LUKE 17: 32 "REMEMBER LOT'S WIFE"

 Family and Friends, Talofa

Whew! I felt like it has been such a long week, but then again I can't believe it's already been a week. I guess the mission is funny like that. Hmm, don't really know where to start. I guess I'll start by saying this has been a very humbling week for me (maybe that's why it felt like so long). Coming back to the Visitor Center was a harder transition than I anticipated. When you're out full-field, it almost feels like the Visitor Center is looked down upon, that it's not "real" work, and the Laie Zone Leaders are jokingly known as the Relief Society Presidents because of all the Sisters that serve here. When I got back here I was still full of my usual energy and love for the Sisters that I was reunited with once again, but once the excitement of everything being new again died, I found myself looking back at being full-field and wishing for what I had before instead of looking forward to the journey that laid ahead of me in this work. 

When I first started having these feelings I printed out the talk by Elder Holland, "Remember Lot's Wife," given at a BYU Devotional many years ago. It speaks about this very thing, in not looking back, longing for the past, but looking forward with a willing heart to do ALL that the Lord wants us to do. I knew Heavenly Father wanted me to remember this scripture when it popped up in my personal study as well. I knew I needed to change my attitude and pray for help. Then, just as Heavenly Father always has, my endless prayers were answered. 

Miracle #1 
We had our usual ward coordination meeting with our Ward Mission Leader and his wife. After we discussed ward business, she shared a couple of her thoughts with us. She talked about something that was exactly what I needed to hear! She helped me remember and understand that we are merely God's instruments in His hands. The second we start thinking about ourselves we lose sight of God's greater plan; we lose sight of the bigger picture or an eternal perspective. So that was something I knew I needed to do...."Forget yourself, and get to work" (Pres. Hinckley's Father).  When I made the decision to do just that, and rely on the help of Heavenly Father as well as my companion, we finally saw the miracles we were fasting and praying for.

Miracle #2 
So, a story many know is that I had always wanted to serve my mission in Tokyo, Japan. I was convinced that was where I was going, so needless to say, I was a little shocked to see Hawaii on my mission call!...Hah, don't worry, it didn't affect my excitement for my call to come to Hawaii ;) Last week I mentioned our investigator, Shane. Shane is from Japan, and came to Hawaii not knowing what the future would hold, just that he knew he wanted to come here. Well, Sister Toleafoa and I have been really worried that he might become a former investigator real fast because of his complete unbelief in God. We didn't know what to do. We kind of felt stuck after our first appointment in teaching him that God is our loving Heavenly Father. We prayed and fasted for him and kept him in every prayer that we said. Well, we had an appointment with him this week and he opened up SO much, asking us such good questions! We finally were able to get him to tell us that although he doesn't believe in God, he would like to. We told him that the best way to know God is to pray to him! We invited him to pray, and he said yes!!! It was the most beautiful prayer I have ever heard. He so sincerely thanked Heavenly Father for sending him here to Hawaii to meet the missionaries. He thanked Him for being patient with him as he tries to learn about God. Sister Toleafoa and I walked out of the appointment crying. It was such a dear moment for us....and it doesn't end there. On Sunday, in Sacrament meeting (which is the last hour of church), he comes and sits with us as if we had been friends for years. He was singing the hymns, and said he genuinely liked listening to the testimonies. After church we set an appointment with him, and then....HE invited US to go and play volleyball on Tuesday night (tonight)  with some people in the ward!! Our minds were blown, but we felt so honored. We know we have to start small and simple in teaching him, but we are already seeing the seed begin to grow. 

I am so grateful for the trials God gives us. He knows what will help us to grow and become who we need to be. I know that I cannot ever look back at the past, but look forward. "Remember Lot's Wife." Remember that God has a plan for each and every one of us. Remember that if we are keeping the commandments and willing to do as he asks, we need never fear, but feel full of hope and peace. Although the adversity we might face today, I know, and am a living witness, that it will always be for our good (D&C 121:7-8). I love you all so much!!! I feel your prayers, and pray for you all daily. Have another miraculous week =)

O te Alofa ia te oi,

Sister Moyes

CATCHING THE WAVE OF MISSIONARY WORK

My wonderful family and friends, Talofa Lava~

First Day Together

It is my first week back in the Visitor Center in Laie, and it has definitely been an adventure. There were so many changes made while I was gone, including getting 10 new Sisters in the VC. It's been an adjustment big time, and it has definitely been hard trying not to think about my investigators back in Honolulu and Maui, but I am already seeing why I am needed back here in Laie =)

My companion, Sister Toleafoa, is AMAZING. She is a big ball of energy and a heart of gold! She was born and raised in Western Samoa, so she is teaching me a lot about hard work as well as teaching me the language. We're trying our best by posting notes in our pad on various objects labeled in Samoan. My favorite one being, "tagata seilili," prounounced tah-ngah-tah say-eelee-eelee....meaning: New Investigator =)

Miracle #1 

After S. Toleafoa and I did our week plan, we decided to go see an investigator that Sister Sekona and I had taught when we were in this ward. We went to go see her (Lua), and she wasn't home. As we were driving out of the driveway and down the street, we see her walking home!! I was so excited to see her again. We had taught her and her brother for baptism, but were waiting for the okay by both parents for baptism; and that still being the case. We pulled beside her and her face just lit up!! I told her that I was back in the Samoan ward, and we want to prepare her for baptism! She just jumps up and says, "Like, right now!!!!?" I'm pretty sure if we had said yes she would have made sure she was ready in less than two minutes, haha. But we told her of course not right now, but, hopefully, soon! We set an appointment with her and said goodbye! Sister Sekona and I were so sad when we found out that they would not be able to be baptized quite yet, and so I am praying that now is the right time, and that I will be able to witness her and her brother's baptism before I ever (if ever) leave this ward. At that moment, I knew that I was meant to be back here and especially in this ward. 

Helping Hands

Miracle #2 

I had another moment helping me to feel reassured that I am supposed to be back here in the Visitor Center. We had run into multiple Samoan families coming in to the VC from Honolulu!!! I, of course, having been in that ward, tell them about where our chapel is and the time of the services.  One particular family left us with their contact information so that the missionaries (Sister Saena and her companion) can teach them. It was perfect, I don't know how else we would have been able to connect with them.  We even made the connection of some friends that they have, that attend that Samoan ward, my previous ward,.  But, if I hadn't served in that ward, and if I wasn't back in the VC to tell them more about the ward, who knows how long it would have taken them to find the missionaries.  I called Sister Saena immediately so that they can teach their family!

Miracle #3 

Sister Toleafoa and I were attending Sunday school in our YSA 2nd ward and a member walks in with a friend (obviously not a member) and sits right next to us. It was all too perfect. After Sunday School, the member turns to us and introduces Shane to us. We immediately get to know him, finding out that he is from Japan. The second those words came out of his mouth another member comes over and asks, "Wait, who said they're from Japan?" And Shane admitted that he did. The member (Dillan) then starts speaking fluent Japanese to him, having just gotten home from his mission in Japan. Once again, perfect!! We were able to set up an appointment right then and there, and have a 'fellowshipper' for Shane as well. There have been so many times this week that are constant reminders of Heavenly Father's perfect plan, and I am so grateful that I get to be a part of this missionary work.

"Elder Bernal" from the PMG The District  DVDs was on our tram!!

In General Conference, Elder Nelson talked about "catching the wave of missionary work," Of course, we missionaries in Hawaii,  loved the theme of the talk, but it means even more to us as we have seen the difference it is making in our wards. Our wards are beginning to truly focus on "catch the wave" of missionary work. I know that without the members there to help us and support us, to be fellowshippers, to smile and say hello to a stranger at church, to reach out to the less-active, this work would not continue on. We must build the kingdom of God, and focus on gathering ALL of God's children together as one. I know that when we all catch the wave of missionary work lives are changed and forever families are made. I am so grateful to be a part of this great work. I know it is true, and I know it will bless our lives!! I love you all, and love getting your e-mails and letters! 

Sending all our sunshine,

Sister Moyes

TRANSFER NEWS/ & FA SOIFUA

Just a Note Written Yesterday---

Sooo, we just got transfer news, and I am very sad to say that I will be leaving the Moanalua 2nd ward, and heading back to serve my last four transfer in the Visitors Center ....BUUUTTT....that being said...you can take the missionary out of the Moanalua 2nd Samoan Ward, but you can't take the Samoan out of the missionary! Looks my new companion is a Sister who just finished getting trained, so I will be her follow-up trainer...and we will be serving in....THE SAMOAN LAIE 9TH WARD!!!! CHEEEEEE-HOOO!! If I have to leave full-field, at least I get to stay in a Samoan Ward..and back to a ward I had previously served in, where the Bishop is actually my current Bishops' brother! My new companion is Samoan as well, her name is Sister Toleafoa! I have not met her, so it will be way exciting. 
Because Sister Saena and I will be busy with appointments today (yes on P-day) we will be sending a real e-mail tomorrow! But you can put this one on the blog if you want ;) 
Alright, family, I love you all SO much, thank you for your prayers!!

Fa Soifua

Family and Friends, Talofa!!!

Well, as I'm sure you've already seen, I am being transferred out of the Moanalua 2nd

Ward, and leaving my baby, all grown up now =/ It has definitely been a bittersweet past couple of days saying goodbye to the members whom we have drawn very close with; especially with Losa and her family. It warmed my heart when saying goodbye to them last night, they asked where I was going to be staying whenever I came back to visit. I told them I had no idea, and their mom then responded by saying, "I hope you will stay with us, then." I could not be happier knowing that I will get to continue serving the Lord in the Samoan Ward of Laie, as well as in the Visitors' Center. I know that the calling I have to serve in the Visitors Center is a special one, and one that the Lord needs me to fulfill. I know that many say that serving a mission is a "sacrifice," but I don't think I could ever look at it like that. Serving as a missionary is probably one of the greatest blessings I have received in my life. There is no greater joy than seeing the miracles we have every single day.

Miracle #1 

We hadn't been able to meet with Pauline for over a week, so we decided we needed to drop by.  She is actually living in the same house as our ward mission leader and his family, so it makes it really easy to make sure there is always a member at our lessons. Well, this week when we got there, we asked Pauline if Kanana was home (WML's niece).

She is really close with Pauline, and has been going to appointments with us to prepare for her mission in California. She willingly came and joined us as we taught about the Restoration. It was the best having her there!! We asked her if she would bare her testimony of how she knew that the gospel of Jesus Christ had been restored. She then, for the first time in her life, bore her testimony. We were all in tears. Kanana lives her testimony, but has never expressed or wanted to express it in words. When Pauline had first started investigating the church, she said that she would be baptized the day that Kanana shared her testimony. She was more confident than ever in the date that she had set for her baptism.

Miracle #2 
I mentioned a referral that we had met whose name is Alema (meaning Alma in English). For the past two weeks we have been knocking on his door at the times that he said he was home. No answer. OR, even sometimes, we would hear the TV or even music turn off the second we started knocking on the door, haha. We would wait to see if the music would ever turn back on, but we were pretty sure that they could see that we were still there. Finally, last week, we knock on his door again. And again. And, finally before knocking a third time, a woman (a friend) answers the door. We ask if Alema is home. She invites us in to sit down and then goes down the hall to get him.

Finally, he comes out, seeming as happy as can be to see us!! After talking story we started our lesson on the Book of Mormon. He admitted he had not read our assignment from last time, so we decided to read it with him (Alma 36). We went through and talked about it, but then the Spirit took over. Sister Saena and I  both shared our testimonies about this gospel and how it can bless our lives. I then received the strongest prompting to invite him to baptism! Bah, I was nervous, I don't know why. So I did, for the date of May 25th, and he said...he was scared. We asked why, and he said that he didn't want to be baptized and then go back to his old ways. We reassured him that as we meet with him and as he keeps the commitments we extend to him, that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ he would be ready for this day.

He then opens up and tells us how he had a best friend growing up, and how they would always give their friends rides to church and then go smoke, drink, do drugs, etc. He said that when they grew up, this friend met a girl who is LDS. He took all the lessons and was baptized, and has now changed his life around. He said he now always looks to him as an example. He sees how good his life has become, and wanted that for himself. We testified to him how much God loves him, and wants him to be happy, and that through baptism, he too would be able to have a joyous life and eternity. We then invited him again to baptism, and he said YES!! We asked him how he was feeling, and he said he felt weird...good, and happy! After pausing he then looked at us and exclaimed, "Can you feel that!?"  

Hah, we just smiled at him and told him that he was feeling the spirit testifying to him that these things are true! It was soooo cool. We asked him if he would like to say the closing prayer, after teaching him how to pray, and he did. It was such a beautiful prayer full of sincerity and humility. As we were about to leave, setting up our next appointment, he asked if we could meet 3 times as weekk! We just smiled again, and told him that of course we could. I don't know if that has ever happened to me on my mission!! Then as we step out the door, he expressed how grateful he was to meet us. He said that we will forever be his missionaries who changed his life, and that he will never pretend to not be home again, haha.

It was so hard because it was just an hour before that I had found out that I would no longer be serving in the ward. But, I know that I came to do what the Lord needed me to do.

I am so grateful for Heavenly Father and the chance He has given me to serve His children in Hawaii. I know that God lives, and I know that if we only taste of the fruit for ourselves we will be able to know of it's goodness. I have seen that for myself, and I have seen it in others. It's been really hard to leave this area, just as my area in Maui,

but I cannot wait to see the Miracles that are in store in Laie. I love you all SO much, and I am so grateful for your loving support! Have wonderful week.

Fa Soifua (Farewell),

Sister Moyes

HAWAIIAN ROLLER COASTER RIDE

Talofa Lava!

I definitely don't even know where to begin with this week. I am pretty sure I have never had a more bumpy week in my whole mission! Things were going up, then down, then up, then down, but then finally ended with too many miracles to count! I'll try to make them short so I can fit them all in, because there are a lot. The biggest thing I learned this week was in following the spirit. Every night at 9:00pm, you go through the goals you set and then accomplished that day (concerning # of lessons, etc.) and then plan for the next day. We always begin our planning with a prayer to know where we should go and who we should teach at specific times. But, just as life is, things don't always go according to our plans.

Monday night everyone we go to see is not home....and those that are, made sure we knew they were NOT interested. Tuesday. Every single person we planned to see was at least home for us to set up another appointment with for the upcoming week!! Yay! Wednesday, we felt so stuck. We visited every single person, knocking on their doors, multiple times throughout the day, and NO one was home. We had seen every person we possible could think of...and....nothing. Thursday. My favorite day of this week:

Miracle #1 

Sister Saena and I decided that we need more people in our teaching pool just as I mentioned last week. We felt inspired to go visit our former investigators! Three of them (Sweetie, Tilo Mai, and Fua Mai) were home and said that they wanted to pick up the lessons again!!!! Woot-woot!! Sweetie is amazingggggggg! We already love her SO much, and

          Miracle #1a 

          When we went to see another former investigator, she was very blunt in letting us                             

          know that we could come "talk story," but she was very set in her religion. We said 

          goodbye and headed out the door. We start walking down the hallway of the apartment 

          building and behind us we hear a "Sisters! Wait!" We turn around and it is a women  

          who was in the apartment we just left. She told us that she was actually a member of 

          the Mormon church, but had not been to church in over three years. She said that 

          every time the Elders would come by to see her mother-in-law, she could never get the 

          courage to tell the missionaries who she "really was" until she saw us. She said she 

          knew that she was ready to come back to church, and was so grateful that Heavenly 

          Father sent us to her door!! It was too perfect, but we knew that it was all because the 

          spirit had guided us there; just as it continued to that day.

Miracle #2 

We had planned to go see two of our investigators whom we hadn't been able to meet with in a while, but before we headed there Sister Saena and I sat in silence, waiting in the car. I had felt very strongly that we needed to go see one of the referrals that the Elders had given us the previous week, she said that she felt the same thing. We start the car and head on our way! The referral had been for a Samoan guy, whose name we did not know, so when we knocked on the door and a girl (Kahili) answered, we weren't exactly sure what to say! We introduced ourselves, and began explaining the situation. Before we finished, she stops us and says, "Wait, hold on, are you Mormon missionaries?" We of course told her that we were! She then admittedly and appologetically (is that a word?) explains to us that she had just been drinking, but really wanted to talk to us. She said that her 13-year-old son had joined our church and calls her every week to ask if she had tried going yet! She wanted to try it out, but had no one to go with, and had always wished that there female missionaries to teach her.She told us that she knew that God sent us! She was so cool, and we were able to just talk to her for so long. She told us her life story, and we were able to share how the gospel will be able to help bring her family back together. It was SOOOOO amazing. She wasn't sure when we could meet again, but continually told us to make sure we call her to set something up!! Love it.

Miracle #3 

We went to go visit a family who we thought was a part member family. Turns out it wasn't, but it couldn't have been more perfect. Bah, Heavenly Father's timing is perfect! We get there and only Sister Seuli is home. As we are talking with her, her daughter daughter and grand-daughter come walking in. We continue conversation, but then Sister Seuli gets up and leaves to go somwhere, haha. Then the daughter who is mid 20's comes in and says that she guesses they are switching spots! So she begins talking with us, getting to know us, and we all clicked so fast. The more we get talking, the more we find out that she has been less-active for the past year because of some major trials in her life. She also tells us that the young single adults rep, who is also one of her good friends, had just stopped by the day before. She said she knew it was not a coinsidence that we were there. We were able to share a message with her and made sure she knew she had a seat saved right next to us on Sunday!! She couldn't come this past Sunday, but said for sure this coming Sunday. We absolutely love her, and we could feel how much Heavenly Father does too.

There are so many more I want to share, but time wins again! I know that if we are willing to follow the promptings of the spirit, we will always be lead to cross in someone's path. I know that Heavenly Father loves us, and loves each of His children. He knows us so individually, and we can be His instruments to answer someone else's prayer! Never be afraid to share what you know, or to follow the direction that the spirit gives you! If it is a prompting to do good, never walk away. I am so grateful for the roller coaster ride we had this week, because without the bad days, we would never truly know how to appreciate the good days. Have another miraculous week!

Alofa,

Sister Moyes

P.S. 

This is the last week of the transfer!!! I have never stayed in a ward more than one transfer, so I hope that I will be able to stay at least another 6 weeks in the Samoan ward!!

SEKIA SAMOA

TALOFA!!

Ahh, another amazing week in Hawaii!! This one was definitely one to remember for so many reasons! General conference was amazing, of course, but I cannot express my gratitude to Heavenly Father for blessing me to be in this ward. We are seeing so many miracles, not only in our area but from our ward. BUT, first and foremost......

Miracle #1

LOSA WAS BAPTIZED!!!!!

Bah, it was the best baptism ever! SO many of our members in the ward came to support her and congratulate her. There is nothing like it, standing there on the side, watching the person entering in the water, knowing that the life they start as they come out of the water is a new one, a clean one!!

Losa was radiating as she came out of the water. There was just a peace that was felt. Hah, typical Losa....I asked her how she felt, and her first response was, "...hmm, Hungry!" Haha. We love her so much!! Don't worry, afterwards she told us how good she really felt. It was perfect. Just as everything about this gospel is.

Miracle #2 

So this kind of goes along with Miracle #1, but I wanted to put Losa's baptism first =) When we were at Losa's, planning the baptismal program, her Sister and Sister's husband (whom she lives with) were sitting there with us. I asked Losa's Sister if she would like to speak, and she admitted she would rather not. Then we asked the husband, and he immediately said, "No, I want YOU to speak."

I turn to Losa, and she just starts laughing, and then I look back, and he says that he is serious! Then stating that he has never let any missionaries teach Losa the gospel, but the way he saw us interact with Losa, he said he knew that Sister Saena and I were the missionaries to teach her.

So, yes, I once again, gave a talk in Samoan at her baptism. I butchered so many words, but could not have felt more blessed than I did when the Bishop gave His last remarks saying how blessed the ward is to have Sisters to teach Losa, and saying that he wished that "Sister Moe" could stay in the ward forever!! Bahhh, of course I started crying.

I've become such a baby!! It was just one of those moments where you can truly feel Heavenly Father's love in knowing that you are doing what He needs you to be doing.

Miracle #3

We committed Pauline to a baptismal date of May 4th !!!

Miracle #4 

Although things are going very well in the ward, and we have been able to see many less-actives come back, our teaching pool has been struggling a bit. The first few weeks we were in this area we were able to find many new investigators! It was awesome! But, one of the hard things about here in the area is that everyone works to support their family. We have set appointment after appointment with them, and they continue to not be home when we go over or calling asking to reschedule; the cause being getting called into work for extra hours. SO, Sister Saena and I decided that we needed to fast. I love fasting. My testimony of it has become so strong as I have been serving the Lord. He truly answers our prayers and blesses us for the sacrifices that we strive to make. That night we received a call from some Elders in another zone (one that we cover as well). They said they tracted  a man whose name

is......Alma. Hah, yeah! Apparently his grandparents were the first people to be baptized into the church in Samoa. He was interested to know where his name came from as well. The Elders said that Sister Saena and I would love to come by and teach him and his wife more...AND he said yes!! We cannot wait to begin teaching him, and the great significance that his name has.

Back in Maui

I love this work so much! I love my companion and baby, Sister Saena. She teaches me SO much every day, and I could not ask for a better companion at this time. She is so full of love and patience, and I know that those we teach can feel it when she she teaches. I am so grateful the scriptures and the opportunity I have to read them and study them each and every day! I know that by reading the Book of Mormon my testimony of Jesus Christ is strengthened, and I can truly feel the armor of God around me! I know that it is because of your prayers that I am able to do this work. I love Hawaii, I love being in the Samoan ward, and I love my Savior Jesus Christ! I know that as you look for the tender mercies in your life, you will have another wonderful week! SEKIA SAMOA!

Love,

Sister Moyes

Pictures from Maui at Oliver Decano's Baptism

HAPPY EASTER

Family and friends, Talofa!

I have so much to say about this week!! Sister Saena and I were really nervous because of my getting a lame cold, but it was still one of the best weeks of being in this ward. Just some house keeping business:

• Thank you EVERYONE for the birthday wishes; especially my mom&dad and siblings! You all are the best!! There is no greater feeling than knowing you are loved, and I especially felt that from you all on my birthday. So thank you!
• I think I'm becoming a pro at Volleyball! Haha, every Tuesday our ward gets together after Mutual acitivites and meetings and such and plays volleyball! It's been so fun, not only because it's volleyball, but because we have gotten so close to the members here, and we feel like we truly have their trust now!!
• I got an update as for my investigators in Maui!! Alll five are officially baptized!!!! Ahhh, I started crying when I found out! There is no better feeling than being able to teach Heavenly Father's children and seeing their lives change as they enter into those waters of Baptism! Being a missionary is the BESTTTT!!

On that note:

Miracle#1 

This is Losa on my right, and Victoria on my left =)

We had another lessons with our investigator Losa, who is best friends with Victoria! We committed her to being baptized on April 7....this Sunday!! It has been so amazing teaching her. At first she was very very closed off to us, and didn't want to answer questions we would ask occasionally througout our lessons. Then as the lesssons went on we started doing different things with her outside of just the lessons, such as playing volleyball, and as a result have all become so close! She explained to us that she was really closed off because she felt like she was being forced into taking the lessons. Well, time after time, we told her how much we loved her, and how much Heavenly Father loves her and wants her to return to Him again. She of course knew all of that, but we then explained that although baptism is essential in entering the kindgom of Heaven, it will do no good for her if she is just doing it because everyone is telling her to. We both wanted to make sure that she was ready to make this sacred covenant, and she did, too. She has expressed to us that she knows this gospel is true, and finally feels ready. SO April 7th is that day =) Sister Saena and I cannot wait!!

 Sister Saena and me
When our food went everywhere in the car!!!
We get way too much food!!!

Miracle #2 

This past weekend was Youth Conference for the youth of ages 14 and up in our stake! It was a really great turnout! Sister Saena and I, along with our Zone Leaders Elder Hall & Elder Carrell, would do a workshop on Missionary Work. We started out not exactly sure what was expected of us. We knew that the coordinator wanted the youth to write their testimonies for us to place inside copies of The Book of Mormon, but with the remaining 20 minutes we weren't sure. We had about 7 sessions each a half our long. As we collaborated we decided to talk simply about what exactly a testimony is, and give the youth confidence in sharing it with others! It sounded good...but then it was really hard to get their participation. There were always the select few who would raise their hands for in response to every answer, but we wanted to make an impact, and get the youth involved. We were doing out best, and hoped that would be enough. Well, this past Sunday, for Fast and Testimony meeting, four young men, probably about 14 or 15 years old, got up to bare their testimonies. One of the spoke and said, "At youth conference I went to a workshop that really inspried me. They taught us about sharing our testimony and taught that we can gain one and strengthen it by sharing it, and I really wanted to be able to do that." He then continued by sharing his testimony!!! It was so awesome. It was something so simple, but I always love thinking about the power of one. There will be so many times in our lives when we do our best, and try to be a good example, and might feel like it didn't make an impact. Well, I can testify that even if you help one person, it is so worth it!!

This transfer I am reading the New Testament. I decided that if I wanted to be a great teacher and missionary, who better to learn from than our Savior Jesus Christ? My testimony of Him grows stronger and stronger each and every day as I read about Him and the life that He lead focused on serving others. He not only served them, but He taught so powerfully and yet so simply! He was not afraid to proclaim the truth and that He was the very Son of God sent on the earth to redeem us from our fallen state. Easter had a different meaning to me than it did before, this time around. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ. He lives, and I know that!! I know that if we follow Him, and walk in His footsteps we will truly receive everlasting joy. I am so grateful that He died for us, but more importantly that He rose again! I am so grateful that His church has been restored upon the earth once more. Live by it, and see if it does not only bless your life! I can testify that you will see the fruits that come from your labors of following Him. As a representative of Him, I testify of these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. I love you all, and know that God does, too! Have a great week!

Alofa,

Sister Moyes

O TE ALOFA LAVA O LEA TAMA FA'ALALAGI

Family and Friends, Talofa!

I cannot even believe we're already on to week three of the transfer. It has been super busy "white-washing" the area while there were no previous investigators for us to teach! SO, we've been doing a lot tracting, a lot referall seeking from other missionaries, and especially from the members! The members are always your best source in seeking referrals; especially the recent converts! All of our miracles came from our recent convert, Victoria. Victoria was baptized about 2 weeks ago, and she is already one of the strongest members I know. She is 16 year old and ready to be a missionary! That being said:

Miracle #1: 

Like I said before, Victoria is AMAZING! She knows literally every single one of our investigators, and is good friends with every one as well. Having her at our appointments has been such a blessing. Victoria moved from Samoa just recently, and attended her church "religiously." When she came here, her auntie introduced the LDS church to her. She was very hesitant for many reasons, the biggest being her family back home who would disown her if she joined. She began taking the lessons and could not deny that this was God's true church on the earth today. She knew that she didn't know everything, but she knew enough to know that it was true. She began to realized the commitment this would be, especially knowing that her family, especially her father, would completely shut her out. But in every one of our appointments she was able to testify that it was worth it, and God continues to show her the blessing from her decision to follow Jesus Christ in being baptized by someone who holds the priesthood authority of God. We were able to commit two of those investigators to a baptismal date, and pray to have one more by tomorrow! Only 16, and already making a difference in people's lives.

Miracle#2 : SO, last Tuesday our ward mission leader informed Sister Saena and me that  the "missionary program" was on Sunday in Sacrament meeting. Well, we both knew what that meant....we were speaking! Yikes! So, last week I mentioned how hardly anyone speaks English to you, yeah....so then Brother Neria turns to me and says, "Sister Moe," ...by the way, my knew name in Samoan is Sister Moe, haha. When I introduce myself they all think I'm saying Sister Moe, which is a Samoan last name, and I guess it's caught on now ;) Anyway, "Sister Moe, you will be preparing your talk in Samoan, correct?" Uhhhh, was that a question or a statement?!? Haha, I of course smiled at him and said, "I oe (yes)." So, the whole week I have been writing a talk on missionary work, and thanks to the awesome members, at every dinner appointment they help me out, fixing my grammar, telling me how to say pretty much everything, haha! Then Sunday came along, and it happened! I'm pretty sure the whole congregation could hear my knees shaking. I told them that I had prayed for the gift of tongues as I spoke, and prayed that they would have the gift of interpretation of tongues ;) They thought it was pretty funny, so that's good. And then I began. It was a bitter sweet moment after Sacrament meeting when everyone started speaking even more Samoan to me, telling me how well I did, but then saying to me that when I keep it up I should be fluent in no time! Bah, no pressure, haha. I love the Samoan language, though, it is so beautiful. I feel so overwhelmed with love for this ward. I know that Heavenly Father has sent Sister Saena and me to this ward for a reason.

O te alofa lava o lea Tama Fa'alalagi - I love my Heavenly Father SO much!! 
I know this gospel is true, and I know that if we act on it's precepts we will see nothing but blessings from Heavenly Father. We need not ever have fear, because Christ will always lift our burdens, and Heavenly Father will always stretch forth His hand to pull us back to the straight and narrow. I love knowing that there is a plan of happiness for us, and I know that all those who read the Book of Mormon, and pray, with a sincere heart, WILL feel God's love for them, and will know the truth that has been restored upon the earth again. God loves us so much, and I pray that I will prove my love to Him by serving Him each and every day! I love you all!!!

 Fa Soifua,

 Sister Moyes