KIA ORA (friends) 1-22-17

WHAT A GREAT WEEK!!! 

This week we went to contact a referral, and when we left his house, instead of walking to our car, we kept walking the completely other way. We weren't sure why but we both felt like we needed to. We walked by this house and sister kafoa looked at it, and I felt too like we needed to go there. We went and knocked so excited, and NO one answered, not a soul... We decided to keep walking anyways, ran into a man with a dog, he didn't want to talk, and so we decided to KEEP going. We walked down a little further and looked over and through a house, through the window a man was waving us down. Not just a friendly wave, like waving like he knew us. We ran over and he just moved in, he is African American, he went to school in England, and then in Dubai, and now lives here. We asked if he knew who we were and he said he had no idea, we asked why he was waving at us, and he said I just felt like I needed to. It was CRAZY!!! He literally is so interested, he invited us back another day, and we are so excited to meet him again!! So grateful that sometimes the spirit tests us to see if we are listening, we HAD to knock on that house to show the Lord we were in tune, and then he led us to where he really needed us to be. I know the spirit really does lead and guide us. 

ATAWHAI GOT BAPTIZED. It was the most spiritual experience I have had. It was unreal. She was literally glowing and could have been celestialized I think. She looked like an angel, and she was sooo touched by the spirit. She bore her sweet testimony while sobbing and said "I love Jesus, I love the Sister missionaries, I love my primary class (then named them one by one hahahah) I loved being baptized I was so happy. It was so special, her Dad stood up and bore his testimony and said "Atawhai, not only did you get baptized, but you literally saved your family, your decision brought your family back to church, you saved us." It was so special. Smallest world. Craige from my last area is BFF's with Atawahis Dad, so Craige was in the Melchizedek Priesthood circle that gave her the Holy Ghost, what a tender mercy to see that sight. I asked Atawhai how she felt when she was baptized, and she just touched her heart, and said this warmest feeling, all she could do was cry and touch her heart. 

We had the best Zone Conference with Elder Cardon. He really is so amazing. The spirit is so strong around him. It was quite intense, he looked at us all in the face, and said "The Lord loves each of you, BUT REPENT." I know that our Father in Heaven truly does love each of us, BUT he does get displeased with us when we sin. I know that repentance isn't an option, it is a requirement. I am so grateful for the many lessons I have learned about Repentance and that I continue to learn. I know that this gospel is a gospel of hope and happiness, I know you are loved. I love you each so much, and wish you the best week ever! Remember to repent just means to change, and we can all do a little better at that every single day. I LOVE YOU!!

Arohanui,

Sister Maddie DeLoach

WEIRD WEEK (friends) 1-16-17

HAHAHAH is all I can say about this week. This week I saw that our Less Active is growing weed in her backyard, and I also saw a tranny in the shortest robe..HAHAH. This week we were trying to contact a referral and when we got to her house the doors were all opened, no one was home, but a 3 year old. We felt wrong leaving the 3 year old alone, so we sat there with her for like 20 min, yelling in the house that if someone was home to come out and be with the child, no one came and so we decided to say a prayer and possibly call the cops soon. We prayed and waited for like 10 more min, decided to ask the neighbor if they knew where the parents were, the neighbor was a tranny who came out in a mini pink robe, and he is quite a big man, it was such a serious moment that we didn't even notice. We later found the little girls mom sleeping inside, we didn't call the cops. The next day, sister Kafoa said, "I know that was a really serious moment, so we didn't say anything, but did you notice the tranny in a robe?" hahahah we just died laughing, it was so funny. 

This week is Atawhai's baptism on Friday!!!! YAY!! Her dad is going to baptize and confirm her, I am soooo excited for them. He came in a suit to church yesterday, and he looked so nice. 

The other day we had a full day in our area, we decided that day we would seek to help and talk to as many people as possible. It was getting around 8:15 p.m and we weren't quite sure where we needed to be. We were on bikes the whole day and we decided/felt that we needed to go to the other side of our area, we went over there and in front of this house, got off our bikes and wondered, and talked about where we needed to be, but we almost missed it. This house we stopped in front of, outside were two fijian indians who were planting flowers, we looked over and said hi and asked if we could help, they said they were okay. We asked again and he said "come in" We went in and helped them finish their whole garden and we became such great friends with them. He tried paying us, we wouldn't take it, and then he said "I don't know why you came, but before you did, I prayed to God that he would help us to finish this tonight because it was getting late, right then you two came." He said, in fiji most peple would stop and help but I didn't expect that here. It was such a tender mercy to give of service to someone who really needed it. He then gave us his number and said "here is the code to our house, come whenever, if you ever need anything or anyone give you hassle, here is my number." Seriously the best night ever. We left with our dresses covered in mud, our nails black as, BUT that is what the Lord would have done. 

"Unless you lose yourself in the service of others, there is very little purpose to your own life." 

-Thomas S. Monson

Arohanui,

Sister Maddie DeLoach

Weird but GREAT! 1-16-17

HAHAHAH is all I can say about this week. This week I saw that our Less Active is growing weed in her backyard, and I also saw a tranny in a robe that barely covered everything... HAHAH. This week we were trying to contact a referral and when we got to her house the doors were all opened, no one was home, but a 3 year old. We felt wrong leaving the 3 year old alone, so we sat there with her for like 20 min, yelling in the house that if someone was home to come out and be with the child, no one came and so we decided to say a prayer and possibly call the cops soon. We prayed and waited for like 10 more min, decided to ask the neighbor if they knew where the parents were, the neighbor was a tranny who came out in a mini pink robe, and he is quite a big man, it was such a serious moment that we didn't even notice. We later found the little girls mom sleeping inside, we didn't call the cops. The next day, sister Kafoa said, "I know that was a really serious moment, so we didn't say anything, but did you notice the tranny in a robe?" hahahah we just died laughing, it was so funny. 

This week is Atawhai's baptism and it's also Elder Cardon coming to our mission to do a mission conference. It should be a wonderful week! This week we were able to see Christy, she is the one who has the two little girls we have been helping, the girls are in America visiting their dad, but Christy is home. Christy has some things in her past that really had bothered her, and when we came around she gained the hope to go and talk to bishop. She told us she would be most likely excommunicated and we helped her see the peace in that. She was really nervous but is SO strong and went anyways, as she left, she told us to come over. We went over and she was crying so hard, we thought she was excommunicated, she looked at us and said "Bishop said, Christy, you have hurt yourself enough, take the sacrament on Sunday, and we will get you into the temple at the end of the year, you aren't getting excommunicated. I would feel comfortable saying to anyone that asked, first presidency included that Christy is clean and forgiven." WOAH, the biggest shock of my entire life, she sat there sobbing wondering how in the world the Lord could be that merciful and that forgiving. I truly know he can be, whatever it is you need to fix in your life, whether big or small, I promise the Lord is merciful. 

The other day we had a full day in our area, we decided that day we would seek to help and talk to as many people as possible. It was getting around 8:15 p.m and we weren't quite sure where we needed to be. We were on bikes the whole day and we decided/felt that we needed to go to the other side of our area, we went over there and in front of this house, got off our bikes and wondered, and talked about where we needed to be, but we almost missed it. This house we stopped in front of, outside were two fijian indians who were planting flowers, we looked over and said hi and asked if we could help, they said they were okay. We asked again and he said "come in" We went in and helped them finish their whole garden and we became such great friends with them. He tried paying us, we wouldn't take it, and then he said "I don't know why you came, but before you did, I prayed to God that he would help us to finish this tonight because it was getting late, right then you two came." He said, in fiji most peple would stop and help but I didn't expect that here. It was such a tender mercy to give of service to someone who really needed it. He then gave us his number and said "here is the code to our house, come whenever, if you ever need anything or anyone give you hassle, here is my number." Seriously the best night ever. We left with our dresses covered in mud, our nails black as, BUT that is what the Lord would have done. "unless you lose yourself in the service of others, there is very little purpose to your own life." 

We had a lesson with Margaret the other night, she is one of our investigators, and it was really amazing, we planned to talk about The Restoration, and right when we got in her house the only words that kept coming out of our mouths talked about Repentance and Forgiveness. It was crazy to leave the lesson neither of us remembering what was said, but knowing that the spirit truly taught the lesson. We were both so grateful to have that experience. Sister Kafoa is doing amazing, I love her a lot. I felt like a personal trainer this week riding bikes, I would yell from the top of the hill 'YOU CAN DO IT, DON'T YOU QUIT." She always made it, and I know we all can too. DON'T YOU QUIT. I LOVE YOU!!!

Arohanui,

Sister Maddie DeLoach

What a WEEK (friends) 1-8-17

HELLO FRIENDS!!! Another amazing week here in NZ! This week was exhausting!!! BUT really great. This week Sister Kafoa and I were MIRACULOUSLY able to set FOUR of our investigators with a baptismal date. It was absolutely crazy. Three of them happened in one day, and I have NEVER been more exhausted. I am so physically, and spiritually drained. 

This week we had a crazy man come on chat who asked us to call Him. We called him and he said he wanted to know more about why the curse of dark skin was given, and when the curse was lifted. We gave him the best answers that we could but we honestly didn't know much to give him, so we told him that we would study that question and call him back. I  felt quite sad after we talked because I felt like he was trying to shake my testimony of everything that I had ever known. Well, we studied our little tails off and we both received some AMAZING revelation and answers. We did get our question answered. We went to call him back and he NEVER answered, but it was a testimony to me, when we have questions about the gospel, or questions about anything if we Honesty put in the time to study and seek for the answers and pray until we can't pray anymore, that the Lord will help us. He will inspire our minds. I am so grateful for this experience, that I had to study for someone else, yet to learn SO much in return. I do know that this gospel is true. I feel like this week, so many people or different things tried to shake my testimony but I ultimately realized that when we have our foundation built on Jesus Christ, nothing can shake us. 

I hope you know how important you each are to me, I look through your names each week and think about what each of you have done for me.  I am so blessed to have friends like you! I cannot wait to see you all soon, I LOVE YOU. Hope each of you make it back to school, work and/or family safe. 

AROHANUI,

Sister Maddie DeLoach

p.s.. she rided on a donkey (watch childrens bible video about the birth of Jesus to know what I mean hahaha) 

What a WEEK 1-8-17

This week was exhausting!!! BUT really great. I can finally say that when you hang on through hard times the Lord truly will bless you. This week Sister Kafoa and I were MIRACULOUSLY able to set FOUR of our investigators with a baptismal date. It was absolutely crazy. Three of them happened in one day, and I have NEVER been more exhausted. I have really never been so physically, and spiritually drained. 

We have Atawahi Tumai getting baptized on January 20, and her Dad IS going to baptize her!!!! They are seriously so amazing, and I love them so much. They are a family that means so much to me. I believe they are one of the main reasons I am called to serve in the Sunnyhills Ward. Craziest thing, Brother Tumai growing up was BEST friends with Craige Williams. When Craige found out we were the missionaries helping Bro Tumai, he just got tears in His eyes, and said he knew I wasn't only here for him, but his friends too. It is crazy the places Heavenly Father places us. 

This week we had a crazy man come on chat who asked us to call Him. We called him and he said he wanted to know more about why the curse of dark skin was given, and when the curse was lifted. We gave him the best answers that we could but we honestly didn't know much to give him, so we told him that we would study that question and call him back. I  felt quite sad after we talked because I felt like he was trying to shake my testimony of everything that I had ever known. Well, we studied our little tails off and we both received some AMAZING revelation and answers. We did get our question answered. We went to call him back and he NEVER answered, but it was a testimony to me, when we have questions about the gospel, or questions about anything if we Honesty put in the time to study and seek for the answers and pray until we can't pray anymore, that the Lord will help us. He will inspire our minds. I am so grateful for this experience, that I had to study for someone else, yet to learn SO much in return. I do know that this gospel is true. I feel like this week, so many people or different things tried to shake my testimony but I ultimately realized that when we have our foundation built on Jesus Christ, nothing can shake us. 

I was asked by my District Leader, Elder Winter to do a 45-60 min training at District Meeting tomorrow on Charity. I have no idea why he asked me.. It's been a humbling thing to study and to think of those in my life who have shown me so much Charity and my mind keeps thinking of my family. Charity to me is doing something for someone who can do nothing for you in return. You have all done things for me that I can never fully repay you for. In the Bible Dictionary it says under Charity that it is the highest or most noblest kindd of love a person can have. Thank you for all that you have all done for me.  I have been humbled of reading about our Saviors Charity, but also what I wanted to focus on was seeing charity in ourselves. I invite you each to write down your name on a paper, and on the back have someone you are around, husband or wife or kids, or girlfriend to write what they love about you, or Christlike attributes they see in you. I know as you do this, you will see the gifts others see in you, and pretty soon you will see them in you. :) I love you so much family. I am loving my mission, it's seriously the hardest thing I have ever done, somedays I feel like I might die, but I never do... haha! Sister Kafoa and I made eggplant the other day and we also got coconuts from a Tongan family in our ward!! HAHA I love my mission, I have some weird experiences, but I know I will love them forever. 

I LOVE AND MISS YOU!!!

 “Obedience is not so much the process of bending, twisting and pounding our souls INTO something we are not. Instead it is the process by which we DISCOVER what we are truly made of.” 

Arohanui,

Sister Maddie DeLoach 

p.s.. SHE RIDED ON A DONKEY (watch the childrens bible video -The birth of Jesus- you'll know what I am talking about)

“Obedience is not so much the process of bending, twisting and pounding our souls INTO something we are not. Instead it is the process by which we DISCOVER what we are truly made of.” 

Elder Peterson took these photos on His camera during Christmas Lights, NO edit. New Zealand is STUNNING!!!! You should all move here ;)

Kia Ora (Friends) 1-3-17

Malo e Lelei!! I am training Sister Kafoa, she is from Sydney Australia, and is Tongan. I LOVE HER TO DEATH!!!!! She seriously came so pre-trained, and we have the best time together!! I am still in the Sunnyhills Ward and still in the Visitors Centre, it's very strange for one sister to stay here at the Visitors Centre so long, but I hope it's not a bad thing that they are keeping me around!!! hahah I love it here and the miracles that we witness daily!!!! 

Lights ended this week, and the total amount of people that came on temple grounds was around 40,000. We were lucky enough to get about 8,000 of them on tours, and we got 600+ referrals from the whole 21 days. IT WAS AMAZING! Sister Kafoa had to jump right into giving tours her first day here, she was SO natural!! We had a Tongan Man on tour, who was a non-member. Sister Kafoa after began to teach him in Tongan and it was the most beautiful thing!! I loved seeing her use her language, and I also felt the spirit so strong even though I had no idea what was being said. After she bore testimony I bore mine in English, and after she told me that we basically bore the exact same testimony even though we didn't understand each other. It was such a testimony builder that the Spirit is the true teacher!!!! 

Everyone has been asking for my goals, so here is me publically announcing them, so that I have to do them!!! (haven't had time to think about these yet, so making them up on the spot, likely to change)

Physical: I will exercise every day, and I will follow the word of wisdom with exactness!!! 

Spiritual: I will study for others, I want to read the old and new testament, I will give at least one service to someone every single day.

Mentally: I will trust my Savior, I with every bad thought, or negative thought try to replace it with three positive things, and I will memorize hymns to help me do this. 

Socially: I will try to find common ground with everyone, I will NOT judge people based off of their looks, and I will try my best to talk with everyone that I meet.

Hope that each of you know how much I love you, I know that 2017 will be the best year ever, I CANT BELIEVE I WILL SEE YOU THIS YEAR!!! 2016 was full of sooo many laughs, trials, tears, good times, and PEACE. I am so grateful to be where I am, at this time. I love and miss you each and hope that wherever you are right now, you'll include coming closer to the Savior in your New Years Goals, I know he is the only way to TRUE happiness. I LOVE YOU!!! 

Arohanui,

Sister Maddie DeLoach

Kia Ora 2017 1-3-17

Malo e Lelei!! Can't believe I will see you all THIS year!!!! I really can't believe it's already 2017. I HAVE THE BEST COMPANION!!! She is amazing. I am training her, Sister Kafoa is her name. She is from Sydney Australia, and she is Tongan. She came pre-trained I swear. She has such a desire to share the gospel, her family was converts except her because she was 7, so she got to be baptized at 8, but she only grew up having a mom, and so she is very hard working. Both of her older siblings also served missions, and taught her that obedience is the KEY! She is lovely!!

Lights ended this week, and the total amount of people that came on temple grounds was around 40,000. We were lucky enough to get about 8,000 of them on tours, and we got 600+ referrals from the whole 21 days. IT WAS AMAZING! Sister Kafoa had to jump right into giving tours her first day here, she was SO natural!! We had a Tongan Man on tour, who was a non-member. Sister Kafoa after began to teach him in Tongan and it was the most beautiful thing!! I loved seeing her use her language, and I also felt the spirit so strong even though I had no idea what was being said. After she bore testimony I bore mine in English, and after she told me that we basically bore the exact same testimony even though we didn't understand each other. It was such a testimony builder that the Spirit is the true teacher!!!! 

Everyone has been asking for my goals, so here is me publically announcing them, so that I have to do them!!! (haven't had time to think about these yet, so making them up on the spot, likely to change)

Physical: I will exercise every day, and I will follow the word of wisdom with exactness!!! 

Spiritual: I will study for others, I want to read the old and new testament, I will give at least one service to someone every single day.

Mentally: I will trust my Savior, I with every bad thought, or negative thought try to replace it with three positive things, and I will memorize hymns to help me do this. 

Socially: I will try to find common ground with everyone, I will NOT judge people based off of their looks, and I will try my best to talk with everyone that I meet.

I really am so grateful for all 2016 brought me, I had so many changes, left my family to come to a new country, found myself, and found multiple friends. I am FOREVER grateful for 2016, and the choices I was able to make, but I believe nothing will be better than 2017!!! I was able to start off the new year with a companion that I love, family that I love and a country that I love. I am so grateful, nothing better than feeling like you are living with your best friend, yet being able to help others find happiness too. I really am so grateful for the experiences I have had. 

I know that I can say this now that it is over, but we truly have to experience darkness to know LIGHT. I can say how grateful I am for my HARD companion because I love her. I don't know how, but I truly did love her. I am so grateful that I had that darkness because it helped me understand that when we righteously hang on through hard times the Lord will allow us to experience light. I am so grateful that there is a Rainbow after every SINGLE storm. 

I invite each of you to read 1 Cor. 13 and substitute the word Charity for the word CHRIST. It will bring a whole new meaning into your life, and you will see that without Christ we really are noting. He can truly make of us a better us than we can EVER make of ourselves. I LOVE YOU EACH SO MUCH. You individually all saved my life in 2016, It was amazing talking to you all, and I love you each sooo much. NEVER QUIT!!!!

"Unless we lose ourselves in the Service of others, there is very little purpose to our lives."

-Thomas S. Monson

Forgot to tell you, she was in President Cummings Son's Seminary Class, so when he asked me to train her he said "Sister DeLoach, I know this Sister and I need her to be trained really well, are you willing to do that?" SCARY!!! YES President I will try my very best!!!!

AROHANUI,

Sister Maddie DeLoach