MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB

Talofa my amazing family and friends,

SO, Last P-day Sister Toleafoa and I put together a c.d. of EFY songs that we could always have to listen to when we're driving to appointments. Little did we know how it would truly bless us. One of the songs is called "Mountains to Climb," with the lyrics reading: "Give me mountains to climb, give me rivers to cross, give me something that's gonna make me better than I was. Give me mountains to climb, cuz I know that it's taking me higher than I've ever been before." We loved the song and could not seem to get it out of our heads. We always found ourselves singing that song as we walked down the streets of Laie and Kahuku. We are told that singing hymns is a way of prayer. Well, I think Sister Toleafoa and I accidentally prayed for mountains to climb this week. Literally EVERY single person...investigator, member, part-member, less-active, was not home. This week was graduation for Kahuku High School, and like I've mentioned many a time, they go big in everything they do. So everyone has been caught up in preparing for graduation, setting up for graduation parties, or attending graduation parties. It's been super hard for the work. Needless to say, Sister Toleafoa and I got really good at drawing perfect zeros in our planners, haha! After a long day of trying to contact and a slow day at the Visitor Center we came home for only a minute to figure out what we should do. We both knew we could not do anything without the Lord. We kneeled down and prayed. We asked Heavenly Father if he could lead us to find someone that we could serve or teach. 

Miracle #1 

After we prayed we both sat there for a minute and felt prompted to go to the Hale's...pronounced Hall-lay's (BYU-H student housing...kind of like dorms). We grabbed the keys and headed to the car. Traffic was terrible because of graduation but we eventually made it. We thought maybe we were lead to the Hale's to see a new student who had just moved in, but she wasn't home, haha. About to head back to the car, one of our members that we have been working with comes out of the bathroom. We could see that she was NOT feeling well. We said hello and asked if she was doing okay. She said that she think she caught the stomach flu and was feeling pretty miserable. We told her to go lay down and we would be back in ten minutes. We went to the store and bought her lots of gatorade and saltine crackers =) We spent some time with her talking with her, trying to distract her, and then left her to rest. It may sound simple, but we were SO grateful for that opportunity to serve her. We saw her at church this past Sunday feeling 100% better with a glowing smile to her face that I had not seen since I had met her! It was so cool.

Miracle #2 

With Shane

So, Shane moved to Waikiki to go find a job until the fall semester starts. It made us kind of sad, but we suggested that he meet with the missionaries in that area who can baptize him there on his scheduled date. He then quickly responds, "No, I'm being baptized in Laie!" We were so surprised but with huge smiles to our faces asked if that was what he really wanted and he just says, "DUh!" haha. We could not have felt more honored. Then, this week, another mountain put itself in our path. Shane doesn't have a phone, so communication is very difficult. We sent two e-mails with no response. We were feeling really pressured because our Bishop, Ward Mission Leader, our zone leaders, district leaders, all asking about this baptismal date, and we couldn't give them a real answer. We continued to pray for him, and told everyone that the baptism would still happen. I can honestly say, there was never a doubt in my mind that his baptism wouldn't happen. I knew that if Shane was doing his part, and truly had that desire, it would happen. Well....while writing the beginning part of this letter I felt prompted to check our missionary e-mail. I look, and there is an e-mail from Shane. He said sorry that he hasn't responded, and that he said it is too hard to try to find a job in Waikiki so he is heading back to Japan on Sunday or Monday AFTER his baptism on Saturday!!!!!!! Sister Toleafoa and I let out a really big scream. It's taken me forever to finish this e-mail because we have been calling people like crazy so we can get this baptism set up and ready to go!! It has been so cool.

This whole week was filled with these mountains, but I am so grateful for the Lord, and for my amazing companion! I feel like our minds are always united as one and together we have been able to climb the mountains to take us higher.

There will always be challenges in our lives, but our Heavenly Father has promised in Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-9 that if we endure them well, He will bless us with more than we can imagine. I have seen that this week. It could have been so easy for us to give up, "knowing" that it would be impossible to find anyone home. BUT, as we truly endure to the end, having faith in the Lord, He will NEVER let us down...just as the song says, it will only take us higher than we've ever been before. I love this gospel so much. I know that faith will never fail us. Whether the blessings come now or later, the blessings of the Lord WILL come. Never be discouraged, because things will ALWAYS work out. Thank you for all your prayers and continual love. I can't wait to tell you about the baptism in next week's letter!! You all are the best!

Alofa,

Sister Moyes

What A Week!!!

Mai and Me <3 (Convert when I was with Sister Sekona)

Family and Friends, Talofa!!!

Ah, life is so good! What a week. First sick with the flu, then Shane came to church with a white shirt and tie, then got to call my awesome/crazy family for Mother's day, and then, Shane said he would be BAPTIZED!!!!!! Oh, and I'm still serving in the most beautiful place I've ever been in my life. I feel way too blessed! Yes, I even feel blessed to have had the flu =)



Miracle #1 

Sister Saena came to Laie for a Hon-West Zone for a Temple Trip

I am so grateful for the ordinances and priesthood powers that have been restored upon the earth in these latter-days! On Wednesday after our interviews with President Dalton (my last interview with him before he goes home =/ ) I started feeling really tired and achy then began developing a soar throat along with a fever = the lovely flu. Ironically all of our appointments cancelled that day, and it was really slow during our shift, so I was able to sleep in our break room. Even before I did that, though, I felt very prompted to ask my district leader for a priesthood blessing, so I did, and I then went and slept. The next day we had exchanges, so it was perfect because Sister Toleafoa was able to still keep working with Sister Ogawa while Sister Kim and I stayed home so I could rest. I felt miserable not only physically, but that I was missing out on prime proselyting time. I was promised in my blessing that I would recover quickly, but I know that faith without works is dead. I honestly don't know if I've prayed harder my whole mission....I prayed so hard so many times those couple of days that I would be able to be healed so that I could do what I was sent here to do. It was the after two days of sleeping that I woke up the third morning and felt completely better. I felt a little weak from lack of food, but I know that the Lord answered my prayers, and blessed me with that healing. This was a very dear moment to me, but I share it because it was another miracle I have witnessed on my mission. It showed me just how important this work is to Heavenly Father. He loves His children so much, and it is through His servants that we can help bring his children back home. I am so grateful to be His servant!

Miracle #2 

My beautiful Companion

Shane is progressing SO fast!! Ahh, when Sister Toleafoa and I saw him in a white shirt and tie on Sunday, we of course started crying, haha. He not only has been coming to church every week, but to all the activities, AND came to a baptism on Saturday!!! We set up an appointment with him for Monday (yesterday), and it was the best lesson of my life. The Spirit was SO strong!! We told him from the very beginning that we wanted to talk to him about baptism, and how he felt at the baptism. He said it felt really good, that everything he is learning about just feels really good. He said he still doesn't know exactly who God is, but he is starting to understand that there is definitely something or someone watching over him!! It was so good! He said he still prays every day and is already many chapters into The Book of Mormon. We could not have been happier for him. Just looking at him now compared to the day we first met with him, bah, he's just so different, and so happy! After our lesson, teaching about what baptism really is, and what it means, Sister Toleafoa and I both felt very prompted to set a date with him. We invited him to be baptized if he came to know that God lives, and he said YES!!! The date May 25th came into my head, but Sister Toleafoa and I had never talked about a date, so I didn't want to just throw one out there that we didn't even discuss. So I asked Sister Toleafoa if she could grab her planner, she did, looked at it for about 3 seconds and then asked Shane, "What about the 25th of May?" Hah, I just smiled so big looking at Shane to see his response, as he then smiled back and said yes!! It is moments like that you can never forget! I could just feel how happy Heavenly Father was for him, and could just feel the blessings that He is preparing for Shane. There was nothing like it. After the lesson I told Sister Toleafoa how the 25th had come into my mind, and she said that it came into her head as well, but she had no idea if it fell on a Saturday or not. So she too was amazed when May 25th was on a Saturday, AND it was the date that I had felt was right. We are so excited, and cannot wait to see this gospel continue to change Shane's life. He has been through so much in his life, but through his growing faith, he is already seeing the hand of God in his life. This gospel is true =)

Miracle #3 

Just having fun at the PCC

This week at the PCC, there was an event called, "We are Samoa," where Samoan groups from high schools around O'ahu come to compete in different events such as coconut husking, basket weaving, and singing and dancing. Because our whole ward was there, we were able to go to it! It was so fun, I wish I could be Samoan! Hah, my ward members keep asking if I have any Samoan blood; I just love the Samoan people and the culture (especially eating with just your hands, haha. See Dad, all those years you told me not to eat my food with my hands....it's because of my Samoan blood). Anyway, it was really neat because I was able to see not only Alika (who Sister Sekona and I baptized) and then Losa (who was just baptized with Sister Saena and me), who was actually competing, but we ran into a couple of our investigators! It was such a good setting, too, because we were all just having fun and it was in a relaxed setting. So it was AWESOME!!!

What a week!! I really don't even know what more to say! I am loving this gospel more and more each day. It is so easy to get caught up in our own lives, but when we truly have the desire to serve God, whether we have a name tag on or not, He will always lead us along and help us obtain true happiness. The happiest moments on my mission have not been for "my" successes, but serving others and seeing others rejoice. I know that as we truly focus on doing what the Lord would have us do, we can be happy; no matter who we are, what our situation, when we forget ourselves and go and serve, we are happy! I am so grateful for that knowledge that I have!! So, I invite you all to continue to pray for those opportunities to serve or share the gospel, because it will bring a light into your day that will shine so bright that others will see it, and have the desire to obtain it! I love you all so much, and am so grateful for your prayers. Keep the Lord first =)

Love Always,
Sister Moyes

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