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Friday 30th November 2012

Probably one of the hardest moments on my mission was this day.

“It’s Campbell’s birthday today! Well, lot’s of biking today, it’s great. Striated off good at my first District Meeting, with Elder Duke as my first district leader. Then off to do service for a lady named Angela, who I didn't like at first because of her strong arrogant nature. But I found out how much she loves the missionaries, and cares for them.

“When we got home, my companion went to have a shower. Upon finding myself alone I broke down in tears. I was just so overcome with a feeling of “It’s too hard!” It truly was terrible. I said a quick prayer for comfort, and eventually got over it with a “let’s do it” attitude.

“Later that day, we were blessed, I was blessed, because I put the Lord first. We got a potential investigator, Hassan (little did I know this man would lead us to a miracle), and as we went shopping a member paid for our shopping and then invited us over for dinner. So it all worked out.”

Truly the Lord knows us, and blesses us because He loves us.

Thursday 29th November 2012

“Well I am now an official missionary! I met my first companion, or my dad, Elder Segi (pronounced Singy). He is Samoan and a very fun guy.. After buying my bike, and waiting 4 hours for them we drove down with Elder Collins (from the MTC) and his companion Elder Butts who is the first person who has asked me if I knew “Blender” the 3D program. So good!

“I am now in a place called Kwinana and have done our planning for tomorrow. Our flat is the biggest one in the mission! Oh Yeah! We had spaghetti toasties, traditional missionary meal. There’s also not a lot of food here. I’ll see what I can do to fix that.”

Wednesday 28th November 2012

“Well that was a lot of travelling! Around 8 hours of plane travel! Now I am in the field, currently staying the night at the mission home.

“I finished the Book ofAlma, and it’s so good! It would make a great movie. I came up with some movie ideas while on the plane while the film “People Like Us” was playing too.

“I’m really excited for the mission! I get my new companion tomorrow. Me, Elder Boynton and President Lindsay (my new mission president) gave Sister Hancock a priesthood blessing with oil. It’s truly a humbling experience giving a blessing. I’m glad to be a part of this church!

“First thoughts of Perth; very strong winds, unusual weather, lots of rain. This will be interesting. A lot like Brisbane so far.”

Tuesday 27th November 2012

“We need to rise at 3:00AM tomorrow!”

“Well the MTC has been great. President Bleak gave me a firm handshake and hug and said, “Thank you Elder Hall! Serve well!” Just a moment ago, he shook Elder Pulalasi’s hand and said, “Be good! And repent!” So funny because he always plays up.”

“We watched 17 Miracles and knowing the struggles the early pioneers went through, I can give myself to serve. I know this gospel is true. And now I must tell that to all. If you read this and feel like it’s not true or like giving up, DON”T! This gospel is worth it! It truly is!!”

Monday 26th November 2012

“Well lots of goodbyes today as the first wave of missionaries leave tomorrow. I finally got letters from my family. So good to hear from them. Now I just have to wait for their replies from my latest one. Elder Manu, Tonga and Fonua just came in to say goodbye. They are good guys.”

“A big group of elders came and tried to do a haka in our room, but I asked if they could move to the next room. I just felt it was inappropriate to do it here as an Elder. We should leave all ‘traditions of our fathers and personal affairs” behind. Even one of the Zone leaders participated. I just continued to write. Maybe one day they will know what’s appropriate.”

Reading back on this post was interesting, and I just wanted to comment. It took me the full two years to work out what it meant to be a dignified missionary. Though at the time I didn't feel it was right for missionaries to participate in the haka, I did enjoy it and still do. As a NZ born, the haka has always been in my heart as a part of NZ.

Sunday 25th November 2012

“The last Sunday in the MTC! I wrote more letters to family and friends. I drew a picture of Dwight saying how expensive wool is in Transylvania. The joke is from the Office. I sent it to Keely because I knew she’d appreciate it.”

“President Bleak gave a wonderful presentation! Referring to us, he showed a picture of an ugly caterpillar saying, “Lot’s of these came to our doors a couple of weeks ago!” Then he said that we built a cocoon (the MTC) and that we are about to soar like butterflies, spreading our colour with all the world. I really loved it.”

“Only 2 more days!”

Saturday 24th November 2012

“I really enjoyed sports! We played through the song and bean to seriously nut it out. Brother Swainey even liked it. And then in class we had a big “eat out.”

(We titled this song All That I Am, and though we never really finished it, it was a great opportunity to reflect our testimonies of the Saviour Jesus Christ.)

“I had another opportunity to talk to a companionship in our district. One of the elders came to me to listen and for some advice. I felt they should be have a companionship inventory. I feel really humbled to be a district leader.”

Friday 23rd November 2012

“Good day today! We had Elder Pearson of the Area Presidency come and talk to us. It was really good. He talked of the large influx of new missionaries; and about the importance of Faith. So good!

“During exercise, I had the privilege to play the piano with Elder Taputoro and Likiliki. Both have incredible voices, record quality! Very happy to be playing piano for them.”

Here is a picture of the some the of elders, who ran and with cameras say, “Photos!”

Thursday 22nd November 2012

“Today we were blessed to go with real missionaries and go tracking and contacting. I went with an Elder Lee. Twas really interesting. Most of the people we spoke to turned us down or walked away. But there were two experiences where I felt really good.

“We started to talk to a lady named Moi, who eventually told us that she reads the Book of Mormon. And prays about! So we encouraged her to continue. Then there was another man who fixed Elder Lee’s handle bars on his bike. He was talking to us for while. Then we brought up how his niece/daughter could get baptised soon.

“I am really excited to go and serve!”

Wednesday 21st November 2012

“Last temple session! It was good. As always the trip up was really beautiful, with all the fog across the fields. I bought myself a mini Book of Mormon and Children’s song book.

“I didn’t really get an email from my family but Campbell sent mr a letter with my tie clip! I’m currently drinking L&P!”

This last trip to the temple was special. I had really grow to love these missionaries, and for us to all be standing outside the temple together was great! For me there was a feeling of, ‘Yes! I made it!’

Tuesday 20th November 2012

Tomorrow is temple day again! Wake up at 4:30am.

“I feel like I’m getting the hang of teaching, pretend ‘gators’ of course. I love our district!! I’m also learning some french from Sister White, Elder Rua and Elder Marlarde. So good!

Monday 19th November 2012

“We were very lucky to have the Presiding Bishop Davies come and visit us. We got to hear him and another man speak to us. I was able to play ‘The Spirit of God’ well but struggled with ‘Called to Serve.’

“As a District, we wrote each other notes of encouragement. Good fun!”

Sunday 18th November 2012

“Only 10 more days until we fly out to our various missions. We just had a really nice devotional; David A Bednar shared some insight on how to study. It was really inspiring.

“During sacrament meeting, I was asked to play the piano... and I played the hymns with little error. Then I got got “too confident” and straightaway I made a mistake. Right then I learned that the Lord blesses us to build His Kingdom; for righteous purposes. When we misuse or pridefully use our blessings the Lord withdraws His blessing.”

#humility

Saturday 17 November 2012

“It was raining today! Beautiful NZ weather; a highlight of today! Today we had more classes. Each one I feel is teaching me more about how to teach with the Spirit, which is something that I have that I have only begun to understand since I have been here.

“This evening [Elder Pula and I] were lucky to be treated to a small ‘Wendy’s’ burger meal. In between classes our teacher smuggled it in for Pula. We took some good (and ugly) photos.

“Everyone is worried a bit. Wondering if they are giving their scripture talk tomorrow! Could be me?”

#missionlife #tendermercies

Friday 16th November 2012

Another day at the MTC, where “we had a DVD devotional ... and lots of [classes].”

Thursday 15th November 2012

The classes in the MTC were really beginning to pay off. I was learning how to teach the restored gospel in a simple way so that anyone could understand it. We also got the opportunity to teach our MTC President, President Bleak and his wife Sister Bleak. I learned something valuable; only focus on one principle at a time! We began teaching about prophets, which became about the priesthood and then authority. Before I knew it, I had contradicted myself and President Bleak had me! It was good fun.

I began to feel the burden of being a district leader. I had two companionships that were coming to e regularly asking for help with their companions. As a very young missionary I did what I could to give them advice, most of which finished in me saying, “Well pray about it and ask Heavenly Father what you can do.” After all, that’s what I was doing.

#thestruggleisreal #companionshipproblems

Wednesday 14th November 2012

The first time going to the temple in NZ in a long time! We woke up at 4am and did two back to back endowment sessions. It was a really nice experience. Every time I go to the temple, I try and come with a question. And each time I go to the temple, I feel a portion of Heavenly Father’s Spirit confirm truth to me. I feel His loving care, and it is though that Spirit that I receive my answers.

I was still struggling to adjust to the missionary lifestyle, in particularly keeping myself dignified. Little did I know how much I would be helping other missionaries through that transition; becoming a dignified missionary.

#temple

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