ITS HEREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

No need for an essay... It is what you think it is: MY CALL IS HERE!!!!!

Tuesday, 30 December 2014 at 10:22am is when it finally came! I'm flooded with so many different emotions right now.. I don 't know where to start. I have to wait until I go home to open it. So I'll finish work and go to Blacktown to get uni and then we'll train it back to Newcastle together so I can open it.

THIS IS IT!!!!

Sister Loli ;-)

WAIT NO MORE

Well, actually, its not what you think. You should keep waiting because my call isn't back yet. BUT, it will be here soon soon soon. I spoke to my President who told me that it should be here either the week of Christmas or the following week. Christmas was Thursday which means... You know what it means. I am on top of the world, excited as ever! I cannot wait to open my call and see where I am to serve. This calls for celebration... No, not a party but something like: a cupcake, a movie, cruise to the beach... You know something like that. Hahahaha! A bit off topic but yes I am very excited!!

While I was preparing to serve my mission, I found it extremely difficult. I was on an emotional roller coaster and I couldn't understand why it seemed so easy for others. It honestly looked like a piece of cake for them whilst I was suffering to do the simplest things in preparation for this. One day I would be so full of hope and determination. And then the very next second, I would be at my lowest.. struggling to keep afloat. One day, I had had enough and decided to throw in the towel (because lets face it, nobody is perfect). I text my President and told him I was done, to which he replied: "Esther read Ecclesiastes 3:1. Don't doubt this time as part of your purpose." I grabbed my scriptures and scavenged for this reference in search for hope, I read:

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"

I cried, cried and cried. And prayed, I prayed to ask for forgiveness, forgiveness for doubting that this was my purpose and I asked for strength, strength to overcome any trials that were to come. Any trials that were to try and take me off the path I was currently on. I spoke to my President the next day and I thanked him for his text and assured him that I was fine and well and truly back on the path I was meant to be on.

I have such a strong testimony of the Gospel, I believe with all of my heart that it is the truth on this earth. If I didn't believe it, I wouldn't be sacrificing 18 months to share it with strangers because that would just be a waste of time for everybody. I am grateful for the truthfulness of the Gospel, I am grateful for our living Prophet today, Thomas S. Monson. I love this Gospel with everything I have! I can truly say that I would give my life for it. I love missionaries and missionary work. And I am so very grateful for their hard work and selflessness. I love our Father in Heaven, our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost and I'm so very grateful for their presence in my life. Through and in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sister Loli ;-)

MY SAMOAN SISTERS

Sister Sopo & Sister Agavaa-Faanoi

SISTER AIONO

One of our very best friends, Noa left to serve her mission yesterday. She has been called to serve in the Atlanta Georgia Mission. There aren't enough words to explain how proud I am of her - Sister Aiono, whilst preparing for her mission, went through trials very similar to mine. And so being able to see her off at the airport and see that she finally reached her goal to serve, brought tears to my eyes and hope to my heart. I know that I can overcome these trials that I'm facing, if I do it with Heavenly Father, then I have nothing to fear. No matter what comes my way, I will push on because this is something that I've always wanted to do. I cannot wait to join her on the field. I know that I will. 

I will always keep the faith! 

Sister Loli ;-)

IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME

NEW MISSIONARIES

Sister Lowe (Melbourne) & Sister Cho (San Fransisco), we got two new missionaries. I got to meet them today. I love missionaries!

HASTENING THE WORK OF SALVATION

After a bitter sweet weekend... My Monday came. Oh how I love Mondays. It's like an extension of Sunday... like a Sunday part two (in regards to being spiritually uplifted that is). I heard from all my magnificent missionaries and I replied. MISSIONARY MAIL MAKE MY MONDAYS MAGNIFICENTLY MARVELOUS. The weekend that was, was awesome. We had Newcastle Stake Conference and the theme for the weekend was *drum rolls*... 

Hastening the Work of Salvation!

So I say bitter sweet because apart from it being such a spiritual weekend, my sister, my tokouso Sister Kale was transferred. She has been in our ward since she came out onto the field and I love her like she is my blood sister. I haven't cried that way in so long and I was so sad to be saying good bye but I was also so happy for her, that she'll be going to a new area and teaching new people, preaching the Gospel to others and touching peoples hearts with her testimony. She is such an amazing missionary and I seriously am so excited for her, it was just so sad saying good bye. Or see you later. I miss her. So Sunday I was surrounded by sister missionaries and it was way too cool. Being amongst all of that made me want to serve even more. Missionaries are amazing and I have so much respect for them. They are the Lord's hands here on the earth. How blessed are they!

L - R: Sister Stanbury (England), Sister
Kale (Tonga), Sister Beria (Kiribati) &
Sister Utuone (Utah)

I learned so much from the conference. Well to be honest, everything that was said, I kinda already knew, but I needed the reminder - BIGTIME!. The speakers were so intuned with the spirit, it made it easier to listen. I know that I must be better, try harder to seize every opportunity to spread the Gospel and live like I believe. I need to be an example to those around me because the best testimony that you can share is the way you live your life. People are always watching. Live like you believe!

At the Saturday evening conference, my sisters and I sung hymn #335 "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy" acapella for the intermediate hymn. The fastest way for me to feel the spirit is through music. I was so touched the Presidency asked us to sing. One of the brethren who spoke Saturday night mentioned when he was serving his mission their motto was to live life without fear. They used that as their motto because his favourite artist is Biggie Smalls hahahaha. That cracked me up... But seriously, let your faith be stronger than your fear and you have nothing to worry about.

I just want to say that I love the Gospel with all of my heart, no more... no less. It is my life!

Sister Loli ;-)

The current stats for
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

WAIT FOR IT

Some days I feel so down and unsure of myself. But then I think about others who have life way harder than mine and I get over myself. But on those down days I can’t seem to look up. You wouldn’t know, but I have been having lots and lots of down days as of late and I am just hating life. But then... Monday’s come and I am all of sudden on top of life again!!! Well Monday's for some are the worst day of the week but let me tell you a little about my Monday’s and why I love them so... Most members call Monday’s “Missionary Monday” because they are the days that their missionary family and friends email home. I look forward to this day for spiritual upliftment and encouragement to keep on the path of righteousness. But also to remind me of my purpose. I love to hear how my missionaries are going and if they are safe. But most of all, I love to read about their experiences and being able to tell by their emails how much they are growing spiritually. I love it, I love it all! I am usually quite fast in my replies to these missionaries but I have to admit I have been really slack the last 3 weeks. I’ll try and write today but if I don’t get around to it then next week for sure. It makes me want to serve so bad, I have such a craving to preach the Gospel and I want the world to know of the truthfulness of the Gospel. I know that a lot of people also believe that their beliefs are the truth or maybe they’re too comfortable in their ways or values. But I think if people just challenge themselves to listen with an open heart and open mind that they will feel that it is truth, that the spirit will testify to them! These things I want to share with others, I mean if you find out something good don’t you go and tell your family and friends about it? Good tidings are meant to be shared with all who will listen. That is what I want to do. I want to tell everybody of the truth, that Christ lives and loves us. He died so that we could live again. Death is NOT the end, it is genesis. If there is one thing that I am passionate about, it is my religion. I can say that I would honestly die for my faith, my religion, what is true. I am so proud of my loved ones who are currently serving full-time missions and preaching the Gospel to those who need to hear it. The list below are some of my family and friends who are serving... I don't have the places for all of them but I will find out and update the list. 

• Sister Laila Purcell – New Zealand Auckland Mission 
• Sister Jodie Taylor – New Zealand Auckland Mission 
• Elder J’orel Key – Australia Melbourne Mission 
• Sister Corinne Key – New Zealand Hamilton Mission 
• Elder Matthew Hodge – Tokyo South Japan Mission 
• Elder Zachary Hodge - Philippines Naga Mission 
• Sister Marlies Hammerl – Seoul South Korea Mission 
• Sister Margaret Amituanai – Seoul South Korea Mission 
• Sister Pule Amituanai – Japan Tokyo Mission 
• Sister Tasi Fuamatu – Zambia Lusaka Mission 
• Sister Maryann Utai – Australia Brisbane Mission 
• Sister Khadijah Purcell – Seoul South Korea Mission 
• Elder Malakai Alovili – New Zealand Wellington Mission 
• Sister Tiperia Magalogo – New Zealand Auckland Mission 
• Elder Jonathon Faustini – Tonga Nuku’alofa Mission 
• Elder Moefili Pinono – New Zealand Auckland Mission 
• Elder Damien Fleming – Australia Adelaide Mission 
• Sister Jennifer Fuggle – Japan Tokyo Mission 
• Sister Samantha Fuggle – Philippines Olongapo Mission 
• Sister Hannah Bartlett – Canada Vancouver Mission 
• Elder Anthony Te Rangi – Australia Perth Mission 
• Elder Tyrone Brown – 
• Sister Tatiana Brown – 
• Sister Laleaga Faleono – 
• Elder Mahonri Faleono – 
• Sister Keiana Watene-Zelezniak – New Zealand Wellington Mission 
• Elder Eddie Faingataa – England London Mission 
• Elder Benson Fakai – Phillipines ? Mission
• Sister Anna Mateaki Palu – Australia Melbourne Mission
• Sister Mia Palu – New Zealand Auckland Mission
• Elder Fitisemanu Apulu – Australia Melbourne Mission

The work of the Lord is progressing and I want to be in and amongst it all, I want to be a part of this great work. I know that I have been getting discouraged a lot and I'm always asking why I'm not on my mission... but I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason and that there are so many reasons why I am not on my mission. My mumma always says: 

"We only see one tree, but God sees the whole forest"

She always knows what to say. So I will wait, be patient and have a good attitude while waiting. My mission call will come when it comes, when it is meant to come. I need to have faith.

I am going to be better and try harder. Oh and one more thing... I started temple prep classes on Sunday. Winning! I am overjoyed that I can attend with my best friend and only baby sister Eternity. We're in it together, just the two of us and I love it.

Sister Loli ;-)

JUST FOR LAUGHS

Mi goreng anyone? LOL!

FIRST DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS BEFORE YOU DOUBT YOUR FAITH

And to think I was beginning to lose hope. How silly of me, how could I even think about giving up. I am too blessed to be stressed. My Heavenly Father is with me and stands beside me. He will always be with me and I choose to stand by His side and let Him lead the way.

"Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare ^aglad tidings of great joy unto this generation."

Doctrine & Covenants 31:3 

So yesterday I met with President and he asked me "is there anything you want to say before I submit your papers?" I answered with a smile "I am so ready, let's do this!". And so there you have it, my papers are in, and now THE WAITING GAME begins! Like actually... Hahaha. And it is about time I say! A mission is something that I have wanted to do since before I can remember. I do remember though, sitting in Primary singing "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission" and imagining what it would be like when my time finally comes and I am called to serve. I'll be honest with you though, as I grew up and became a teenager my desire became hazy. I won't say that I lost it, but it was fading away. Slowly. High school is a distant memory now but I am grateful for those dark times in my life because now I know what I truly want after tasting the bad fruit, I choose the good. Thankfully, that phase didn't last long and my desire was back and in full force. Although I was unsure how to get there. But now I am well and truly on the path to serve. I am where I want to be. I am here, waiting to receive my mission call and I wouldn't have it any other way. I want to cry, tears of happiness, I am so grateful to be able to go out and share the Gospel with others. The Gospel is my everlasting happiness and I hope everybody can feel the joy that I feel when I embrace it. I cannot wait to see that big white envelope with my call inside. I am going to hug it so tight! Hahaha. Well goodbye for now, not forever.

Sister Loli ;-)

ITS JUST ONE OF THEM DAYS

Just when I thought everything was done, submitted and gone. And all I had to do was wait... I was wrong. I called my Stake President this morning (who I love to bits!!!) because he needed to speak with me. He told me that there a few things missing from my papers and that once they are complete we will submit. I guess that’s what I get for counting my chickens before they hatch right? I’ve been crying all morning, I just want to go home and cry my little eyes out. But I can’t. I need to stay here at work and stick it out. This is another test or trial and once I overcome it I’ll look back at this and laugh (I think, well I hope). I guess my Father in Heaven knows that I have a lot to work on before I go out preaching the Gospel to the world huh? I know that the main lesson I will learn from this is patience -- and boy, that is something I need to learn! Patience is something that I lack, probably because I’m a bit of a brat and never really have to wait for anything. Heavenly Father knows me better than I know myself. I’m just really upset… So for now, I’m just going to cry – cry, pray and listen to “The Moleni Brothers”. That’s all you can do right? I don’t want to talk to anyone or anyone to talk to me because I’m so annoyed and I don’t want to snap. I’m irritated, upset, angry, sad, depressed, hating everything, mad, not a happy camper, annoyed, infuriated and lost. Confused? I want to serve and I want to serve now. I want to be out there on the field sharing the one thing in the whole world that makes me truly happy. I don’t want to be here anymore… doing nothing.

Just something I should always remember...

Okay. So the first half of my blog was a bit of a downer. But after writing that and re-reading what I wrote I think I will change the tone on that. You know what they say, “Let go and let God”. So that is exactly what I am going to do. I’m going to wipe my tears away, stop complaining, keep smiling and share the Gospel right here and right now – because I don’t need to be set apart as a full-time missionary to share the Gospel. I can share it right now - starting right now! Let’s do this, no more tears. I've got work to do.

Sister Loli ;-)

SISTERS ARE DOING IT FOR THEMSELVES

Travelling & Welfare Sisters:
Ieremia, Valencia, Nonutunu & Clarke at Sauniatu.

Sister Arlette Hart, left, and Sister Irene Eldridge, right, served in the Western States Mission from 1937 to 1939.

“Through your devoted service and willing sacrifice, your mission will become holy ground to you.” —Elder W. Christopher Waddell of the Seventy

THE WAITING GAME

Dental and medical examinations - check. Interview with Bishop - check. Interview with Stake President - check. Mission papers submitted - check! And now, what some like to call - THE WAITING GAME. As I wait for my call, I go about my daily duties. Wake up, get ready for the day ahead, work, soccer or church (depending on which day it is) and then at the end of the day, retire to my resting place. The only difference is, I am waiting for my call. My mission call. As I wake up every morning I wonder if "today is the day"... And will continue to wonder until it is the actual day hahaha. As I write, I reminisce on past events that have lead me to this day - to where I am this very second. I think that the Gospel has been the greatest blessing in my life. I would not be the person I am today without it. My family are forever because of it. I would give my life for the Gospel. I owe my life to my Father in heaven and saviour Jesus Christ. So I think that 18 months is nothing compared to what I owe them. I want to bear testament of the truthfulness of the Gospel, it is my sunshine through the rain and light in every dark tunnel. The Gospel brings joy to all those it touches (it most definitely has given me the greatest kind of joy).

"We are commanded by God to take the Gospel to all the world. That is the cause that must unite us today. Only the Gospel will save the world from the calamity of its own self-destruction. Only the Gospel will unite men of all races and nationalities in peace. Only the Gospel will bring joy, happiness, and salvation to the human family." - Ezra Taft Benson.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the truth on this earth. I know that without the Gospel in my life I would be a lost cause (honestly!!!), I know that Jesus Christ lived and died so that I (and you) could live again. I know that when you come unto Christ and have Faith in Him and repent in His name that you will find happiness and joy far greater than you could ever imagine. I know, because I've found that happiness and that joy and my life is AMAZING! I love the Lord with all of my heart. And I am forever indebted to Him. The Book of Mormon is true - read it before you mock it. I love you all (serious), through and in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. (I will keep you updated on my call. I am hoping I get it soon... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE).

Sister Loli ;-)