Last week!‏

Hey everyone!

What a great week to end on!  So many revelatory moments this week.  We had an amazing Zone Meeting on Tuesday.  President Lindsay came and gave training.  We were pretty sure it was going to be on obedience but it was on our divine nature as children of God.  We talked about the best ways to receive personal revelation.  The thing that hit me the most was about how in order to receive revelation we have to act.  Joseph Smith didn't ask which church is true he asked which church he should join.  He also studied it out before he acted.  If you want to receive revelation then you need to prepare yourself for it.
 

It's been an incredible week to reflect on the last year and a half of life.   We talked about who we see in the mirror when we get up in the morning.  I'm excited to see how much you all think I have changed when you see me this week.  I don't feel any different but I know that so much has changed within me.  It's been amazing to look back on.  We studied with the Sisters in Kwinana this week.  That made me realize how much I've learned and grown.  I felt so humbled to have them just soaking in whatever Sister Faiva and I said.  They wrote a lot of what we said in their Preach My Gospels and notebooks.  I can't say it enough but this whole journey has been incredibly humbling.  You never know who is looking up to you and what you do.

The young men have had all of the missionaries at youth activites for the last few weeks. One week we just shared why we served and gave advice on how to prepare to serve.  The next week we did a relay race where we had them search the scriptures, do push-ups, tie a tie, and take/put on bike tires.  This week was great!  We went and were the team captains of the red team.  Each team was given certain food items to cook up.  Well our team was definitely super unified.  Each boy actually helped cut and cook up amazing pasta and hand made garlic bread.  I thought we did pretty good.  We had ripped up a tank top and gave each boy a red strip of fabric to tie around their heads.  We had the best team outfit for sure.  haha  Those young men are amazing.  They will all make amazing missionaries.

Saturday was the best day ever.  We woke up super early and got ready for a mission devotional.  We took the train with our Elders from Mandurah up to the Perth Underground station then took the bus to the temple for a 9am start.  We were assigned to be there at 8:15 to be studying by 8:30.  Elder S. Gifford Neilsen of the First Quorum of the Seventy came and visited Perth.  He has been recently assigned as the 2nd counselor of the Pacific Area Presidency.  President Lindsay had asked Elder Neilsen if he would come speak to all of the missionaries.  He was hilarious!  He was so down to earth.  We all walked through and shook his hand and then he stood up and said, "I'm so privileged to be here with all of you.  I may never shake this hand again."  He started off by asking what the Spirit had already told us this morning.  He said that if we have been on our knees in prayer that morning that the Spirit should have whispered something to us.  That had me really think back over my morning and the way I go about my morning prayers.  I've been very guilty of being that missionary that rolls out of bed onto the floor and usually struggles to keep my head off of the edge of the bed while I pray.  Sister Faiva is one of the missionaries that hears the alarm and get on her knees in her bed and prayers that way.  He told us that we should learn and grow wherever we go.  He asked us a lot of rhetorical questions that made us think heaps.  Questions like, "What do I have within me?"  "What can I become with the Lord's help?"  "Why are you here?"  That last question he actually opened up and asked us why we decided to serve.  Many answers were like, "To share the gospel with others."  "Because I know God love me and I want others to know that too."  "Because I want everyone to be in eternal families."  "Because Christ died for me and this is my way of living for Him."  There were many many answers and after every one Elder Nielsen would say, "That's right!" He spent a long time listening to everyone's answers and then he said, "I want you all to write this down.  All of your answers are correct but you are on a mission to become an amazing mother or father.  You are becoming cemented into the gospel now because you will need to live the gospel and how your children the way to receive the blessings of Salvation.  This is the only time you have to become that person under such intense circumstances as a mission.  You need to be the best missionary God knows you can be so that you can become the amazing mothers and fathers that God needs and intends you to be."  It was amazing to feel like a successful missionary. 

The whole meeting was exactly what I needed.  It was also so nice to see all of the missionaries.  Sister Tomaki nearly knocked me off me off my feet when we gave me a hug.  She is the best.  We were given specific instructions to not take photos or linger after the meeting so we weren't able to get any photos.  I was able to see Elder Wihongi, Elder Teuira, Elder Maughan, Elder Eti, Sister Tomaki and countless others.  It made my day!  Then that night Jordy and Sione took us to a buffet called the Atrium in the city.  It is part of a huge hotel called the Crown Hotel.  It was amazing!  We had so much fun with them this whole week.  Those two and Ina, Siones little brother, were like our best friends this week.  I love that family.  

Sunday was weird.  I still don't quite know how to feel about the fact that next Sunday I won't be at the Mandurah Ward.  The whole day was kind of like being in a twilight zone.  Bishop had Sister Faiva and I give final testimonies.  All of the members came up and said the nicest things to us.  I was offered rooms at like 3 different houses for when I come back and visit.  I love these people so much.  I'm going to miss them more then they know.  

I can't wait to see all of you.  I'm excited to see the boys play football, watch Josh in action with his running, and just spend time with Soph.  I look forward to seeing you all in just a few days!  Can't wait to get hugs from you all.  Have a great couple of days and I'll see you soon!               

Much love, 

Sister Shayne

Pictures:

Me and Faiva

My tired companion.  We've endured to the end!

We had an investigator in the Elders Area that Sister Faiva used to teach take us all out to dinner.  Elder Hereaka was eating a stake and is to strong for the cutlery.  He broke it and looked down at the plate and said, "What the heck!  These stupid pakia knifes!"  When the lady came to pick up our plates he said, "I'm sorry I broke your knife."  She just looked down at the knife and said, "Well I've never seen that before."  We all got a great laugh out of it.  This was another dinner with Sione, Ina, and Jordy.  So many fun memories with these three :) 

The Day family

The Waihi's  Who are coming to the states only a few days after me!  I'm excited to see them.  

Bishop Thane and Andrea

 

18 months :)‏

Hey everyone!
 
This week was again gone in the blink of an eye.  I feel like last
monday was forever ago though!  Saturday marked me being out for
exactly 18 months :)  What a crazy realization that was.   Well last
Monday we went and hung out with our zone.  We won a mission wide
challenge so the Assistants came and threw a zone p-day for us.  It
was kinda lame but the best part was a massive game of tug-a-war.
They brought this huge rope and we lined up.  We ended up doing the
Mandurah District plus Nikau and the Assistants vs the other 2
districts in our zone.  We won.  We were pretty stoked haha.  We
aren't competitive at all. :)

This week we went and studied with the Sisters in Waikiki.  It was
great.  We all did our own thing for personal study and then when it
came to companionship study it was just opened up for everyone to
share what they learned.  Then we asked them about the people in their
area.  They shared with us their concerns and the trials they are
facing with getting the work moving there.  We went through nearly all
of their people and gave suggestions and left them with commitments
to do with these people.  It was so fun to see the two sisters just
absorbing each and every word that came out of our mouths.  I don't
feel worthy to have that kind of admiration but it's cool to be the
senior sisters of the mission.  I feel like in many ways I've just got
the hang of it all but then seeing these new sisters just helps me see
that I've become someone far greater than I ever imagined I would.

We joined the Mutu painting crew this week and helped paint Ally's new
house.  Brother Mutu has his own painting business that Jordy and
Sione both work for.  Sione will probably take it over when dad
retires.  We all went to Ally's new house and got to work.  Manaia
gave us each a small bucket of paint and told us what to do.  I was in
charge of painting the bottom of all of the walls throughout the
house.  I just started and then Manaia brought me kneepads so that I
didn't kill my knees.  Later when mum showed up she looked at me and
said, "where did you get the kneepads?"  I told her that Manaia gave
them to me and she said, "He's never given me the kneepads!"  I just
smiled and said, "I'm telling you, secretly I'm his favourite!"  :)

Saturday was a day full of service!   We woke up and met the Elders at
a less active lady's home in Mandurah to help her move.  It was a
pretty easy move.  Since we were down those ways Aeronny took us out
for lunch and then we went and did some spring cleaning at her house.
Grandma was saying that Aeronny was supposed to clean out the garage
but took us to lunch instead.  I jumped up and headed straight for the
garage.  One hour later we had a very clean and organized garage, a
freshly mowed lawn and no weeds along the edges!  I felt pretty useful.
Then we headed to the Mutu's.  We helped mum plant a veggie garden in
the back.  While we were out there with Ally she said, "The
landscapers are coming to my house this next week.  I need to get rid
of the weeds before they come."  I just looked at her and said, "Let's
go!"  and we did!  haha I love being able to serve!  That's what I was
called to do!  Called to Serve :)

Sunday was great.  Church was fantastic.  Our speakers in sacrament
meeting bore powerful testimonies about the Book of Mormon.  We had
dinner at the Mutu's.  Mum and dad left this morning to go on a cruise
and won't be back until the 25th.  We just enjoyed each others company
and had a good night.  When it was time for us to go there were a lot
of tears shed.   We got photos of course.  I was picked to say the
closing prayer and struggled to not let tears fall.  Sister Mutu gave
me a big long hug and we just cried.  I'm going to miss her.  Trips
are being planned to see each other soon!  Then I went back into the
lounge to shake Manaia's hand.  I had tears running down my face and
he got up and gave me a big hug too.  So much love in that home.  It's
going to be hard to say good-bye to the rest of them next week.  I
know I'll always have a home here in Perth to come to.

I hope this is a good week for everyone!  Know that I am praying for
you always and I'm super excited to see you all next week!  :)  Keep
smiling.

Much love,
Sister Shayne
 
3 Nephi
26:10 Tia Greentree once told me that you must believe to receive.
How true is that here.
26:19-21 Wouldn't that be nice?
27:5 The name of Christ.  The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
27:20-21 Repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost.  That is the
gospel.  We just need to do it and then endure to the end!
All of chapter 27 actually is great!
Chapter 28.  I admire the dedication and diligence of the 3 Nephites
to want to continue the Lord's work always.
Chapter 30 speaks a commandment for all of us
 
4 Nephi
1:15 Love can overcome anything
1:35 In just one chapter a lot happens.  It covers many hundreds of
years but look how quickly they fell away just because they gave in to
whatever Satan dropped in their path.  I've seen this happen to too
many members and return missionaries.  The answer to anything that
ails you is Jesus Christ and His gospel.
 
 Photos :)
 
                              Me and the Mutus

Faiva, me, and the Mutus

Funny face.  Just cuz we could :)

       

Fullfilling the assignment‏

Hey everyone!

This week went by was too fast. I usually have a sticky note of things I want to tell you about but this week snuck away from me and I woke up this morning thinking, "Man what am I going to tell them about?" Just a blink and another week gone.

Well this week was pretty full-on by fulfilling our assignment as Sister Training Leaders. We gave training at Zone Meeting again on Tuesday. This week we gave more than half of the training. The Zone Leaders had us train on the importance of using the scriptures and teaching for understanding. You can't effectively teach someone if you are teaching them without the scriptures. My favourite thing that I've noticed about myself throughout my mission is the growth of my knowledge of the scriptures. If you had asked me about a specific story in the Book of Mormon that didn't involve Nephi or Abinadi then I wouldn't have known what you were talking about. My scriptural knowledge was very poor. I always said I would marry a scriptural giant because someone would need to teach the scriptures to our kids.  Sister Faiva in the middle of Zone Meeting complimented me on the fact that I don't just share a scripture with people but that I give a great detailed background of the scripture so that they understand why the scripture I am sharing is important and how it applies to them. I LOVE the scriptures. Especially the Book of Mormon. It amazes me that no matter how many times I read it I learn something different. When you study the scriptures with a prayer that you will learn something that you can apply to your life, the answer always comes. 

 This fast Sunday I did a lot of thinking about the next step in life and how I'll know what to do next. Later in  the day I was reading in the Book of Mormon and came across 3 Nephi 18:20. I use this scripture all the time when we teach people prayer but it hit me to the very core when I read it this time. The scriptures are amazing. We talk to God through prayer and I firmly believe He answers us through His written word. All commandments, guidance, comfort, etc that we could ever need in life are in the scriptures. If you doubt that, put it up to the challenge. I guarantee that the answer to any of life's problems or questions can be answered with the word of God. If you can't find an answer challenge me to find an answer :) I love studying to find answers. We had a less-active family that has made it a goal to try and stump me haha It's fun.

We did exchanges with the Sisters in our zone this week. Tuesday we exchanged with the Sisters in Waikiki. Sister Faiva went to Waikiki with Sister Pongi from Tonga. They had a blast together. I got to spend the day with Sister Allen from Portland. We had a bunch of lessons together. We also had a miracle! We have been trying to get into a less-actives home since I got into this area but she has either not been there or has been busy. Well Wednesday morning we went by and her husband answered the door. He said she was on the phone but that we could come in. We had a great chat with her and committed her to read from the Book of Mormon daily. She agreed and we have been sending her scriptures of the day every couple of days to keep her going. Good things are happening. Then on Saturday we did exchanges with Kwinana. Sister Philips from Escalante went to Golden Bay with Sister Faiva and I went to Kwinana with Sister Reynolds from Mona. She has only been out for 4 weeks. It was great to have her lead her area and see how much she has learned in just 4 weeks. We are by far the oldest Sisters in the zone. The other three sisters have been out for 6 months and then Sister Reynolds is brand new. Needless to say they look up to us in every way possible. It's weird having them ask me questions like, "How do you feel?" "What is your dying advice for us?" I don't feel like I'm that close to the end but they keep reminding me that it's just around the corner haha.

This was probably the best week for us this transfer work wise. Time flies when you are lost in the work. There is soo much left to do and soo little time to make it happen. I hope you are all having a fantastic week. Remember the little things make the biggest differnce. Love you all!

Much love,
Sister Shayne

Pictures
Ava always wears my shoes. It doesn't matter what pair I wear every
single time I take them off I have to tract them to make sure I know
where they end up haha. This picture she has my shoes and her mums
phone. She was super cute.

 

 

This is me and Sister Reynolds :)

 

 

It was Elder Battye Juniors birthday on Friday so Sister Faive baked him a cake and we went to lunch as a district with them and the other Elders.

Elder Battye Senior on the left served with me out in Kalgoorlie for the 3 months I was there. His cousin Battye Junior just turned 20.   They are an amazing duo.

 This photo was taken just after Nikau received the priesthood :) 

 He and Elder Teuira walked out and Ally caught this priceless moment.       Me and Nikau :)

 

Nikau and Elder Teuira - my brothers

Mutu family :)

3 Nephi
17:8 Do you ahve sufficient faith?
18:5 Our church has the authoity given from the Lord
18:25 He denied none to come unto HIm
19:20 I feel like the people we are blessed to teach and baptize are
those that are chosen from the world to have the gospel. This also
shows me the importace of why we close are prayers in the name of
Jesus Christ.
20:31 This book is another testament of Jesus Christ
I'm a little behind on my reading because we are doing another Book of
Mormon challenge as a mission and I've been trying to tackle both. I
promise that I will have finished it before I land home though. Keep
reading and building that testimony!

Such an incredible week‏!

Hey everyone!

This has been an incredibly crazy week.  Full of trials, celebrations, emotions, and fun.  The two main things that happened this week was our Missionary Leadership Meeting and Stake Conference. On Friday Sister Faivakimoana and I drove up to the mission home to join all of the Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders for a monthly meeting to discuss the work in the mission.  I've had a lot of time to reflect this week. MLC was incredible. The last time I was at one of those meetings was nearly a year ago. It was amazing to look back and see what has changed in me and in the mission. I'm so grateful for the chances I have had to help so many people move forward in the gospel. The Greentree kids are so excited to go to the temple. They are keeping on to us to get their interviews with Bishop so they can go. It's amazing to see the change in people. I've deeply come to love the people of WA and especially here in Golden Bay.  At MLC they had me, Sister Faiva, and Sister Ensign all give our last testimonies.  It was super emotional.  I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to serve with both of them.  It was amazing to have a super charge of my purpose as a missionary.  We invite and help people get closer to God.  No better example of that this week then having Nikau get the Melchezidek Priesthood.  The atonement amazes me. I love seeing it change my life. I love seeing others change. This week Satan worked as hard as he could on Nikau.  On Wednesday we went over to the Mutu's to study with Nikau.  We got there and he just broke down to us about the struggles he has been going through.  He knew the adversary was going to work hard on him but he didn't realise how hard.  We had this saying all week that we just needed to make it to Sunday.  Once we make it to Sunday all will be good.  I wish you could see the change that I've seen in him in the last 8 months or so. Throughout the whole week we kept in contact with him mum and him to make sure that he was going to stay strong and receive the priesthood on Sunday. The change in him in the last 8 months is remarkable. Hearing his mum talk about his change always brings me to tears. I'm so grateful I was able to be a part of it all.  I'll come back to this story in a minute.  

 

Saturday night Sister Faiva and I along with our Zone Leaders gave a training at the adult session of Stake Conference.  President Johnson told us Tuesday that we would be giving training in front of all of the stake.   We were training on how members can be better missionaries.  We used quotes from Elder Bednar and Elder Ballard.  Elder Bednar said, "We properly pray for the safety and success of the full-time missionaries throughout the world. And a common element in many of our prayers is a request that the missionaries will be led to individuals and families who are prepared to receive the message of the Restoration. But ultimately it is my responsibility and your responsibility to find people for the missionaries to teach. Missionaries are full-time teachers; you and I are full-time finders. And you and I as lifelong missionaries should not be praying for the full-time missionaries to do our work!"  We talked about every member can invite someone to hear the gospel.  We talked about living the gospel out loud.  When someone asks you how you are instead of just saying, "I'm tired." say, "I'm tired because I had a privilege of waking up at 5am to take my kids to seminary." By using what the Elders called "Mormon words" it opens doors for people to ask about the gospel and for us to testify.  Elder Ballard in the last conference invited all of us to invite our friends to learn and to deepen our own conversion by studying Preach My Gospel.  He said, "May I suggest that we can all be more consistently involved in missionary work by replacing our fear with real faith, inviting someone at least once a quarter—or four times every year—to be taught by the full-time missionaries. They are prepared to teach by the Spirit, with sincere and heartfelt inspiration from the Lord. Together we can follow up on our invitations, take others by the hand, lift them up, and walk with them on their spiritual journey.  To help you in this process, I invite all members, regardless of your current calling or level of activity in the Church, to obtain a copy of Preach My Gospel. It is available through our distribution centers and also online. The online version can be read or downloaded at no cost. It is a guidebook for missionary work—which means it is a guidebook for all of us. Read it, study it, and then apply what you learn to help you understand how to bring souls to Christ through invitation and follow-up. As President Thomas S. Monson has said, “Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together, to labor in the Lord’s vineyard to bring souls unto Him.”  We had a lot of members come up to us after and tell us we did a great job and how much they appreciated our training.  It wasn't half bad for less then a weeks notice. 

Sunday morning I was incredibly excited and nervous all at the same time.  Brother Light was bringing Aaron with his family.  Aaron loved conference.  Each person who came to conference was given a CD of songs that some missionaries compiled with the Stake President.  Aaron texted us later last night and said, "I have a new favourite CD.  I've been playing it all day! It's beautiful."  I teared up when I read that.  The gospel is so perfect.  I LOVE IT!  About 9:30 Sunday morning I was pacing the floor of the Performing Arts Centre where conference is held.   I texted Mum Mutu and asked her how Nikau was going.  She said, " He's good :) I'm so excited and sooky it's the best day ever :)  xxx see you soon."  When Nikau, mum and dad walked in I couldn't help just just smile from ear to ear.  They all looked so happy.  Dad was even in slacks and a button-up shirt!  For those of you who don't remember Manaia is not a member. He has come to church 5 times since I've been here. He went from not wanting to have anything to do with the church to coming to baptisms and church because he has seen the change in his son. Nikau's example is what will bring his dad into the gospel. It was a beautiful sight.  When they had those who were getting the priesthood stand up I teared up.  We were on the stand singing with the choir and I had a direct view of Nikau.  I just cried.  It was amazing to be there and be able to just think, "He did it.  He made it.  All of the tears, all the hard work, all of the turns and dips along the crazy roller coaster of a journey it was to get here, he made it."  It was an overwhelming feeling.  My heart was full of admiration.  When the conference ended we all made our way to a different room to see Nikau get the priesthood.  I'm not even going to try and explain the feeling in that room and Nikau walked up and sat in the chair to have the priesthood conferred upon him.  I was in tears.  I love this family.  I love that I have family here in WA.  They've taken part of my heart and I won't ever get it back.  I love this gospel.  I love being a missionary.  My prayers are with you all and I hope all is going well with yous.  Miss you and love you heaps! 

Much love, 

Sister Shayne

Pics:

Nikau and Elder Teuira.  He gave him the priesthood.  It was a really special moment for both of them.  They are like my brothers.  I love these two so much.  I don't they understand how much they mean to me.  They gave each other the biggest hug after and I just smiled because I was so proud of Nikau and just so happy that Elder Tueira had the opportunity to give him the priesthood.  

Mum, dad, and Nikau

 

Me and my mission sons Elder Maughan and Elder Daniel :)  These two are great! 

Look who was serving in Rockingham when Nikau was baptized!!!!
Someone please forward this to Ryan!
We had a freak out this week at the Mutu's when we pulled up this
photo and I saw that it was Ryan. Cool aye! :)  -Penny note - Ryan and Shayne are cousins!

 

More pictures to come next week after Ally edits and emails them to me :) 

3rd Nephi

10:6 he will always welcome us back as we are humble enough to repent and return to Him

11:7, 10-11 Imagine how amazing it would be to hear these verses in person.

11:15 Put yourself in their shoes.  One by one. 

11:22-28 The last thing He told the apostles was to baptise in Matthew 28:18-20 and here it is the first thing He tells them when He returns. 

11:39 We must know, understand, and apply the doctrine to be saved. 

13:8,32 Heavenly Father knows. 

13:22 See footnote to D&C 88:67-68

14:13-14 One of my favourite scriptures

15:9 The law and light = eternal life

15:212 These are them!  John 10:16

Moving forward‏

Hey there!

I feel like the days of this week went by like weeks but that the week as a whole went by in a day.  It's a unique feeling.  We got a call from the office this week informing us of our flight plans.  That's an interesting phone call to receive.  I'm glad Sister Faivakimoana and I are finishing together.  It's been nice to have someone who understands.  We are helping each other stay focused.  It's been hard though.  Sister Faiva is ready to go.  She moved to a new area for her last transfer and hasn't unpacked.  She's just living out of her suitcases.  She's definitely in the 'enduring to the end' phase.  I'm still just trying to wrap my head around the fact that it's going to come to an end.  I love the people here and I'm so humbled to see the growth in the people that we work with.    

 

Tuesday Sister Faiva and I were able to give training at Zone Meeting.  It is part of being a Sister Training Leader now.  Back a year or so ago when I was SLT with Sister Terry we didn't have many responsibilities.  We were mainly just in charge of doing exchanges with the Sisters and that was it.  It was different being the one giving training.  We kept it really simple.  We were training on the importance of the Book of Mormon.  We had decided to have some of the new missionaries share with the zone how a story or teaching from the Book of Mormon helped their conversion to the gospel.  Sister Reynolds went first.  She is amazing.  She is the 10th of 13 kids from Utah but she is the only member in her family.  She has only been a member for about a year and a half.  Hearing her testimony was so powerful.  Next was Elder Collings from England.  He was born and raised in the church and testified that the Book of Mormon is the center of everything else in the gospel.  I was humbled to hear their testimonies.  I was glad that we were prompted to have them share.  

This week we had 2 really good lessons with Aaron.  He had definitely felt the Spirit and he knows he can't deny it.  He shared a really cool experience with us this week.  He has an hour long train ride every day up to the city for work and the same trip back at the end of the day.  He downloaded the gospel library onto his phone so that he can put in his headphones and listen to the scriptures as he reads on the train home each day.  He said that he was having a pretty down day and got on the train not really wanting to do anything.  He felt like he should listen and acted on the prompting.  He was really reflective and said, "Looking back on it that really did give me more peace then anything else could have."  He also expressed how he was on the train one other day sometime this last week and just felt like he should pray.  He said, "I probably looked dumb sitting there.  I just said it in my head but as I prayed I could feel myself smiling."  I love hearing stories like that from people.  I love seeing how Heavenly Father reach out and touch lives.  It puts a smile on my face. :)  Fun story about our lesson with him on Wednesday night.  We asked if he had extra speakers he didn't need and he took us into his spare room with just stuff in it and got side tract and opened this box and pulled out a lightsaber!   It was amazing.  We had way too much fun at the end of that lesson haha. Faiva and Alex took turns taking photos with it. 

 

Friday we took a temple trip with the Mutus.  We were so excited for Nikau to be able to go in a do baptisms.  It's been a couple of years since he had last gone in and done work for the dead. It was amazing to be there with them.  Mum, Jordy, and Sione took us with them.  When we got there Sister Tomaki and her companion Sister Tupuna also showed up!  It was so good to see her.  She ran up and gave me the biggest hug and just cried.  We got there just early enough to beat the traffic of youth and YSA that came at 7.   Sister Mutu has been doing amazing work with her mother-in-laws family line and they were able to take 30 names to the temple.  Jordy was baptized and confirmed for the females and Nikau for all the male names.  Sione was able to be there to perform the baptisms and confirmations.  It was a beautiful sight.  As Nikau left the font Elder Meredith the Temple President shook his hand and said, "Welcome back."  I was amazed at how strong the spirit was and I was just watching.  It was such a special experience to be a part of.  Sister Tomaki was also able to do baptisms for the dead.  That was a huge thing for her.  It was only her second time in her life.  She and Nikau were just beaming when they came out of the temple.  Moments to remember for a lifetime.  

 

 Scriptures of the week: D&C 138:1-4 and 2 Nephi 10:24-25.  Some of my best studies come while I'm sitting in sacrament meeting.  I'm so grateful for the atonement and my Savior.  

Hope you all have a fantastic week!  

 

Love you heaps, 

Sister Shayne 

 

Before photos!  

Nikau

 

 Me and Nikau

 

                                                              Me, Sister Tomaki, and Nikau :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After photos! 

Nikau

The three of us :) 

 

The whole gang!

 

 

 TOMAKI! :) 

After the temple

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the car on the way home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos:

Aaron and the lightsaber

 Faiva and the lightsaber :) 

 

Sunset at the foreshore.  I love this place.

 

3rd Nephi

6:14 No matter what is going on around us let us be like these Lamanite converts 

6:18 Not like these guys. . . 

7:16 This is how we feel most days

8:24-25 We can't procrastinate the day of our repentance.  We never know when our time here will be over. 

9:14-16  Wow. The light in all the darkness is Christ. 

9:20-22 Repent and be baptized.  That has always been the counsel and it always will be. 

     

Transfer #13 - Lucky last‏

G'day everyone!  

 

Well this was one interesting week.  The week of transfers is always exciting and sad at the same time.  We don't know what is going to happen until Monday morning and then we all get moved on Wednesday morning.  We made plans for Monday night and Tuesday night as if everyone was going to be transferred out of the ward.  Monday morning we got the call and 4 out of the 6 of us got the boot.  Elder Hereaka is staying and training a new missionary.  His trainee is Elder Daniel from North Carolina.  I'm staying here in Golden Bay. My new companion is Sister Faivakimoana.   She is from Sydney but was raised in New Zealand and her family is Tongan. She is the 6th of 12 kids.   Her oldest sister is adopted but the other 11 are all biological siblings.  All of her biological siblings have served missions.  There are 10 girls in her family and 2 boys.  In order of missionaries in her family they have served in Missouri, Hawaii, Philipines, Melbourne, Perth, Auckland, and England.  Her sister in Melbourne finishes next week, her sister in Auckland has been out for about 3 months and her sister in England just left for the MTC last week.  4 missionaries out at the same time!  She is amazing.  Another cool fact about her family is they have different tribes in their family.  Sister Faiva is from Joseph but some of her siblings are from Ephraim and others are from Manassah.  This was definitely an inspired companionship.  She came out with me so we will finish our missions serving together.  We are loving it.  Elder Maughan and Elder Teuria got put together down in Bussleton, Elder Wihongi got sent up to Gosnels in the same district as Sister Tomaki.  She got sent to the Thornlie area.  I was sooo gutted to have her leave.  She was ready to spread her wings though.  I had several members come up to me at church and tell me how they saw the inspiration of having her serve with me.  I was humbled to hear all of the nice compliments from the members on our companionship.  I was touched to see the change in Sister Tomaki over the last 4 and a half months.  She went from a little seedling to a massive tree.  I learned so much from her.  We will be friends for life.  No doubt about it.

 

Monday night we had a fantastic FHE with the Mutu family.  All of the missionaries came and the whole Mutu gang was there.  Elder Teuria and Elder Wihongi were in charge of our lesson.  They gave an incredible lesson on eternal families, temples, and the power of the sealing covenant.  The spirit was sooo strong throughout the whole lesson.  You could have cut it with a knife.  After the lesson and family council, which is actually like family testimony meeting in this family, we played games.  Everyone was supposed to bring a different game to play.  Oh man I have videos and pictures that will bring me to tears by laughter every time I watch them.  I'm excited to teach all of these new games to you all when I get back. 

 

Tuesday night we had a feed at the Mandin's.  It was fun to get together with all of them and just enjoy the night together.  We laughed, played games, and just relaxed.  No one was ready to have the district be split up.  We had to keep ourselves talking or doing something so that we wouldn't get sad.

 Sister Tomaki cried the whole way to the Mandin's house.  It was a hard night but great to have a last party all together.  

 

Wednesday was transfers.  The Elders came to our flat in the morning to drop off some luggage because it wouldn't all fit in their car with the 4 Elders in the car too.  Elder Wihongi said one last district prayer for us and made us all cry.  I'm going to miss these missionaries so much.  On to another chapter though.  We will still be in touch and friends for a lifetime. 

Wednesday night we went to the chapel to play games with the Young Women.  While we were there Nikau had an interview with Bishop.  When he came out he came right up to me and held up two pieces of paper.  In one hand he has his temple recommend and in the other hand he has his paperwork signed by Bishop in order to receive the Melchezidek Priesthood at Stake Conference in two weeks!   I let out a squeal and did a little happy dance.  We were like to the moon and back.  He went and showed Sione and Jordy who were there for youth and we all just had ear to ear grins across our faces.  Then we followed them back home so we could see mum, dad and Ally's reaction too.  Lots of tears of happiness.   We are soo stinkin proud of this kid.  I told him that I'll fly back for his mission farewell.  At church on Sunday we were out shaking hands with everyone and Mum came up behind me and said, "Look who is sitting on the stand!"  Nikau was up at the sacrament table with Sione and another priest to help bless the sacrament to the ward.  Nikau is my little brother.  We've decided that we are brother and sister.  We've already planned that we are going to Skype for his birthday because it's like 10 days after mine.  Man I can't express how much I love this family.  I'm so excited to be able to go to the temple with the Greentree kids and with Nikau soon.  I'm grateful that I got to stay here for my last transfer.  Sister Faiva and I have decided that we aren't going to let anything slow us down.  We are going to leave our mark here in a good way.  Golden Bay won't know what hit it :)  Scripture of the week is D&C 42:61.  

 

Hope you all have a fantastic week!  Love you all and I'll see yous before you know it! 

 

Much love, Sister Beckstrand          

Helaman 

8:15 Look upon Christ and live

9:2 What would it take for you to believe the prophet? 

10:4-5 I love that the comfort and advice in the scriptures fully applies to us today

11:4 Sometimes we are given trials because God can't get through to us any other way. 

11:37 The beginning of the chapter they were doing so well and by the end they were ripening for destruction. 

13:29 What are we choosing daily? 

14:30-32 Agency = greatest gift ever! 

16:4 Missionary work = Coming of Christ 

3 Nephi

1:24 Do you understand the scriptures?

1:30 We can change the raising generation from wickedness to righteousness.  It only takes one person to change a whole group. 

2:7 Within 9 years they began to forget and ignore the signs that made them believe.  It's been roughly 9 months since Christmas when most people think about Christ.  Is Christ a part of your everyday life?

4:33 Swollen hearts and gushing tears.  Mate I've felt that waaay too much the last couple of weeks. 

5:13 I am a disciple of Jesus Christ

5:24-26 The gathering of Isreal

 

 

Nikau!   We were just a little excited :)  Can you tell?

 

 

 

 

 Food at the Mutus

 

Elder Maughahs card tower

 

 

Me and Sister Tomaki at Breakfast on Tuesday at Brother Day's house. 

What A Week

Hey everyone!

Sorry for the late email this week.  We got to the library yesterday and the computers were down.  They didn't come back up while we were down in Mandurah so we got permission to email today instead.
 

This last week will be one that I won't soon forget.  Let me start on Wednesday.  Wednesday we went and saw the Greentree family.  We taught them about temples and family history work.  It was a great lesson and everyone participated.  After the lesson everyone had all kinds of questions about baptism.  Anything from how they are baptized to the white clothes they have to wear.  We addressed each concern and helped them feel confident about it all.  I was kind of surprised that they had so many questions about it.  At the end of every question answered I would say something like, "but we have another week to worry about that."  We finished their lesson and went to see Sister James and her lovely kids.  She had a friend over for dinner.  We taught all of them about the importance of following the prophet.  There were two 10 year olds, and two 6 year olds that each and every one of them wanted the attention so we played 'Thomas S. Monson says'  :)  I thought it was a clever game.  We watched the Mormon Message 'Dare to Stand Alone' and the mum's friend really felt the spirit.  It was really great to see.  We invited her to join us for our lessons with the James family every week.  :)  I love seeing members share what they know and not being afraid to let people know what they stand for.  When we left I checked our phone.  We missed a call from Brother Dean Timms.  Dean is the one who baptized Phil Greentree 17 years ago and was planning on baptizing all the children as well.  We drove down the street and called him back.  As soon as it started to ring I looked at Sister Tomaki and said, "We got the weekend wrong.  Brother Timms is back this weekend, not next weekend."  Sure enough Dean answered and said, "Hey Sisters it's Dean here.  I was just talking to Phil and we decided that the children's baptism will be on Saturday at 5pm."  Now you need to know something about Brother Timms, when he says "jump" he expects you to say, "how high?" I answered, "This Saturday or next Saturday?"  He said, "This Saturday! I'm back this weekend and I won't be back for about 3-4 more weekends after this one."  I just went silent and didn't really know what to say.  My head was spinning like a million and a half miles per hour. He asked if I was there and I said, "Yes we are here but Brother Timms they haven't had their baptismal interviews yet."  In this mission they have to have them done no later that Wednesday night in order to be baptized on the upcoming Saturday.  He had a lot of confidence in us.  He said, "Sisters you know how to make it happen!  You can do it.  If not we will have to wait 3-4 more weeks."  That was enough for me to freak out just a little.  I called Elder Hereaka and just vented all of what had just happened off to him.  After I finished my little freak out moment I asked, "What are you doing right now?"  He just laughed and said, "I'm coming to meet you at the Greentree's to give them their baptismal interviews."  Sure enough we went to our flat and grabbed the records to fill out and met him at the Greentree's house to give them their interviews.  The kids were really cool with the whole thing.  We started with a prayer and then Elder Hereaka interviewed one by one while mum and I filled out the records.  It was a crazy moment.  After the interviews were completed Phil opened up with us and shared the full story of his accident up in the mines.  Here is a picture of the accident.

 Insert from Penny - I found the story online...

Rio Tinto reprimanded after mine haul truck hits 4WD, drags it 40 metres in Pilbara

By Gian De Poloni

Updated 31 Jul 2014, 5:48pmThu 31 Jul 2014, 5:48pm

Photo: The driver had to be radioed to stop after hitting the four wheel drive.

Map: Tom Price 6751

Rio Tinto has been reprimanded after a serious safety incident at one of its iron ore mines in Western Australia's Pilbara region.

It is understood a collision occurred between a haul truck and a four-wheel drive during nightshift in the early hours of Saturday morning at Brockman 4 iron ore mine, near Tom Price.
The ABC has been told the truck driver was unaware the vehicle had been hit.
It was dragged 40 metres before the two occupants radioed the driver, who pulled to a stop.
The Department of Mines and Petroleum said the four-wheel drive entered the bulking-in work area in the stockyards, without following access procedures.
It said the accident happened when the vehicle collided with the truck on a single lane access ramp while trying to exit the area.

Photo: The four-wheel-drive was dragged 40 metres by the haul truck.

In a statement, Rio said all those involved were able to exit their vehicles safely, however the company was conducting an in-depth investigation.
It said the incident was extremely rare and it was taking it very seriously to ensure it does not happen again at any of its sites.
The company said it was working closely with the department.

The department said it had issued Rio with an improvement notice regarding traffic management at the mine.

Topics: road, mining-industry, tom-price-6751

First posted 31 Jul 2014, 1:06pmThu 31 Jul 2014, 1:06pm

More stories from Western Australia

He was in the ute that is under the wheel of that truck.  He was on the passenger side as well which means that he was right under that wheel.  He said that the ute had been moved in order to get them out and this picture was a set up of what had happened so they could put it in the paper.  I wanted to throw up actually hearing the whole story.  He shouldn't be alive but Heavenly Father has a much greater plan for him.

Friday we had another lesson with the Greentree family.  We taught about service and missionary work by sharing the story of Ammon in the Book of Mormon.  It's always a popular story that gets everyone's attention when you share it.  Tia melted my heart with her prayer where she asked that "Sister Beckstrand won't forget her after she finishes her mission." That girl has a mighty big place in my heart.  We got a little distracted during the lesson with the excitement for the next day.  I asked each of the kids how they felt and I could tell that Tia wasn't super thrilled but that she was doing it because she knows it's right.  I had no idea to what magnitude of that feeling until the next day.

Saturday morning I got a text from Aeronny asking me how Tia was feeling about her baptism.  I told her that I could tell something was up but didn't know what.  Well Aeronny being the incredible Young Womens leader she is she just talked with Tia over Facebook for a bit and then got back to us.  Aeronny felt that she really stood in need of a priesthood blessing for comfort if she was going to make it to her baptism that evening.  We texted Tash and asked if we could bring the Elders around to give them all a blessing of comfort and she readily accepted.  We called the Elders and set up a time to go around.  When we walked up we heard yelling inside and Phil stormed out of the house.  He said some choice words and said he was going for a walk.  The poor Elders and Aeronny were probably freaking out about what was going on.  Sister Tomaki and I walked right in the house and into Tia's room where she was in tears.  I just sat on the floor next to her and pulled her into a hug where she continued to cry it all out.  To make a long story short her friends at school have been making fun of her for joining the church.  She was bullied a lot growing up and having it all come back because of something she knew was right was really eating at her.  When dad found out he was mad.  Not at Tia but at her friends.  Since her friends weren't there his voice was raised at her.  Aeronny came into her room and we all had a nice chat.  When we got her calmed down we went out to meet the Elders to give the kids and Tash a blessing.  Aeronny opened with a beautiful prayer and Elder Teuira explained the priesthood a little bit and what a priesthood blessing is.  Then he proceeded to give Tia a blessing.  Phil came back from his walk right in the middle of Tia's prayer.  Just hearing him coming down the hall I knew he was mad.  He heard that we were praying and walked back out into the front room.  After Tia's blessing she gave me another huge hug.  Georgia went next.  We took a little break after Georgia and Tia turned to me and asked, "Will you stand up with me today as I bare my testimony at my baptism?"  I choked back tears and said, "Of course."  Tash came back into the room and asked Tia for her phone.  As Tia left the room Tash said, "I don't think she is going to be baptized tonight.  Phil is really mad."  I looked at her and said, "Can I go talk to him?"  She responded, "He is out in the front.  You are welcome if you like but I really don't think it's going to make a difference."  I stood straight away and walked into the front yard.  I pulled up a chair and faced Phil.   I started with, "What is going on?"  He just spilled everything out on the table and we talked about it all.  I have to admit that I came at him in the "you know you need to knock off that attitude and get your butt in gear" tactic but I didn't think anything else would work.  After about a 20 minute conversation with him he had finally cooled down and could see that he was actually being a big problem.  We talked about the adversary and how he will try to do literally everything in his power to bring us down.  Especially on days that are of utmost importance.  I told Phil that he needed to ask the Elders for a blessing as well.  We went inside and he excused us and sat and talked with the Elders.  I wish I had words to describe how much I love and appreciate having Elders who are always worthy and willing to help us in any way they can.  It's the greatest blessing to a sister missionary.  We left their house with just enough time to go get ready for the baptism and book it to the chapel to make sure that we had enough baptismal whites and what have you so that everything would run smoothly. 

Baptisms are really really stressful.  I went and saw Dr. Mutu on Friday and before she even started adjusting my back she said, "You are stressed aren't you?"  It's amazing what your body can tell you. Anyway about 10 minutes after we showed up so did the Greentrees.  We got them all changed.  Along with the Mandurah Elder's investigator Lesley and the Halls Head Elder's investigator Payam who were all baptized at the same service.  Of course we all got their early enough to take pictures.  I just want you to get an idea of how amazing the Mandurah ward is.  Our building is currently under construction and we don't have a baptismal font which means we all have to travel up to Rockingham chapel for a baptism.  We had easily 100+ members show up to this baptism.  It was absolutely incredible.  The YW did a musical item where Lesley sang her favorite hymn, I Know That my Redeemer Lives.  It was great.  The baptisms were beautiful.  I cried and cried through the whole thing.  This whole week has been emotionally draining.  After the baptisms Alex, Nikau, and Jordy sang a song.  I had heard the song the night before and I just bawled my eyes out when I first heard it.  It's one of my new favorite songs.  I've been singing it every day since.  Tia did go up and bare her testimony with me right by her side.  Moments like that shape my mission.  I just teared up in the library just thinking about it.  These children are remarkable!  I can't explain my love for each of them.  At church on Sunday all 5 new members were confirmed the newest members of the Mandurah Ward in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day  Saints :) What an incredible experience.  Kian met with Bishop Mandin before church on Sunday to be interviewed to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.  He was not only confirmed a member on Sunday but was also given the Priesthood.  Bishop told Phil that once he and Tash are married that he too can get the Aaronic Priesthood and then in turn baptize Tash :)  It just brings so much joy to my heart to be a small part of the change and blessings of this families life.  I'm incredible humbled to have met them.  There are definitely friendships that will last a lifetime.  Phil told me that he will purchase my ticket back here to see their family be sealed together in the temple.  That will be a day I will never forget.  Much like this last Saturday.  I'm grateful for the Spirit guiding Aeronny to have Tia and the others get a blessing.  Without that blessing her baptism wouldn't have happened.  Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways but His way is always the best.  I'm so grateful to be a missionary here in the Mandurah Ward. 

We just received transfer calls this week and I will be finishing my mission here in the Golden Bay area.  I'm so happy.  I'm absolutely gutted that I am losing Sister Tomaki.  I'm not coping very well with that but I know she is needed elsewhere and that she will be a spiritual powerhouse wherever the Lord needs her.  I'm also super sad that we are losing 3 of our Elders in our district.  This district really was like my family.  We were so unified we had prayer together every night via phone calls.  I'm going to miss them all heaps but I know I'll see them again.  That's the beautiful thing about technology :)  My new companion is Sister Faivakimoana.  I don't know much about her except that we go home together.  I'll have more info on her next week.  I hope you are all surviving your first week of school!   Work hard and remember to invite the Spirit to be with you always.  We need that constant companionship of the Holy Ghost in order to get by.  I love you all and miss you heaps! 

Much love,

Sister Shayne  

Kangaroo :)
 

Sunset


 
SHAYNE STREET!  My other happiest moment of the week was finding this street while tracting in the Elders area :)  

Family

 

 
Us

Brother Timms

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elder Teuira baptized Lesley and Elder Wihongi made sure the baptism all ran smoothly!  These are the greatest Elders I've ever met.  I'm gutted that they are both being transferred.

 Us and Lesley 

Lesley, Tia, and Aeronny

Baptism selfies :)  haha

 A photo of people taking a baptism selfie :)

These are the lyrics to the song "He will carry you"  that the Mutu's sang.

There is no problem too big
God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall
God cannot move it

There is no storm too dark
God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it

Oh, if He carries the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know my brother that He will carry you
Oh, if He carries the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know my sister that He will carry you

He said, "Come on to me all who are weary
And I will give you rest, rest, rest, rest"

There is no problem too big
God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall
He cannot move it

There is no storm too dark
God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it

Oh, if He carries the weight of the world upon His shoulders
Oh, I know my brother that He will carry you
Oh, if He carries the weight of the world upon His shoulders
Oh, I know my sister that He will carry you
I know my brother and I know my sister that He will carry you