Anastasia

Anastasia

Heart don't fail me now
Courage don't desert me
Don't turn back now that we're here
People always say
Life is full of choices
No one ever mentions fear
Or how the world can seem so vast
On this journey to  . . .

(somehow this seems to fit)

You won't believe this but we met an investigator while grocery shopping this time - no tracting involved.  We were in the fruit department when this darling woman came up to us and said she knew we were missionaries.  She had waited patiently while we finished talking to a little boy about coconuts before she approached us.

Her name is Anastasia.  She was born in South Africa but is married to a Samoan (Pele, which means 'darling') and has 4 little children, Zion-Leigh (6), Zara-Leigh (5), Omari (3), and Lucy (4 months).  She has met with missionaries before and has a love for the church already.  She told us that when she saw us it was like there was light and electricity surrounding us.  When we asked if she would like us to come to her home and teach her family she was very excited and told us to come the next day.

Anastasia and Zara-Leigh

We have met once with Anastasia and learned a little about her life and desires.  She is married but she told us the marriage was a troubled one.  Her husband was a member of the church from Samoa but not active since his childhood.  We hear this story often.  It makes us appreciate the missionaries at the MTC from the islands, who somehow make it on missions.  Anastasia and Pele lived together before being married and were only married because of her.  Her grandmother was Christian and drummed into Anastashia's head as a child -  MARRIAGE! So she knew that is what she should do and Pele went along with it.   She is wanting to change her life and she already seems to know that the Mormon church is the place where truth and light exist.

We met with her last night.  Her husband wasn't home but her aunt Geraldine was, and the two of them sat down with us as we shared lesson one.  It was a wonderful, spirit filled hour.  They both ate up every concept we shared.

"What you have just taught us about God is what I have always believed." Anastashia told us.

She also said, "When I go to the Life church there are hundreds of people and one man speaking.  But here are two of you with two of us - we can ask questions and be taught so personally."  We want them to know that the church will include both big meetings and one on one learning and serving others.

We asked them to pray about what we had taught them to know if it is true and Anastasia said, "I know it is true.  I know by just looking at you and thinking about your family and seeing how these things have blessed you."

When we opened up a scripture to read, aunt Geraldine told us that she grew up in a Catholic family in South Africa and that every Monday night the family would gather to read from the Bible and discuss what they read.  Then they would talk and share about their day with each other.  She loved those times and seemed to love to be reading from the scriptures with us.

They wanted to learn.  We left each with a Book of Mormon and encouragement to read tonight.  We invited them to hear Elder Andersen on Sunday and they seemed to have a desire to go and hear an Apostle of the Lord.  (Have we mentioned that Elder Andersen is coming to New Zealand and to our Stake as well.  There is a special Stake Conference this Sunday and we are trying to invite everyone we have met.  It is making for a very busy week.)

From Elder Thatcher;  "I thought it was one of the best teaching experiences we have had on our mission.  They acted very golden, were eager to learn more, and because they were so eager they wanted us to come back today.

Missionary work is the most humbling thing for me.  We went last night after fervent prayer.  We so want to share the gospel and we know how hard it is for people to embrace all the change that joining the church requires.  We pray for angels and of course the Holy Ghost to be with us.  We pray for the right words and the right questions to ask.  We pray knowing that we can't do this without the Lord's help.  Then we pray in gratitude for the help received.  And we ponder at the wonder of this work.  We love seeing how Heavenly Father watches over his children and knows each heart.  We have had so many touching experiences.  Tings have happened that we have heard other missionaries talk abou.  To hear Anastasia tell about how she saw us at Pak and Save and we were glowing is one of those things we will hold in our hearts and ponder.  We hope all of you are praying for the missionaries and those they teach.  Those prayers have power.  We feel them.

Anastasia's and Pele's children are so beautiful.  Little Omari would point his finger at Elder Thatcher and say, "You gave me candy!" We promised him banana's next time.

Omari and Elder Thatcher 

Leai and Alofa

We have also been teaching a wonderful woman named Leai and her member husband, Alofa.  I don't remember if I have written about this family.  Alofa is a member of the church who was active in his childhood and moved to New Zealand when he was 12 to live with his grandfather.  His grandfather told him that as long as he was living with him he would not go to that Mormon church, he would go with him to the Methodist church.  Out of respect for his grandfather, Alofa did just that.  He attended the Methodist church for years with his grandfather.  That is where he met his 'lovely' wife, as he calls Leai.  "But," he told us, "two years ago my grandfather died, and then I went back to the Mormon Church that I love.  I take all my 5 children with me and they have been baptised in the church.  I want you to teach my wife."

We met Alofa while tracting on Rapson Road.  A little girl opened the door.  We could see past her into a living room where two older people were sitting.  They didn't look happy to see us at the door but the little girl did.  She seemed to know who we were and ran to get her father who issued us into the yard where he spoke to us and told us the above.

The family lives with Leai's father and mother who are strong Methodists.  He told us he would ask Leai if she would let us teach her.  She agreed and we have now met 3 times at the church to teach her.  It is a joy.  She is 'lovely' just as Alofa told us.  She is also bright and a true investigator.  She has a law degree and loves to study.  She is reading the Book of Mormon and brings good questions to our lessons.  She is also serious about giving this church a chance.  She has friends who are x-mormons who are working against us but she keeps reading and praying.  Alofa, who speaks less English comes to the meetings and reads along in Samoan.  He attends the Samoan ward with his children and the great saints of that ward are working with this little family.

Leai has told us that when she knows the church is true she will be baptised.  We pray for her and for Alofa.  We know that the Lord is true to His word and will answer her if she seeks to know and prays with faith in the name of Jesus Christ.  She loves the Bible and knows how to communicate with God.  We smile when we think of Leai and we pray.


Natasha

You might not remember Natasha.  She is the mother of Denise that we met months ago.  Denise is like Kelly Werner and we had a special missionary time in their home.  We have tried and tried to meet with them again.  Natasha's partner is very against us and Elder Thatcher told her we couldn't teach her without his ok.  She is too afraid to ask him.   Still we have gone back time and again to give them things and find out how they are.  On Monday we stopped in and her son told us that Natasha was in the hospital.  We immediately went there to visit her.  The parking was totally full and after driving around for 1/2 hour without getting a spot I jumped out of the car and went in alone to find her while Elder Thatcher stayed in the car.

It was all miraculous that I got to see her.  We only knew her by her partners last name and she wasn't registered under that.  A sweet woman at the reception desk started looking through thousands of patients names.  When I told her the address of Natasha she was able to locate her and I was off down the maze of corridors in Middlemore Hospital and finally to her room.

We had such a nice visit.  She is in a lot of pain and they have her pretty drugged up but she was so pleased to see me and asked if I had anything she could read.  I went out to the car and got her a Book of Mormon, a pamphlet on the testimony of Joseph Smith and several Ensigns and New Era's.  She was thrilled.

Often missionaries don't get to do the work they want to do but they get to go on little errands for the Lord.  Sometimes we get to share love and kindness and sometimes people will take something inspiring to read.  We do any and all of these in hopes that the Spirit will touch hearts and lead those people we have met and come to love along, ever nearer to truth and the Lord.  We invite others to come unto Christ in many ways.  Sometimes we visit the sick.  I often think of what President Monson would say to his daughter Anne after they had made a visit to someone, 'I think we did some good today.'

Natasha in the hospital 

Tracting Report

Elder Thatcher with his tracting book

We continue to tract and we continue to have miracles.  We knocked on a first door one night and met Ilaisaane, a sweet Tongan woman who let us in so kindly.   We spent the rest of the evening there.

When we were all sitting down she told us they had been Mormons and very active at one time.  There was a picture of a handsome young man on her mantle and another picture of what looked like the same young man in a professional Rugby uniform.  Elder Thatcher asked Ilaisaane if it was her son.  She told us he was her son but he was dead.  'He died in 2013 on this very day.' She told us.  He had played rugby professionally and thought he was being placed on the highest team and instead was cut.  He committed suicide which was a terrible blow to the whole family. Sometimes you just know that you were supposed to be someplace at the time you were there.

Ilaisaane  and her husband have 10 children most of which live in Australia.   We arranged to have home evening with them last Monday.   Elder Thatcher thinks we should turn this family over to the Tongan Elders in our ward who also work in the Tongan ward in the Stake.  One of them is actually related to Ilaisaane's husband and he doesn't like to attend the English ward where he understands nothing.  We were able to tell the ward about this family and many of the great members live on her street.  Iliasaane has a 10 year old daughter, Mele, who has not been baptised.

Many are lost in New Zealand and without tracting some of the dear people we work with would not have been found.  We want to knock on every door on every street in the clover Park Ward before we leave in 8 weeks.

The tallest girl is Mele, Ilaisaane's daughter - the others come running when they see our car
 they know Elder Thatcher will have treats in the trunk for them

Elder Thatcher's friends - treats bring them running

We also give them cards with Jesus' picture on or the Articles of Faith
you would think we had given them a great treasure!

Elder Thatcher had me show them the picture of our family.  You can tell they were amazed.
They wanted to know all your names and how old you were.

Coromandel Peninsula

The temple was closed on Thursday so President and Sister Briggs and the two of us took a little day trip to Coromandel Peninsula and saw some beautiful sights.

We stopped at the Driving Creek Railway to take a ride
This place was built by one man - a potter who built his railway by himself
 laying every rail in order to get up  the mountain to bring back clay and wood for his kilns
I especially like the sign reading, 'nowhere in particular'

We took a ride on the Driving Creek Railway
The rails were only 15 inches apart
the train was also built by the same eclectic man
We knew we were somewhere that would never be duplicated
anywhere else on the planet

Our guide and Presidents Thatcher and Briggs in the 'Eyefull' Tower
named for its magnificent views

'A one hour round trip on a narrow gauge mountain train through a beautiful forest'
Sister Briggs is a delightful travel companion

'Eclectic' is a good word for this unique place
check out this retaining wall build from bottles

Everywhere you looked there were charming 'eclectic' details

We love the silver ferns of New Zealand
Did you know that at night the under part of the fern  - the silver underleaf
was used to catch the moonlight and would light the way
as the Maoris found their way at night through the thick Bush

Every sign was handmade and usually of clay
Every nook and cranny was filled with something this man had made

He made all the bricks that were used in many places in the railway

Eclectic pottery

The man himself - Barry Brickell
He spent 40 years building this place and was still laying rails before he died at 84
He is buried on his mountain

We also had time to take the beautiful hike to Cathedral Cove.  This amazingly beautiful spot is featured in the Narnia movie, "Prince Caspian".   Sadly my phone ran out of batteries so my pictures of it are sparse. 

Beautiful vistas on the trail

Look at this lush moss covered little cove on the trail.
 I was looking for fairies

Cathedral Cove.  It is massive and gorgeous.  I will try to get some pics from Sister Briggs
This doesn't do it justice

Wonderful happenings at home

Anne's Baptism and Kate's Blessing 

Congratulations Anne
It looks like you had a perfect Baptism Day
We are so proud of you!

Is it GREAT to be EIGHT Anne?
It looks like your grandma Barbara was busy making your day special

We loved the pictures of this special day
Sara, Kate and Kent

Love the baby we have yet to hold and the dress we want to know the story of

The party looked fun and delicious

Been feeling a little guilty about our beautiful New Zealand weather
Heard from Sister Thatcher (the young and beautiful one)
 that England has been going through a cold snap

Doesn't this picture just say it all?
Ray captures how we all feel about KJ Patterson

Well that is a short summary of our Missionary Week.  There just isn't time to tell all our adventures. We are learning so much and have great big desires to be ever better missionaries.  There is so much work to do.  We have learned that the field is white and that our sickles need to be sharpened and in use.

We think of all of you constantly and know that we will be home before long.  We try not to think about that.  Elder Thatcher says he doesn't allow his mind to go there because there is so much to do here.  My mind has been known to wander however and it always wanders back to all of you.   Prayers are offered daily for you from our little flat in New Zealand.   Be true! We love you!

Mom and Dad,
Grandma and Grandpa
Elder and Sister Thatcher

Two Two's and a Tran

Old Friends and New

Old friends from Paradise- Merv and Clara Jean Weeks with our new friend in the mission Tuan Tran

While passing through Auckland on our way home from our trip to the Bay of Islands with Merv and Clara Jean Weeks, we received a phone call from Tuan Tran asking if we could come then to see him. He had 'two hour' if we could come.  We told him we could be there in 1/2 hour.  We dashed home, changed into missionary attire and the four of us met with Tuan for an hour of missionary delight.

We learned that he has finished the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price.  At least we know he has read a lot in the last two and finished the first. Isn't that amazing! It fills us with wonder and love for him.  He loves the 'Mormon Book' that he says teaches him so much.   We told him he needed to be baptised and he told us he was already baptised in Vietnam.  He talked about Evangelicals and we think that is who baptized him.  He told us his life was better after his baptism.  We appreciate his Christian faith.  Elder Thatcher and Brother Weeks tried to explain authority to him.  We don't know how much he understood but we know he feels obligation to his 'community' who depend on him.  Still we think he knows what he has been given is the truth.  We know he prays and we trust the Lord will help this good man.  He often tells us he doesn't want to be 'outside God law'.  He has such a giant soul in his diminuitive frame.  Pray for Tuan.

He sang his song with the four of us and we all invited him to Church the next day.  Clara Jean told him that they would be there and watch for him.  He said he would be late and they told him it didn't matter at all, he could look for them at the church.

We were so happy Sunday evening after returning from the MTC to learn that Tuan had come to church and sat with Merv and Clara Jean.  They told us how he enjoyed singing the hymns and listening to the bishop who gave what they called the perfect talk for an investigator.  They also said that after Sacrament Meeting the bishop had come specially to talk to him, and other members of the ward had also greeted him warmly and told him how much they had enjoyed his song he had shared with the ward when he visited before.   It was all very good news.

The Fruit Lady

The 18 year old nephew who wants to serve a mission next year.
We met them at the Market the next day to bring them a Tongan Book of Mormon

We do have adventures tracting.  This last week we met a woman and her family while knocking on doors.  They have fruit trucks parked in their yard and stacks and stacks of fruit cartons.  They sell fruit at markets and hence are rarely home.

We talked to her nephew first who was a tall handsome young man who couldn't stop smiling.  He didn't speak much English but could say enough to let us know the he was a Mormon but the only one in that house.  He was living with his aunt.  She came to the door next and we had a nice conversation.  She told us that her grandmother had been a faithful Mormon and when she was a little girl she had stayed with her grandmother who would make her go to the Mormon Church.  She told us how faithfully her grandmother walked every week to the temple in Tonga even when it was raining.

She couldn't think of a day when she would have time to have us come teach her but she did say she could find some time to read so we left her a Book of Mormon.  She had her nephew bring us a large bag full of delicious fruit to take with us and as we were thanking her and encouraging her to read she said, "While you were talking to me I could feel someone patting me on my shoulder.  I felt that it was my grandmother."

We are sure she was right.  The angels round about us while we do this work are most likely ones who have a love for those we meet.  I am just sure that this grandmother, me, will be patting my beloved grandchildren on their shoulderswhen I am on the other side, or maybe giving little fairy kisses on their cheeks when they need a reminder that something being said is important and to take note!  Those pats and kisses would be given with love.

The Aunt selling fruit who felt her grandmother's pat on the shoulder

  Two Missionary Stories

We wish we could share the stories of all the wonderful missionaries we meet at the MTC.  They inspire us.  They strengthen us even as we are trying to help them.  They are great examples of faith and courage and their love for the Lord and his gospel shines so brightly through their eyes.  In some ways they are like little children.  You know how sometimes a child can say something using the simplest language and it has such a powerful effect because it is pure truth coming from such a humble source.  Think of the primary programs in Sacrament Meeting.  That is how these missionaries are.  Many come from the humblest of backgrounds.  They often speak such broken English and yet they are acting on their faith and facing the unknown by serving.  They are magnificent, eloquent, teachers of truth by their very lives.  Everything they are makes you sit up and take notice when they speak.   We asked a couple of the missionaries to write down a little of their story and we would love to share those stories with you in their own words.

Sister Nouata (from Kiribati)

Sister Kelleher, Sister Nouata, Sister Woods

Sister Nouata  has beautiful princess like hair

I was raised in a super strong Catholic Family.  There are six of us.  I have 2 brothers and 3 sisters.  I was the youngest and I had a twin sister.  My parents always told me about being a Nun, and I was interested.  It was something that I want that I desired to be.  Then in 2009, when I was 12 years old, my mom passed away.   My mom was the one who asked me to be a nun.  Because I loved her I want to be a Nun, so she can be happy, and I'm happy with my decision.  In 2015 when I finished high school, I decided to be a Nun for real.  So at the beginning of 2016 I registered my name at the Nun's center.

This time I was confused and worried about what Heavenly Father want me to be.  I said a prayer and it was my first time that I said a prayer from my heart asking for Heavenly Father's guidance to lead me to the path that He want me to take.  I've never thought that the Catholic was not the Lord's Church, so I just asked Him in my prayer if He wants me to be a Nun or to build a family.   

29 of January 4 days before my report due to the Nun's Center, the Elder missionaries found me.  They have a lesson with my cousin who lives next to my house, but she was with me and in my house when they came.  They saw her with me so they walk straight to us.  They greeted us and then one of the Elder said something which touched me that day. He said, "We've been looking for you everywhere and we have no idea that today we will be be able to find you."  And they talked to me as if we've knew each other before.  Then they invited me to listen to their message.

My heart and mind tells me that they are the answers to my prayers which I asked.  And that feeling was very strong and powerful.  And when they extend their invitation to me I just agreed because I don't want them to feel bad or disappointed.  I didn't forget about my goal that I have to be a nun but I was too scared and afraid to refuse the answers Heavely Father gave me.  And the first lesson was very powerful, that it convinced me to keep meeting with the missionaries.  It was "The First Vision."  That time I began to feel and know that the message was true.  I was afraid to tell my family that I gained a testimony in the Mormon Church cause they didn't even know that I'm meeting the missionaries in my uncle's house.  And it was hard to take this route alone with super strong Catholics surrounding me.  But I still decided to be baptised.

In Relief Society one Sunday Sister Nouata told us that the missionaries rescued her.  After class I whispered to her that when she was an old woman like me with a family that she loved she would realize even more how important that rescue was.  We are so grateful that Heavenly Father hears the prayers of his children and answers them.  We are also thankful that some of those children have the courage to grab onto those answers and follow where they lead.  I think that must be what it means to pray with 'real intent'!

Elder Atonio (from Samoa)

Intake #1 for 2018 - you can see Sister Nouata in a red sweater behind President Howes
Elder Atonio is on the 4th row down from the top on the right side.  He's wearing a black tie and standing below the Elder in the blue suit

I reflect back in time when I was in Primary.  Primary teachers always asks this question to us, if we have any goals.   I would always reply that I want to go on a mission. While attending College (our high school)  I never thought of my Goal of being a missionary and going on a mission that I used to say to the primary teachers.  I graduated from college and started University.  I wanted to be a marine so therefore I chose to study and do training in Marine Time.  I wanted to do this because it pays a lot, but people call this field 'a grave that doesn't need to be digged.'  It is very dangerous.  I had dreams so I wanted to earn a lot of money so I can provide things that my parents need like buying a car and build a house.  That was the main reason why I wanted to go in that field.

I am from Lelepa Savai'i Samoa.  I moved to Lalovaea in upon and lived with my uncle so that I could go to University.  i graduated from University as A MARINE.  Once I graduated and received my Certificates I applied straight away for a job as a Marine.  This time because I was so busy with all this, going on a mission did not cross my mind.  It seems like I have forgotten it.  Whilst waiting for a place to be a MARINE at the shipping companies I started looking or a job in Upolu Apia.  I found a job working at one of the biggest Supermarkets in Samoa called 'Frankie'.  My starting pay was $150 a week.  After 3 weeks working there I was offered to lead one of the teams with a pay rise to $270 a week.  

I lived with my uncle in Apia and worked with a goal in mind to help my parents in Savai'i.  When I live with my uncle he gets angry at me if I don't give him any money for them.  My sister and I would get a growling from them therefore every pay day when I finish work I would come home and I would give $50/$60 to my uncle, $20 to my sister andd I would send the rest of the money to my parents in Savai'i.  I would not use any of money for my pay.  I love my parents very much as well as my siblings.  My sister and I stay at our uncles place so wee could go to school and work at the same time.  

My uncle works for the government.  He attends the Catholic Church.  he has 2 kids the oldest is 4 and the youngest is a 1 year old.  But they are both in Savai'i with my parents.  My mom is a sick person.  She is diabetic and only has one leg.  My father does the plantation to help feed our family.  My little brother is 12 years old he is still in Savai'i.  he goes to school and helps a lot at home with the chores and taking care of my sister's kids.  i come from a very poor family.  I've seen it how we just don't have enough to carry on the next day, hence the reason why I eft home at the age of 18 to seek more education and job to provide for my family. 

One day when I came home after work, my uncle's kids were hungry and thirsty for some fizzy drinks, so I told them I will bring them some when i finish work the next day.  Son the very next day after work on my pay day I bought 2 big fizzy drinks and I took them home with me.  I also sent money to Savai'i to my parents this time I sent a lot more than before.  When I got home I gave only $30 to my uncle.  I explained to him the reason why I only gave him $30 because I sent more to my parents in Savai'i.  My uncle never said a word to me and he didn't seem please with the money I have given him.  I then went and gave the fizzy drinks to my cousin as promised.  My uncle walked to the back and saw my cousins (his kids) drinking the fizzy drinks and started raising his voice to his kids and everyone.  I knew straight away that his anger is towards me because I have given him only $30 from my pay.  He waled over to his kids beat them up and then walked towards me and used a water pipe to whip me on my back.  he whipped me very hard twice on my back and the water pipe crossed and went to pieces.  he got a hold of a tree stick and walked me with it and the tree stick broke in half.  He came to the front and punched me on the mouth.  i just stood there and took the beatings.  I didn't dare try to run away from the beatings.  When my uncle saw that i wasn't crying and was just standing there taking his beatings he stopped and walked back to the front.  At that time, all I was thinking was I want to go back to Savai'i, back to my parents. 

At night I prayed so hard to Heavenly Father to help me understand, also help and direct me what to do.  I also asked my Heavenly Father to forgive my uncle with what he has done to me.  I went to sleep that night, but my mind was still thinking about what had happened.  Again, I thought about what had happened and all I have in mind is to return to Savai'i to my parents.  So I started packing my bags.  

Early morning the next day at 5 am, I took my packed bags and went to work.  I asked my work for permission to please let me go to Savai'i because i have work from 5:30 am - 7pm.  So they granted me permission and I left for Savai'i that night on the ferry.  When I got to Savai'i, I met my parents and they were both in tears for me and advised me that my boss said i must come back early as I am leading the other team at the store.  When I met my parents they were so heart broken when they saw the marks on my back from the beating.  My parents have never given me a hiding such as the one I got from my uncle.  

When I arrived to Savai'i I had to do a lot of pondering, so i prayed and asked Heavenly Father again to what direction to take now.  When I prayed and spoke with my parents I suddenly felt a reminder of my goal of serving a mission.  I spoke with my parents about serving a mission.  My mother said that's what she was thinking too, but my father did not say anything.  I filled my mission paper and did everything I needed to do for it.   I never returned to Apia to my uncle.

I picked up my mission call as well as a letter from the company that i applied to for the Marine job on the same day.  My whole family, my father, my mother, my younger brother and my sister's kids gathered around whilst I opened my mission call.  I was called to serve in the Wellington Mission and was to report to the New Zealand MTC on 11 January.  My whole family were happy, my parents were in tears of joy.

After reading my mission call, I then opened my letter from the office of shipping, and I read it our just like how I read out my mission call.  It said that I have been offered a Job as a Marine starting on the 11 February and this ship will be sailing to Asia. The pay will be $1000/week and I will be on the ship for 9 months.  After reading both letters my mother said said to me that it's my decision, I decide which one,  my decision will determine my destiny and blessings.  But my dad on the other hand said that I should take the Marine Job, it's good money and there's a lot of village commitments that requires a lot of money to pay.

After our talk as a family I went to my room, knelt, with both letters i my hand and I started praying to Heavenly Father to help me with my decision.  That night when I went to bed I had a dream.  I saw myself talking to the boss of the shipping company explaining to them that I will be going on a mission.  The boss said to me, once I miss this opportunity it's a miss and if I go on a mission that it's not his problem.  You will miss the opportunity.  I woke up the next morning pondering what my dream meant.  I knew I needed to go and serve my Heavenly Father first but I also felt I needed to go talk to the Boss of the shipping company to hold my place.  I had questions because clearly in my dream the shipping company boss said once I miss, I miss it.   I again asked the Lord to help direct me what to do.  As I prayed same prompting came over me, I must serve my Heavenly Father first, but I need to go and talk to the boss of the shipping company to hold my place.
That night we had  our family home evening.  I shared my feelings to my family of what I needed to do first.  I shared with them that I want to put the first things first of serving a mission.  I din't finish sharing, for my dad cut me off and said to me, 'No! You are not going on a mission.  You are going on that ship.'about the situation.

I just sat there confused pondering about the situation. All Had in my mind is praying to Heavenly Father to soften my father.  That night I continued to pray for direction and for Heavenly Father to help my father.   I felt I needed to go and talk to my parents in the morning.  I did.  My father did not change his mind.  He said I am not going on a mission.  during this conversation with my parents my mother spoke up to my father and said something that I will never ever forget.  She said to my father, 'If you let your son go on that ship and if he goes and he dies from it, who would be blamed? who will that fall upon? he has received a call from Heavenly Father to serve Him first.  Let him go serve the Lord first!"

I spoke with my father and reminded him that i remembered that he was a bishop for 9 years and 6 months.  I remembered his saying always to the youth that there is no greater call than to go and serve the LORD by going on a mission as this is a commandment from the Lord.  My dad cried and said to me, "My son, I don't want you to go on a mission, but my heart tells me otherwise.  my heart says to let you go on a mission.  This is the reason why I didn't want you to go, when I was a bishop there were a lot of missionaries that went on their missions and never paid their mission funds.  They are in debt for their mission and to the church and it is not a good thing to be in debt to the church.  And if I let you go on the mission it will be a shame on you and us if you get sent back home not finishing your mission."

I said to my father, "Dad don't you worry we will be blessed.  We will have money to help with our family when I finish my mission."  After this talk with my parents they both agreed to let me go serve the Lord first.

The next day I went to Apia to take my letter to the Boss of Shipping company and to talk to him about my situation.  I shared with him that I am going on a mission first to serve the LORD.  I dint' finish my story but the Boss stopped me and said, "Son, you have made right the choice a lot of Sailors and Marines and workers on the ship have neon let go because they drink too much and smoke.  But now I know that you are a worthy young man to serve God and that you don't drink and smoke.  Go and prepare yourself to go on your mission to serve the LORD.  Put the things that need to be put first and when you come back you will automatically have your offer back.  I will hold the position for you to work on the ship when you return.

I am now here to serve the LORD.  I left home with the words from my dad that if I ever get sent back home he does not want to see me and I will not be his son anymore if that happens.  I would rather see you come back in a coffin with loosing myself in the work then to be sent back home.  I believe that the LORD will help me fulfill His will during my mission and even after the mission.  I can truly testify of the truthfulness of prayer with faith, believing and knowing it will work, especially recognizing and following the promptings of the Spirit.
Everything is easy and possible if we rely on the Spirit of the Lord and ask seeking His help.

Thank you,
Elder Atonio

New Intake of Missionaries

Those were just the stories of 2 of the missionaries.  Each is a miracle with their own story to tell of how they came to be missionaries.  Thursday we received 35 new Missionaries at the MTC.  Like my grandmother used to tell me about babies, 'they bring the love with them.'

Here are two of the new Elders.  Elder Desir from Aruba who speaks 5 languages; Papiamento, Dutch, Spanish, English, and French.  And Elder Nakayama from Japan who weighs just under 100 lbs but is heavy in enthusiasm and testimony.

Elder Desir, President Thatcher, and Elder Nakayama

Sister Hayden -Smith, Sister Beijerling from United Arab Emerates, Sister Ngapaku and Sister Palaone (some could easily be a beauty queens)

All from Samoa

Other Encounters 

Samantha is still doing well while waiting for her liver.  She is shy about having her picture taken thinking she is yellow.   But isn't she beautiful!  We love to check on her and make sure she is still doing alright.  We will keep you informed.

Samantha our brave friend

We taught a lesson to a couple we are working with at the Clover Park Ward last week.  Alofa and Leai are not in  this picture but these children were with the Sister Missionaries and wanted a picture taken with us.  DJ the boy with the James shirt on was delighted when we gave him some Articles of Faith Cards that Lorraine had made for him.  

This beautiful Maori woman noticed our missionary name tags and came over to greet us while we were visiting at Botony Town Center with President and Sister Briggs.  She is a wonderful member of the church named Darlene Joyce-Reweti who works in the only Chinese branch in Auckland.  Years ago she heard President Kimball ask members of the Church to learn Chinese and just like President Nelson our new prophet, she felt deeply in her heart that she needed to heed that counsel. She moved to China to study and had loved and worked with the Chinese ever since.  Kia Ora! Darlene!

myself with Darlene Joyce-Reweti

Chatting with President and sister Briggs

We happened to be at the Botony Town Center because Sister Briggs had invited us to go to the food Court that happens there every Wednesday night.  It was a taste of many different cultures and a lot of fun.  It wasn't a happy evening for our diets however!

This is one potato that was deep fat fried and seasoned

I wasn't all that hungry so I just ordered one of everything

It was the happening place!

Delicious looking burgers

Burger, eggs, bacon, cheese

I think these were Korean pastries with cream filling

We wanted to take some to Tuan

These French pastries were amazing - i thought of The two Elder Johnsons

Elder Thatcher thinks there are now a lot of Countries in the World that we no longer need to visit

This man was actually at the Fruit market but we were impressed with his music
and his drum (the bucket)  that he played with his foot.  Music just flows from some people
and they find a way to let it out

Back Home

We love to hear of all the happenings back home.  Exciting things happening with Anna and KJ.  We can never hear enough on that front.

Happy Birthday David Howell!  Big birthday for you.  Let us know of your future plans and the timing of everything.  We hope you have all your dreams come true.

Happy Birthday to you too Anne.  We wish we could be to your birthday party and baptism and understand that you will be baptised and baby Kate blessed on the same weekend.  That is what happened to me Anne when I turned 8.  I had a new little baby brother who was blessed the day I was confirmed.  He grew up quite nicely too, it was Uncle Brad who lives by you and is Melanie's dad.  He was born on my birthday and I always thought that was very special.

We love it when you face time us or send us emails.  Missionaries love to hear from those they love.  Thank you for being so kind to us and remembering us in your prayers.  Sometimes missionaries get sad like when we had 5 great appointments cancel on us this week.  But grandpa, Elder Thatcher just says we need to go tracting a little more.  So that is what we will do.

We hope you do the things that let the Lord bless you in your lives.  When we are sad or feel discouraged we read a little more in the Book of Mormon.  We recommend that to you.  We pray hard and often,  just like we hope you are doing and we tell each other how much we love each other.  That always lifts our spirits.

We got a wonderful email from Sister Thatcher (the young and beautiful one in England).  It came when we were feeling a little sad about our effectiveness as missionaries.  When we read the end of her letter our spirits soared as we thought about all of you and how much joy you have brought into our lives.  I'll end by quoting Sister Thatcher and lett her words lift you like they did us.

Sister Thatcher - England

" I do quite a lot of bragging when it comes to my family around here- in fact at our favorite parmo resturant we got into a conversation with the owner who was talking about how he never wanted to raise children on this earth because he believes that it is impossible to raise good children in the society today.
I showed him the picture we took right before we left and talked about how everyone of them has grown up good and has had a great influence on the people they know because of the beliefs they were raised on. I dont know if it made much of a difference to him but it sure made me grateful to be able to realize how blessed I am to be apart of this huge happy family."

We love each one of you and pray for you with every prayer.
Much love,
Mom and Dad
Grandpa and Grandma
Elder and Sister Thatcher