WHANAU I LOVE YOU 8-20-17

Hello whanau, time is going so fast, and to me I still feel like I have 18 months left. PLEASE bare with me if I am in complete shock. HAHA. We had a beautiful week this week, a lot of amazing things happened and I feel that Heavenly Father really is blessing us for being diligent in His kingdom. 

We had an amazing Zone Conference this week, and I felt like it was SO inspired. President and Sister Cummings really are amazing. They teach so simply that everyone learns something, and I love that. I think it takes a special person to teach so simply. It was about recognizing the Holy Ghost and also about Persistence. I learned that "that which we persist at doing becomes easier, not that the thing became different but our ability increased." I feel exactly like this with my mission, I don't think honestly that it got any easier that it was at the beginning,  I just believe that the Lord blessed me with the ability to grow, and to be strengthened. He also spoke about believing in Christ, and believing Christ. I know that we all believe in His teachings, but I wonder if we actually believe HIM. I think it's a great question to ask ourselves. 

We had exchanges this week and it was incredible. EVERY plan we had fell through, and it was pouring rain, so we decided to go tracting. We saw this huge building complex that looks like 4th floor last door, and we decided that is where we needed to tract, we literally had a similar experience, it was incredible, the first house the lady screamed at us to "GET LOST".. haha we just walked away laughing, but we kept going. The next few houses no one was home, until the last home. The last home the lady opened and without seeing who we were said, "come in". We walked in and were able to testify of God and Jesus Christ to her, she was a beautiful woman who already believes in God, and we were able to help her realized that truly he sent us to her that day. We have an appointment next week with she and her husband and we are really excited to meet them. After leaving her home we were walking to the car, and I literally felt the spirit say, "Turn around, house 2." Another huge building complex, and I said "Sister Tauhiro, we need to go to house 2." We went and this prepared Maori lady opened her door, it was dinner time so we only spoke for a little but she invited us back, it was absolutely incredible and the spirit confirmed to me that was right because I listened to the still small voice. We were definitely led by the spirit, and not knowing before had where we should go. :) 

We had interviews this week with President, and he is amazing. He and Sister Cummings both interview each of us, and he helps me so much. I feel that he truly is like the Saviour, when I sit across from Him, I feel an immense love, as If I were sitting with the Saviour. I know that is how the Saviour would treat each of us, with love and with peace. We had an experience of this man waiting for his brother to be sealed, he waited in here, because he wasn't a member. He had so many questions, so we taught him the restoration, and after he was in tears, and said, "when I leave here today, I am changing my life, I am going to meet with the missionaries and get baptized." we were all quite emotional, as it was amazing to see how the SIMPLE truths of the gospel helped to cure a curious mind that could find no answers. I testify that we can learn and learn and learn,but if we never apply our learning will be in vein. I love you each so much, and hope you know just how much you mean to me. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arohanui,

Sister DeLoach 

HELLO (friends) 8-10-17

We had an amazing Zone Conference this week, and I felt like it was SO inspired. President and Sister Cummings really are amazing. They teach so simply that everyone learns something, and I love that. I think it takes a special person to teach so simply. It was about recognizing the Holy Ghost and also about Persistence. I learned that "that which we persist at doing becomes easier, not that the thing became different but our ability increased." I feel exactly like this with my mission, I don't think honestly that it got any easier that it was at the beginning,  I just believe that the Lord blessed me with the ability to grow, and to be strengthened. He also spoke about believing in Christ, and believing Christ. I know that we all believe in His teachings, but I wonder if we actually believe HIM. I think it's a great question to ask ourselves. 

We had exchanges this week and it was incredible. EVERY plan we had fell through, and it was pouring rain, so we decided to go tracting. We saw this huge building complex that looks like 4th floor last door, and we decided that is where we needed to tract, we literally had a similar experience, it was incredible, the first house the lady screamed at us to "GET LOST".. haha we just walked away laughing, but we kept going. The next few houses no one was home, until the last home. The last home the lady opened and without seeing who we were said, "come in". We walked in and were able to testify of God and Jesus Christ to her, she was a beautiful woman who already believes in God, and we were able to help her realized that truly he sent us to her that day. We have an appointment next week with she and her husband and we are really excited to meet them. After leaving her home we were walking to the car, and I literally felt the spirit say, "Turn around, house 2." Another huge building complex, and I said "Sister Tauhiro, we need to go to house 2." We went and this prepared Maori lady opened her door, it was dinner time so we only spoke for a little but she invited us back, it was absolutely incredible and the spirit confirmed to me that was right because I listened to the still small voice. We were definitely led by the spirit, and not knowing before had where we should go. :) 

We had interviews this week with President, and he is amazing. He and Sister Cummings both interview each of us, and he helps me so much. I feel that he truly is like the Saviour, when I sit across from Him, I feel an immense love, as If I were sitting with the Saviour. I know that is how the Saviour would treat each of us, with love and with peace. We had an experience of this man waiting for his brother to be sealed, he waited in here, because he wasn't a member. He had so many questions, so we taught him the restoration, and after he was in tears, and said, "when I leave here today, I am changing my life, I am going to meet with the missionaries and get baptized." we were all quite emotional, as it was amazing to see how the SIMPLE truths of the gospel helped to cure a curious mind that could find no answers. I testify that we can learn and learn and learn,but if we never apply our learning will be in vein. I love you each so much, and hope you know just how much you mean to me. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arohanui,

Sister DeLoach 

It's not about ME! (friends) 8-14-17

Crazy crazy week, YET full of beautiful moments. We had a great time in the temple today, a very special person to us got sealed to her husband, and it was really amazing to be there, and see the significance of that ordinance. We spent 6 hours in the temple, and we were able to learn a lot, and also ponder on a lot of questions we each had. This week was spiritually draining, BUT no other way I would rather be drained, haha.

We had a lesson with Vicki and Kevin, and Noah and Zaid, they are the family that is set for baptism next week, and we fasted with them that her divorce papers might come through in time(from her last relationship so they can be married and then baptized), we got word this week that they won't and Vicki was going to go ahead with the baptism, we sat down as a family, and discussed this, and came to the conclusion, that even if it takes a few extra weeks, near the end of September, that being married and then baptized as a family is the most important thing to do, as we left, Sister Smith and I felt so much peace, we looked at each other and said, "don't you feel like a huge weight is lifted off our shoulders? that is definitely the right thing to do." As I sat an pondered that night, that I won't be here to see this family I really love enter into the waters of baptism, the spirit kindly reminded me, "Sister DeLoach, it's not about you." I am so thankful that my mission isn't about me, I am truly in the seed planting business, but the Lords timing will always pull through in HIS way. I feel at peace knowing I have helped them the best I can, and will continue to do so until the day I leave, I love them so much. We got word from her yesterday after fasting that her papers MIGHT be back in time, and if they are then YAY, and if they aren't then YAY! Whatever will be will be. :)

We had the CRAZIEST lesson with Marcia, it was amazing, and after the prayer, she opened her eyes crying, and looked at me pointed at me and said, "it's you, the first day I met you, I knew it was you. It's you." The second she said that I literally saw her not as Marcia, but I saw her as someone that I knew before, and I saw a friend that I promised to come and find, and it was me, and it was her. The spirit was so strong between us, it almost felt like seeing someone you haven't seen in 20 years, but promised to find. I FOUND MY FRIEND. I felt anguish of soul the next day when she texted us and said that her family says if we come over again, they will disown her. She felt so saddened but said she isn't ready to lose her family, so if we will never come over again. I felt so sad, I literally felt like I lost a sister, for a while I felt like I was a curse to this area, but then I realized that finding your friend doesn't always mean you will bring them to the gospel, maybe you were just someone along their path, it still brings pain to my soul, BUT I know she will be baptized someday, she is truly so special to me.

We went to see a less active family this week, the Haira's. They never let us in, but she opened the door and said, "Come in", she said she didn't know how Heavenly Father does it, but every time she is struggling we seem to come, we were able to share with her about the forgiving power, and loving power of our Saviour. I truly have come to love the line in the song Lord I would Follow Thee that says, "Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly." I truly see this daily, I have found more joy in helping the struggling sinner, than in the beautiful day to day life. I am forever grateful for sinners, who like me want to keep trying, truly that is what it's all about, not how many times we fall, but how many times we stand up from falling, I do see the Saviours mercy, as I am able to love people who think he doesn't love them, I TESTIFY TO YOU ALL, He loves YOU. Exactly how you are today, he truly does love you!!! 

We were able to attend our Zone Leaders baptism this week for a guy named Charles Borrell, he is like a 40 year old Maori man, and His twin brother baptized him, after the baptism, they stood in the water for about 5 min, and wept and hugged each other, in that moment I felt what it truly will be like someday to be will all those that we love, that is how the Saviour will hug us, that is how he will greet each of us, it was a beautiful moment. I love you each so much, please know that I pray for you in detail every day and love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arohanui,

Sister DeLoach

It's not about ME! 8-14-17

Hello family!! Crazy crazy week, YET full of beautiful moments. We had a great time in the temple today, a very special person to us got sealed to her husband, and it was really amazing to be there, and see the significance of that ordinance. We spent 6 hours in the temple, and we were able to learn a lot, and also ponder on a lot of questions we each had. This week was spiritually draining, BUT no other way I would rather be drained, haha.

We had a lesson with Vicki and Kevin, and Noah and Zaid, they are the family that is set for baptism next week, and we fasted with them that her divorce papers might come through in time(from her last relationship so they can be married and then baptized), we got word this week that they won't and Vicki was going to go ahead with the baptism, we sat down as a family, and discussed this, and came to the conclusion, that even if it takes a few extra weeks, near the end of September, that being married and then baptized as a family is the most important thing to do, as we left, Sister Smith and I felt so much peace, we looked at each other and said, "don't you feel like a huge weight is lifted off our shoulders? that is definitely the right thing to do." As I sat an pondered that night, that I won't be here to see this family I really love enter into the waters of baptism, the spirit kindly reminded me, "Sister DeLoach, it's not about you." I am so thankful that my mission isn't about me, I am truly in the seed planting business, but the Lords timing will always pull through in HIS way. I feel at peace knowing I have helped them the best I can, and will continue to do so until the day I leave, I love them so much. We got word from her yesterday after fasting that her papers MIGHT be back in time, and if they are then YAY, and if they aren't then YAY! Whatever will be will be. :)

We had the CRAZIEST lesson with Marcia, it was amazing, and after the prayer, she opened her eyes crying, and looked at me pointed at me and said, "it's you, the first day I met you, I knew it was you. It's you." The second she said that I literally saw her not as Marcia, but I saw her as someone that I knew before, and I saw a friend that I promised to come and find, and it was me, and it was her. The spirit was so strong between us, it almost felt like seeing someone you haven't seen in 20 years, but promised to find. I FOUND MY FRIEND. I felt anguish of soul the next day when she texted us and said that her family says if we come over again, they will disown her. She felt so saddened but said she isn't ready to lose her family, so if we will never come over again. I felt so sad, I literally felt like I lost a sister, for a while I felt like I was a curse to this area, but then I realized that finding your friend doesn't always mean you will bring them to the gospel, maybe you were just someone along their path, it still brings pain to my soul, BUT I know she will be baptized someday, she is truly so special to me.

We went to see a less active family this week, the Haira's. They never let us in, but she opened the door and said, "Come in", she said she didn't know how Heavenly Father does it, but every time she is struggling we seem to come, we were able to share with her about the forgiving power, and loving power of our Saviour. I truly have come to love the line in the song Lord I would Follow Thee that says, "Who am I to judge another when I walk imperfectly." I truly see this daily, I have found more joy in helping the struggling sinner, than in the beautiful day to day life. I am forever grateful for sinners, who like me want to keep trying, truly that is what it's all about, not how many times we fall, but how many times we stand up from falling, I do see the Saviours mercy, as I am able to love people who think he doesn't love them, I TESTIFY TO YOU ALL, He loves YOU. Exactly how you are today, he truly does love you!!! 

We were able to attend our Zone Leaders baptism this week for a guy named Charles Borrell, he is like a 40 year old Maori man, and His twin brother baptized him, after the baptism, they stood in the water for about 5 min, and wept and hugged each other, in that moment I felt what it truly will be like someday to be will all those that we love, that is how the Saviour will hug us, that is how he will greet each of us, it was a beautiful moment. I love you each so much, please know that I pray for you in detail every day and love you so much!!!!!!!!!!!!

Arohanui,

Sister DeLoach 

Friends 8-6-17

NEXT WEEK I WILL EMAIL ON TUESDAY, we are doing a temple p-day. :) So please do not think I deserted you if I do not email on Monday. This week was BEAUTIFUL. Had the most unique experience ever, we had MLC (missionary leadership council) and Sister Gurney is a Sister Training Leader, and SO is Sister Kafoa. It was an incredible experience to be there with the two sisters that I was privileged to train. I felt so grateful that the Lord had allowed me that experience before I go home. It was amazing, and I felt like more than anything they taught me way more than I could have ever taught them.

This week there was a Sister struggling, and I sat down to talk with her, as I sat there, I felt prompted to say out loud, "there is a scripture that I would like to share"... I then thought oh no, haha I will just open my scriptures and allow the spirit to guide, I opened my scriptures, just looking at her, and I literally felt something stop my hand and I read the first scripture I looked at, but I didn't feel that was all so I read the one underneath it too, I looked up at this sister, and she was crying, and she said, "how did you know?" I asked what she meant, and she said, "Sister DeLoach, those are my favorite two scriptures." I was then able to testify of the love the Saviour has for each of us, and that he truly knew her, and he just guided me to where I needed to be because of the love he has for her. It was truly and amazing experience, and it helped us to grow so much. 

D&C 88:67-68

67 And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.

68 Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.

This week we had a man named Ray Wihongi come into the Visitors Centre, he is Ratena faith, which is a Maori religion, kinda similar to our beliefs, created by an ex-mormon. He was SO nice, he told us that His mom passed away in January, and he hasn't been to church since then, but that he has felt prompted the last few weeks to come to the visitors centre. We told him there is a reason why he felt that way, and we began to teach him the restoration, half way through teaching him we felt like he really needed to see this video called, "Gods Plan", it outlines the plan god has created for his children, he watched it and when we came in afterwards he was sobbing, he was so touched by the spirit. He gave us his referral, and we went to send it to the locals, and realized the address, and it was IN OUR AREA!!! We were so excited, and promised him that night we would bring a bible to him, we went later to contact him, and there was a huge fence, we contemplated jumping over it, but thought that might be inappropriate in our skirts.. hahah we decided we would try the next day, right as we left, Sister Gurney from the Visitors Centre called and said, "did you teach a man name ray today because he is back, and has watched Gods plan 3 times." We quickly drove out there, and we were able to teach him the plan of salvation also, and he told us, as soon as he left earlier, he longed for the feelings he felt earlier, and he had to come back, he said that NOW is the time he is ready to change, and he asked US if he could be baptized, we set Him for the end of August, and the spirit was so STRONG! Heavenly Father had nourished this curious soul, and when he felt that, he instantly knew it was true, I truly believe anyone that sincerely wants to know truth can receive it, and I know it's through feelings of the Holy Ghost. We incited him to church, and it was 9, we texted him, and he said, "Sorry I am at the Visitors Centre, I love it here, be there soon." HAHAH we waited for him, and he came. It was a beautiful Sunday, and I know Heavenly Father really prepared him. :) 

I know that Heavenly Father does hear and answer our prayers, I had a unique experience fasting this week, and I truly did feel the love that my Earthy family and parents, and friends have for me, It has sustained me in times of need, and I have felt prayers when I most needed them, I feel forever grateful for the support and love you all have shown me, I love you so much, and I hope it's a great week for you. YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!

Until you can say "I AM MY MASTER"

You cannot say "I AM THY SERVANT"

Arohanui,

Sister DeLoach

Whanau!!! 8-6-17

Hello family!! NEXT WEEK I WILL EMAIL ON TUESDAY, we are doing a temple p-day. :) So please do not think I deserted you if I do not email on Monday. This week was BEAUTIFUL. Had the most unique experience ever, we had MLC (missionary leadership council) and Sister Gurney is a Sister Training Leader, and SO is Sister Kafoa. It was an incredible experience to be there with the two sisters that I was privileged to train. I felt so grateful that the Lord had allowed me that experience before I go home. It was amazing, and I felt like more than anything they taught me way more than I could have ever taught them.

This week there was a Sister struggling, and I sat down to talk with her, as I sat there, I felt prompted to say out loud, "there is a scripture that I would like to share"... I then thought oh no, haha I will just open my scriptures and allow the spirit to guide, I opened my scriptures, just looking at her, and I literally felt something stop my hand and I read the first scripture I looked at, but I didn't feel that was all so I read the one underneath it too, I looked up at this sister, and she was crying, and she said, "how did you know?" I asked what she meant, and she said, "Sister DeLoach, those are my favorite two scriptures." I was then able to testify of the love the Saviour has for each of us, and that he truly knew her, and he just guided me to where I needed to be because of the love he has for her. It was truly and amazing experience, and it helped us to grow so much. 

D&C 88:67-68

67 And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.

68 Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.

This week we had a man named Ray Wihongi come into the Visitors Centre, he is Ratena faith, which is a Maori religion, kinda similar to our beliefs, created by an ex-mormon. He was SO nice, he told us that His mom passed away in January, and he hasn't been to church since then, but that he has felt prompted the last few weeks to come to the visitors centre. We told him there is a reason why he felt that way, and we began to teach him the restoration, half way through teaching him we felt like he really needed to see this video called, "Gods Plan", it outlines the plan god has created for his children, he watched it and when we came in afterwards he was sobbing, he was so touched by the spirit. He gave us his referral, and we went to send it to the locals, and realized the address, and it was IN OUR AREA!!! We were so excited, and promised him that night we would bring a bible to him, we went later to contact him, and there was a huge fence, we contemplated jumping over it, but thought that might be inappropriate in our skirts.. hahah we decided we would try the next day, right as we left, Sister Gurney from the Visitors Centre called and said, "did you teach a man name ray today because he is back, and has watched Gods plan 3 times." We quickly drove out there, and we were able to teach him the plan of salvation also, and he told us, as soon as he left earlier, he longed for the feelings he felt earlier, and he had to come back, he said that NOW is the time he is ready to change, and he asked US if he could be baptized, we set Him for the end of August, and the spirit was so STRONG! Heavenly Father had nourished this curious soul, and when he felt that, he instantly knew it was true, I truly believe anyone that sincerely wants to know truth can receive it, and I know it's through feelings of the Holy Ghost. We incited him to church, and it was 9, we texted him, and he said, "Sorry I am at the Visitors Centre, I love it here, be there soon." HAHAH we waited for him, and he came. It was a beautiful Sunday, and I know Heavenly Father really prepared him. :) 

I know that Heavenly Father does hear and answer our prayers, I had a unique experience fasting this week, and I truly did feel the love that my Earthy family and parents, and friends have for me, It has sustained me in times of need, and I have felt prayers when I most needed them, I feel forever grateful for the support and love you all have shown me, I love you so much, and I hope it's a great week for you. YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!

Until you can say "I AM MY MASTER"

You cannot say "I AM THY SERVANT"

Arohanui,

Sister DeLoach