaries, but because we are representing the Lord Jesus Christ. When she lovingly reminded me of this, it made me remember how much I need to forget myself, and simply serve the people. I am so grateful for this blessing to help me refocus on what matters most.

Miracle #3
Coolest miracle ever! So last night, Sister Tsai and I were in the "God's Plan" movie with 2 members. It had just started when two young men opened the door and poked their heads in. I told them it had just started and to come on in. They took a seat. Not knowing who they were, or where they came from, I felt so strongly that this was where they needed to be. For the last part of the presentation we are sitting in a room with a beautifully lit picture of the Laie Temple. I had asked how they felt about the message that was shared in this movie. The member spoke, leading into a perfect segue to introduce how the gospel gives our lives purpose. We then asked the two young men, how they felt this message gave their life more purpose. They both answered saying that they had never felt this way before. They watched this movie and knew that they wanted to have families just as the one they saw in this presentation. They both mentioned that they were from Detroit, and that this was not something they thought was really possible. Sister Tsai and I both testified that as our families have lived these principles, that having a family based on the principles of the gospel, is possible. Both just in awe, couldn't stop saying how much happier they felt thinking about a family like this then any worldly thing could offer. One shared how they were just driving around the Island, stationed here at Pearl Harbor, and saw the beautiful white building; and here they were feeling so full of peace and knowledge. We testified that they could have that feeling with them for the rest of their lives through the gospel of Jesus Christ. "Is that something you want for yourself and your future family?" "Yes........definitely," they replied. They were so excited to learn more as we continued to show them around the Visitor Center, and continued to mention how much they loved the feeling they had when they were here. We're so excited to send our Honolulu Zone missionaries their information so they can learn more!

Last week's baptism

Well, although my parents are enjoying their cruise in the Caribbean ;) I am so grateful to be here as a missionary. It seems as if it only gets harder and harder, but the blessings from DOING hard things, become better and better. I am so grateful for the trials we have. I know that they help us become stronger, and shape us into who God sees us as. When we have trials, I invite you all to not ask "why," but, "what." What can I learn? Or better yet, what can I DO, to draw closer to Christ through this. I know that as we DO this, we will feel Christ by our sides comforting us, and showing the way. I love this gospel, and I love my Heavenly Father. I love the Polynesian people, and I know this is what God would have me DO.


I love you all,

Sister Moyes

HALF WAY THERE

Aloha family and friends,

Christmas Pictures

 

I am very sad to report that as of today I officially only have 9 months left on my mission. Where does the time go? There is so much to do, and so little time! It's definitely time to step up my "A" game and work harder than ever!! It's a new year, and we're already seeing so much happen. Just some little updates of Hawai'i. It's freezing here. Yes, freezing, haha. I've turned into a huge wimp with the non-stop wind and rain during this winter season. But it makes it easy for knowing what to do with your hair in the morning...nothing! =) The Polynesian Cultural Center as well as the Visitor Center are busier than ever, and so we pray that as we continue to apply our training and studies that we will see even more miracles.

SOooo, 
Miracle #1 There is a potential investigator in our area. She is married to a less-active member of the church, and they are both in the Army= super busy = never home. I spoke with Sister Fong, who served in this area for 4 transfers and she said she was never able to contact her or her husband (the member). Well, Sister Tsai and I planned to go see them after visiting some other families, so we walked down the street to their house. Lo and behold, the husband was sitting in his garage on a couch. We walked up the driveway saying Aloha, then he reached out to shake our hands...this was so good! We asked if he was busy right now, and he said he was actually just about to head inside to get ready, so we asked him what time we could we come and share a message with him and his wife. He said he was okay, and not to worry about it. I then remembered that his house was one of the houses that was hosting food and desserts during New Years! I asked if I was correct in remembering being here for that, and he said yes, and he was glad we were able to come and enjoy it! Well that got conversation flowing, and allowed us to leave on a really good note with him! It was such a miracle that not only was he outside, but that we stopped at His house for New Years not even knowing who's home it was. I know that there are no coincidences, and that we are truly being guided every day by Heavenly Father to help bring His children into the light of truth and knowledge.

Miracle #2: So, this one is pretty sweet (and short). In our BYU-H ward we have an "eternal" investigator. He is from Japan, has been taught all the lessons, only hangs out with Return Missionaries, but for whatever reason just has not wanted to be baptized. So many Sisters here in Laie have taught him (for 2 years), but as missionaries we know that the desire to be truly converted must come from him. Well, we get a call from our Distrtict Leaders who tell us that he is being baptized this Saturday. We didn't really know what to think. Apparently he talked to his friend (the Elder's Quorum President) and told him that He wanted to be baptized, and wanted to know how soon it could happen!! They immediately called up the Bishop, met with our district leaders for a Baptismal Interview, and so we had a baptism this Saturday! It was so awesome.

Miracle #3: Being an online sister was such a blessing of an experience, and I am still seeing the results from it. I don't know if you recall a miracle from when I was online about a girl from Canada who we chatted with and committed her to be baptized (after having many dates, and investigating the church for about 6 months now) on the first of December. Well, we received an e-mail from her informing us that she did indeed get baptized on that day, and sent us pictures!!! We could not have been happier! I love this gospel so much. It doesn't matter how it is taught, what is important is having the spirit when we teach so that it can teach the hearts of God's children. What was even more ironic was in the picture, the Elder who baptized her was my zone leader in the MTC!! So that was pretty cool. This gospel is so true.

I am so grateful to be serving a mission. And I am so grateful for everyone who is preparing to serve soon! The work we are doing is so important. The gospel changes lives, and it brings meaning and purpose to people as they understand their role as a child of God. I am also so grateful for all of our faithful church members who share the gospel through their example as well as their words. The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored upon the earth. It is true, it is happy, and it is pure. Be bold in sharing the gospel by showing others how it brings happiness into every aspect of our lives. I know that my Savior lives, and I know that I am a daughter of God on His errand. I love you all, and continue to pray for you in finding opportunities to be missionaries as well. 

Until next time! ALohaaaaa!!

Sister Moyes

NOW IS THE TIME

Aloha, and Happy New Year!!!

Can you believe it's 2013? All of us "older" sisters had a little sad moment last night when we realized we go home this year : ( BUT, never mind that now, lets talk about the miracles of the year 2012! 

Miracle #1: President left a voice-mail on our phones last night informing us that although we did not reach our goal of 1200 baptisms for the year, we did beat the highest number of baptisms that this mission has ever seen with a total of 1,108! The last time the mission hit even close to 1100 was in 1950, with 1101 baptisms. We could not have felt happier with these results. Behind every number is a soul; a soul that entered the waters of baptism and the gate towards exaltation!! Truly amazing. That being said, we hit about 150 baptisms just for the month of December!! Our high-water-mark was 130, so the bar has definitely been risen. I cannot wait to see those numbers rise each month as we do everything we can to put our faith in the Lord to help us find those who have been prepared to receive the truth =) 

Miracle #2:  I've been having a really hard time breathing and sleeping at night because of the allergies from the dust and mold that are so easily cultivated here. For this transfer, Sister Tsai and I were assigned to move into pad 117, and I started to feel a cold coming on, but felt like a pretty intense cold. Well, I began getting really sick when President Dalton called out of the blue, saying that he felt inspired to move Sister Tsai and me into pad 115. I had such a spiritual confirmation that this was right (even though this meant we had to pack our stuff right back up again). As Sister Tsai and I were packing I began to find mold everywhere! It was in my closet, it was in the shower, on the ceiling, etc. We have a Mission President who truly receives guidance and revelation for this mission, and I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that Heavenly Father loves me. I know that He helps us as we listen to the guidance of our leaders who are truly set apart as disciples of Christ. 

Miracle #3: Well, we all know that Polynesians know how to party...but let me reassure you, they know how to PARTYYY! For New Years eve they close down pretty much every street in Laie, turning it into these huge block parties, with LOTS of food, lots of fireworks, and lots of music! It was AWESOME! Hah, it was so much fun!! The miracle in it was, we were able to meet one of the non-members in our area as well as get to know the members in our ward a lot better. They of course offered us food at every corner we went to, and of course we accepted, and of course I had a food baby at the end of the night! Hah, it may sound simple, but it truly was a miracle that allowed us to gain the trust of our members, as well as help us to feel more comfortable with the ward as well. It was such a blessing!

After we left our area we headed back to the stake center by the temple and met up with the rest of the missionaries in the zone to play games! It was so fun! Sister Shin (from Korea) and I played basketball pretty much the whole time, just shooting hoops, then we all played night games outside just having a good time together. Midnight was CRAZY! It was so loud, and the whole sky was lit with fireworks from all over Laie. It was cool to feel the spirit as we all sat down on the pavement of the parking lot looking up into the sky and remembering how blessed our lives have been, how amazing the year 2012 had been, and all that we are ready to accomplish in the year 2013! 

I am so grateful for this life that we have here on earth, and the experiences that help us become who Heavenly Father sees us as. I know He has a plan of happiness, and I know that each and every one of us feels that through the small and simple things this wonderful life has to offer. I know that if we grab on to those simple things, that "great things will come to pass," ( Alma 37:6). May we let the gospel fill our hearts to resolve to do better! Now is the time. Don't look back, but towards the bright future that lies ahead!! I love you all so much. It has been such an amazing year, and I cannot wait to see what 2013 has in store!!

Aloha,

Sister Moyes

MELE KALIKIMAKA

Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka, or Merry Christmas in Hawaiian!

I am so overwhelmed with joy and love at this Christmas season. Not only do I feel the love of my Savior even more so, but the love from all of you. Thank you so much to everyone who has sent me Christmas letters, cards, and presents!!! I love you all so much, and it truly means the world to me. Well, I guess I'll share the cool news:

I'm back to proselyting!! Yay!!! Don't get me wrong, I loved online, but I am so excited to be back in an area =) I will be serving in the Laie 8th Ward, the YSA 8th Ward, and YSA 10th Ward! The area has a couple of investigators and potentials, so I'm excited to get to work! 

Today is transfer day and I am a grandma!! Yay! My baby Sister Jones is going to be training, so I have a grandchild, haha. My new companion is the one and only Sister Tsai!! She is from Taiwan and has been out for 3 months now. She has such an awesome testimony, and I cannot even wait to see the miracles that we will see together. We already saw one yesterday! 

Miracle #1 : 

When Sister Jones and I were on shift, a family from mainland China came in! Only two of them spoke even broken English, but I was able to take one of them (a woman) on tour while the others took pictures. I showed her the temple corner with all the pictures of the temple, and she LOVED it. She felt bad, though, because she could not understand everything I was saying. Well, in the middle of the tour I felt really impressed to show her the Book of Mormon. We walked over to the Book of Mormon display where we have it translated into 83 different languages, and when I did, Sister Tsai came walking through the Visitor Center. She was able to take over and share more! She taught the whole group about the Book of Mormon, and then showed a video in Mandarin of President Monson sharing his Testimony of The Book of Mormon. I felt the spirit so strong, even if I could not understand the language! Sister Jones and I looked at each other and then went and grabbed materials; one of them being a copy of The Book of Mormon in Mandarin. They gladly accepted it, and said they wanted to learn more, then we all got a bunch of pictures together!!! It's so cool to see this work progressing, and I am so excited for the day that the China Mission opens so this family can be taught by the missionaries!

Miracle #2: 
Let's just say, yesterday was a day full of miracles. This one is probably my favorite =) So a member of the Bishopbric in one of my old Wards came in with two non-members. They said hello to us and then walked back to all of our displays. Sister Jones and I went back to meet with them, when the Brother came up to us and explained that he brought this couple, and they were from the Philippines! Hah, being fluent in Tagalog, of course, I let out a nice, "Oh! Kumusta po kayo!!" Haha, it got us all laughing, and really broke the ice! Then the Brother asked if we could show them the Movie presentation, "God's Plan." Being our favorite, we lead them into the room where it is displayed. While we pre-set it, I bore my testimony that I know that God has a plan of happiness for us, and that a part of that plan is being with our families forever! I mentioned that I had lost many loved ones in my life, but I knew I would see them again because of the temple. The husband then says "Yup! Sure hope so," in a very, how would you say...logical tone..?  We pressed play, then I said a prayer asking Heavenly Father to help the husband and wife feel the spirit and truth of this message. No sooner were we 3 minutes into the presentation, and I see tears falling from the wife's eyes. We headed into the last room and invited them to pay attention to their thoughts and feelings, and how they can apply this message into their lives. We pressed play for the last portion. It ends, and the room is quiet. We stand up and reverently ask how they felt. It took about a minute for words to come out of the husband's mouth, but when he did, he said, "This was really hard for us......." Then the Brother from the Bishopbric spoke and said that they had just lost their son. Tears were now streaming from everyone's faces. Sister Jones and I testified that this message was true, and that through the sealing in the temple their family WILL be together again! The Husband looked at us and then said, "I believe it..." It was such a tender moment that I will never forget. 

Miracle #3: Sister Jones and I did not slip and break something playing mud Rugby yesterday!! Haha, during the winter season it is always raining and very windy. So she and I went and played rugby in the mud with the Elders, when it was pouring yesterday! SO much fun, but so muddy and so slippery!! It was awesome, though. I love my mission =)

I am so grateful for this gospel and the true joy that it brings. I love this Christmas season because it is always so happy and filled with the Christmas spirit. There is a reason for that. It is because the greatest gift we have been given was the birth of our dear Savior Jesus Christ. He brings light into this world, along with peace and hope. It is because of Him that all the bad in this world can be made up for if we simply follow Him, learn of Him, and keep His commandments. Those who were affected by the Connecticut shooting are especially in our prayers. Each one of us can know that if we are doing all that we can to follow Christ, we can have eternal happiness; happiness that last forever! This world is not the end, it is only the beginning. I testify as a representative of Jesus Christ that we WILL see our loved ones again if we are willing to do all it takes to act upon faith and endure to the end. I love my Savior so much, and I love my Heavenly Father for allowing His Son to come and suffer all of our afflictions so we will never walk alone. I know these things to be true, and I invite everyone to share this glad message! Christ truly is our "Joy to the world." 

I love you all so much! Mele Kalikimaka, and Aloha!

Sister Moyes