tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82027500669581425952024-02-07T18:31:31.526-08:00Sister Pearce in New ZealandAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12708973313233730323noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-67634192144299616922015-05-04T06:05:00.002-07:002015-05-04T06:05:16.485-07:00The Last Melon (:What a joyous journey this has been, eh? I have enjoyed every minute, every heartache, every trial, every laugh, every cry. I have learned so much and I will never be the same. The Lord has changed me so much and I am so grateful that I have been able to serve this mission for the Lord. I struggled at the beginning, but I pushed through it and I came out stronger on this side. (:<br />
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Well, this week, Gwen got baptised!! It was such a stressful day! We had to fill the font in the morning because the heater takes three hours to heat up the font. So we waited for that. It was good, I got to play the piano and Sister Perry and I had some good laughs. The Elders Quorum had an Amazing Race at the chapel and one of the things that they had to do was eat a baby octopus. Well, guess what we found? A baby octopus that someone hadn't eaten. They just left in on the bench in the kitchen. So, Sister Perry and I decided to take photos with it. It was pretty gross. (As a side note: one of the kids later at the baptism, ate it....yeah, after it had been on the ground...and in the rubbish bin. YUCK!!)<br />
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We went out to visit some people while we waited for the font to be filled and it was a pretty cool day. Then we went back to the chapel at 3:30 because Gwen wanted to get there early so we could walk through everything. It was so cool. She said that she just felt way calm and that she was ready to be baptised. It was really cool. (:<br />
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People started coming and it was really cool to see Gwen's parents walk in and then her son and some of the friends that she had invited. She was simply glowing. It was amazing. And everything ran so smoothly. The talks were amazing and when Elder Romney said the prayer and baptised her, the Spirit was so strong. (: It was so cool. And then as Elder Christensen confirmed her a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the next day, she looked happier than she had ever been in her life. And she even got up and bore her testimony!! The woman who had anxiety so bad that she wouldn't even step foot in the chapel, got up in Sacrament Meeting and bore her testimony. It was so cool (:<br />
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It's been hard to say goodbye to everyone that I love in New Plymouth, but I know that I have served as hard as I could despite the different challenges I faced.<br />
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I love the Lord. So much. I love this Gospel and I know it's true. It doesn't quite feel real to me that I have served my time and will be heading home tomorrow, but I know that this is the Lord's plan for me. Thank you all so very very much for the support you have given me. I love you all!!!<br />
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Arohanui,<br />
Sister Rachel Pearce<br />
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0097-> The Cake that I made for Gwen's baptism (:<br />
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0101-> Baby Octopus alert!<br />
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0103-> GWEN'S BAPTISM!!!!<br />
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0119-> At church on Sunday. (:<br />
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0138-> Goodbye to one of my best friends in the whole wide world. (':<br />
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-46682903085218795962015-04-26T19:56:00.001-07:002015-04-26T19:56:21.954-07:0017 Months and 3 Weeks old!<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Who knew this day would come? I certainly didn't! This week is going to be the best week ever! </span><br />
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It wasn't the most exciting week last week. There was a public holiday and seriously everyone was commemorating Anzac Day. So, really it was kind of a slow week. (: But we did have a couple of cool moments, as always. (: </div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1564472552" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span> was probably the best Preparation Day I have ever had in the mission field. The weather was really good, so we decided that we would go to Back Beach. I am not kidding you, the weather was absolutely perfect. No wind. Not too hot and not too cold. It was perfect. The tide was out and so were all of the star fish and sea anemones. It was SO COOL!! We found so many cool shells and paua shells and crabs and star fish and sea slugs. Man, it was the best Preparation Day ever! I attach and send heaps of photos. (:</div>
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We had a lesson with one of our less actives named Skye this week. And it was such a cool lesson! Sister Cardall came with us and we didn't teach what we had planned, but we did teach about standing alone. President Monson's talk kept coming to my head, so we shared Dare To Stand Alone (<a href="http://www.mormonchannel.org/watch/series/mormon-messages-for-youth/dare-to-stand-alone-5" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.mormonchannel.org/<wbr></wbr>watch/series/mormon-messages-<wbr></wbr>for-youth/dare-to-stand-alone-<wbr></wbr>5</a>) and it was so inspired! It was a really cool lesson. (: </div>
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Sister Cardall called us this week and asked if we could drop her off to a sister that she was going to be visiting teaching. So, we dropped her off and then we got invited in! It was such a cool visit. This sister is from Idaho, but had her name removed from church records a long time ago. So, we chatted with her for a while and then they told us that the Elders were coming, so we jetted off in like two seconds. But it was cool and we are definitely going to start visiting her more and more. (: </div>
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One day this week we were trying to decide where we needed to be and Sister Perry says, "I really feel that we need to visit Gwen!" So, we drove to Gwen's house and as we sit down Gwen says, "Man, I was just going to call you because I have an awesome story to tell you!" So, she went on to tell us that every morning after she finishes night shift she buys a pie for breakfast (not the pie that I know you're thinking of right now. A meat pie) and this particular morning she got there a little later than usual. Well, in front of Gwen was Bonnie Heath. The less active member I mentioned last week. So, Gwen got way excited and called out to her and started telling her how she was taking the missionary lessons and that she was going to be baptised. And then! Gwen brought up Bonnie's mission and apparently Bonnie got real excited and was talking about her mission. And then Gwen, the awesome missionary she is, invited Bonnie to her baptism. And Bonnie said that she has <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1564472553" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">May 2</span></span> off and that she'll try really hard to make it. How flippin' cool is that? (: Gwen is so awesome!!!!</div>
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Well, that's about it for this week! I'll send some photos! </div>
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I love you all!! Thank you for supporting me as I have served the Lord. </div>
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0004->Back Beach!! </div>
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0007->Classic Name in the sand. </div>
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0010->Love hearts in the shadow. (:</div>
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0016->Classic badges in the sand. (:</div>
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0026->Sister Perry and I . (:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">0032->Sea Slug!</span></div>
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0036->Star Fish!</div>
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0038->A beautiful view.(:</div>
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0040->A cool waterfall coming from no where. (:</div>
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1040197-> Coolest jumping photo ever!!!! </div>
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1040224-> Us and Gwen. We finally got a photo with her! (:</div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-24030642191501723502015-04-19T21:19:00.002-07:002015-04-19T21:19:36.372-07:00A Week Of Teaching, Testifying and Inviting!This felt like the longest week of my life, but it was an incredibly good week!!<br />
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Monday night, we had Family Home Evening with Gwen at the Riggle's house. It was so good. We taught her about the Word of Wisdom and it was an awesome lesson. She accepted everything and every question she had, President Riggle was able to answer it and she committed to live the Word of Wisdom. It was so awesome. (:<br />
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Tuesday was woke up and it was freezing cold. Like I thought it was cold in Hamilton last winter, but this cold is like Antarctica. Then as we were driving around throughout the day, we saw the mountain and it had heaps of snow on it! 7291. We quickly learned that the status of the mauga (mountain in Maori) determines the status of our warmth, or should I say lack of warmth. So, that was cool. Literally. (;<br />
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District Meeting was about inviting people to be baptised the first time we teach them and we talked about different techniques that we could use to do that. Then Sister Perry went out and applied it! One of the recent converts in our branch, Kelly, gave us a referral for her friend Donna so we went over to Donna's flat on Thursday and started teaching her the restoration. Man, it was an awesome lesson and Sister Perry and I were teaching in awesome unity! And then at the end, we extended the baptismal invitation. And Donna said that she would definitely think about it. It was amazing. (:<br />
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I'm kind of jumping around in the week, so try to keep up. (:<br />
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Tuesday evening, as we were heading in for dinner, we got a call from Kelly. It was Cassy McIlroy, one of the other recent converts and she told us that they were in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Apparently Sister McIlroy, Kelly, and Cassy had gone down to Stratford to play in the snow and whilst throwing a snow ball at Cassy, Kelly had fallen and couldn't get up. So, they asked us to meet them at the hospital so we could say a prayer together.<br />
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We got to the hospital and Kelly was totally out of it on pain meds. It was so much fun! She was saying some hilarious things! Haha. I'll send photos in another email because they are too big. But it was probably one of the funnest times I've ever had. (: And we were able to teach a lesson to one of the volunteer Ambulance workers. It was awesome. (:<br />
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We have this new investigator, her name is Jess. And she is amazing. She has had a really hard life, but the past two times that we have visited her, she has said that it is totally an answer to prayers. For the moment, we are starting simple with her because she has no self esteem and doesn't really have a correct knowledge of who God is, but she is getting there. We are really excited to keep teaching her. (:<br />
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We had another lesson with Gwen this week and this time we taught her the commandments. We took Sister Joyce with us and that was totally inspired! They've met previously and Gwen knows one the less active members that we have been trying to contact for ages! So, hopefully Gwen can be a good tool in getting her back. (:<br />
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And last, but not certainly not least, the Gospel is true! Our mission is focusing more on becoming a Preach My Gospel mission and so lately I have been spending a lot more time in Preach My Gospel. I was, you know, reading it and studying it before, but I never really took it in and applied it. I have started doing that lately and man, it has become the best thing ever! I have learned so much and seriously my teaching skills have become more and more solid as I've been striving to apply the things that I have learned.<br />
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How grateful I am to be a missionary. Every day as I watch the Lord work through me to bless His children, I become more and more overwhelmed with His love, not only for me, but for all of His children that don't have this knowledge. Can you believe it? That is how much He loves us! I have definitely come to know Him as I've given my life to Him. I've come to know that I do have worth and that He loves me. My relationship with Him and with the Spirit has become something that I would never jeopardize.<br />
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I LOVE BEING A MISSIONARY!!!! And I will be a missionary for the rest of my life.<br />
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Sister Rachel Pearce<br />
7304-> Us and Kelly. (:<br />
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7279-> Us at the pretty park we found on Monday. (:<br />
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7285-> Welcome to New Zealand!!<br />
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96-> Kelly at hospital. (: Sill Kelly! Feet aren't for breaking. We love Kelly! She has become one of my best friends ever!<br />
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123-> Cairo, Mikaela's nephew. (: We put blue tack on his face and he thought it was so awesome! (:<br />
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Here are two more photos from her companion, Sister Perry<br />
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<br />The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-10854756258271862452015-04-12T17:26:00.005-07:002015-04-12T17:26:35.770-07:00The Temple and Miracles :DI swear, each week gets better and better and sometimes I don't know if my joy could ever be more full!<br />
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We all decided that Gwen's baptism would be better later, so we all decided on May 2nd. How cool is that, I will get to have one more baptism right before I leave for home. That is one moment when my joy was full this week.<br />
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On Tuesday, we headed up to Hamilton. Sister Fisher and Sister Inia rode with us and it was so fun! At one point, Sister Perry had fallen asleep in the front seat and Sister Inia fell asleep in the back seat and so Sister Fisher and I were just reminiscing our missions and talking about our feelings about returning. It was really cool and so needed! I love Sister Fisher. (:<br />
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Normally when we go to Hamilton, we stay with other Sister Missionaries down there, but this time we got to stay in a hotel! Man, it was so fun to be with the other four sisters in the zone and we played some hilarious games. Man, it was a blast!<br />
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Then on Wednesday, we got to go to the Hamilton New Zealand Temple. Good golly, how I have missed the temple, eh? And this time, we got to do Initiatories and a Session. It was so good to be in the temple for a longer period of time. And we got to eat Fish 'n' Chips in the Temple's Cafeteria. (: You can't get any better than that. I received some really awesome revelation in the Temple and I learned truly what God's love feels like. I have felt it before, but this time I felt it for me and for the people that I am teaching. It was absolutely incredible! The Lord's love is powerful and it is real! While in the temple, I saw one of my favourite members from Lake Ward, Sister Swamy. I ran up to her and luckily she remembered me (; Just kidding, she loves me!! And she told me that Christine and Lawrence are doing so well! Christine and Lawrence are the couple that got married and then baptised. Well, Sister Swamy told me that Lawrence has just gotten the Melchizedek Priesthood!!!! How amazing is that. That was another time my joy was full this week. Tears simply streamed down my face when she told me that.<br />
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The drive back was absolute madness. It rained the whole time and it got dark about half an hour into our drive. And the drive back, unlike the States, is not straight and wide. It is twisty, windy, and narrow. It was fun and crazy, but I really hope that I never have to do that drive again. (:<br />
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Sister Fisher and I went on exchanges on Thursday and it was so much fun! We got to teach so much and it was such an awesome learning experience. (:<br />
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General Conference was absolutely stupendous, eh? I learned so much! And I truly gained a testimony of what is means to sustain the prophets, seers, and revelators. And all of our other leaders. When I raised my hand, I knew that I was promising to help and support them. (:<br />
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What an awesome week, filled with fullness of joy. (: I love the Lord. Do you? I am a consecrated and devoted Disciple of Jesus Christ. Are you? I know He lives! Do you? He loves you! He loves me.<br />
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This week I challenge you to read the Book of Mormon every single day, if you aren't already. (: When Elder David A. Bednar came to our mission and spoke, he promised us this, "If you will read the Book of Mormon every day for the rest of your life, you will NEVER go less active." And the promise applies to us all. (:<br />
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I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!! And I will honestly say that I am excited to see all of you. Because I really am and I don't think that there is anything wrong in admitting that. (:<br />
<br />
Arohanui,<br />
Sister Pearce<br />
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7265->This a mushroom that Sister Fisher and I found in Stratford..(:<br />
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7267->This is the cutest group of girls ever. Staffy and Ashlee just got baptised and Radee is going to be baptised! They all live in Stratford and they are so awesome. (:<br />
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<b><u>From the editor:</u></b></div>
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Again a couple of extra photos from Rachel's companion:</div>
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This one came with the text that Rachel had died her hair.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhb4m8RyG3qysvKyDw20X6350h1yNyKuyJJ9fWs0nz44O8SaNT7_jh0GBQBqhvgKnvLkeiJU1h68M-g8hKWmyRPaA_fEPjhacoh8Hwbl8cc_5UJwZ9_oxNVxWjqRjGghSleEqgGyuz7B0/s1600/P1040053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhb4m8RyG3qysvKyDw20X6350h1yNyKuyJJ9fWs0nz44O8SaNT7_jh0GBQBqhvgKnvLkeiJU1h68M-g8hKWmyRPaA_fEPjhacoh8Hwbl8cc_5UJwZ9_oxNVxWjqRjGghSleEqgGyuz7B0/s1600/P1040053.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then when called on it I got this one.<br />
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Goofy kids...The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-78461083077593873912015-04-06T20:44:00.002-07:002015-04-06T20:44:41.080-07:00No and Then Yes (:This week was crazy! Crazy good. (: But nothing really exciting happened <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827090" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span>, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827091" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span> or <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827092" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday</span></span>, so I'll start with <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827093" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>. (:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827094" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>
started off down in Hawera at Zone Meeting. It was a pretty good Zone
Meeting. We talked about how we can better help our members to be
missionaries and I learned quite a bit! So, Sister Perry and I have
devised a plan about how we are going to work with our members in the
next few weeks and we are really excited! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
rode with the Cardalls and on the way home we got Pita Pit. I am telling
you all, if you only come to New Zealand to try their Pita Pit, you
won't regret it. (: It is the best food I have ever tasted in my life!
Yum, Yum, Yum. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We got home at quarter past 2
and so we hopped into our car and headed off to pick up Lisa so we
could all go an teach Gwen. The lesson with Gwen did not go how we
wanted it to go, but it went how it needed to go. And, holy cow, did I
learn the power of taking members to teach with us. Gwen told us that
because of her bi-polar that she needs to stay as stress free as
possible and she really felt that having a baptism date was making her
feel really pressured and that her bi-polar was going nuts and because
of that that she was turning back to alcohol and she said that she is
trying really hard to get clean because she knows that after she gets
baptised that she won't be able to do that kind of stuff anyway. So, we
told her that she doesn't have to get baptised on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827095" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">April 18th</span></span>
if she doesn't feel that she can be clean by then and she said that it
made her feel a lot better and a lot less stressed. We felt good about
the lesson and how inspired everything Lisa said was, but we were sad
that we lost her for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827096" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">April 18th</span></span>. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I
don't know if I told you about the Chapmans last week? Well, anyway,
they were a part member family and then Te Ata (the dad) decided that he
would get baptised! So, 2 weeks ago he got baptised and then at
District Conference, he was ordained to the office of Priest in the
Aaronic Priesthood. Well, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827097" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span>, Te Ata was able to baptise his 8 year-old son, Te Ata Hemi, and it was probably the most spiritual baptism I've ever been to. </div>
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<div>
And guess who came? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Gwen.
It was a miracle in itself that she came and we were so excited! Well,
when we were standing in the Relief Society room and Te Ata choked up
when he was saying the baptismal prayer, Gwen started to just cry. There
were just tears streaming down her face. And to be honest, there wasn't
a dry eye in that room. As we walked back in to the chapel, Gwen just
kind of stayed behind and we let her have a moment and then she came
back into the chapel. After the service was over, we were talking with
her and she just started crying again. She said that felt totally at
peace and she felt that the <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827098" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">18th of April</span></span> is a totally realistic date. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When
she said that my heart just filled with joy! I have never felt so much
excitement for anyone in my entire time as a missionary. Gwen just told
us that no matter how long she takes medication for and no matter how
many therapists she sees, she won't ever be truly healed unless she
becomes spiritually healed. How awesome is that? I have never met anyone
who is so in tune with the Spirit! We love her so much! So, that's my
no and then yes.(:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
The Cardalls were awesome and invited our whole district over for Easter Lunch, it was such a cool time! (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Funny
moment of the week: So, the day that we changed our clocks back, we got
an extra hour of sleep, right? Well, the alarm always goes off at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827099" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:25</span></span>.
So, it went off and I got up to turn it off and all of a sudden, Sister
Perry sits straight up in bed and goes, "WHAT TIME IS IT?!" And I was
way confused and still groggy, so I said, "<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1758827100" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:25</span></span>."
And then she starts scurrying behind the curtain (her bed is next to
the window) and she goes, "Where's my candle?" And I was still trying to
wake up and so I thought she was just being funny and I started to
laugh and I said, "I don't know what candle you're talking about! Your
candle from Sister Cardall is there.." And then she lays back down and
says, "Oh, no, it's, you know, one of those little circle tea candle
things." And she was like trying to show me with her hands. At this
point, I was in fits of laughter and I just said, "I don't know what
candle you're talking about.." And she lays down all defeated and she
sighs and says, "She's being so rude to me, she's laughing at me." And I
just could not control myself. I was like cry laughing. (: And we were
talking about the experience later and she couldn't even remember half
of the stuff she said. So, we came to the conclusion that she was half
sleep talking, half awake talking. (: She must've had a crazy dream
about a candle and just had to find it. (: It was probably the most
awesome moment of my life. </div>
<div>
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<div>
It was so amazing
to be able to celebrate Easter as a missionary for a second time.
Because He Lives we can live a again! I know it's true. I know it is. My
Saviour lives. And I am so grateful for the Atonement that He made on
my behalf!! Share this inspiring message with the world! </div>
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7235-> My beautiful (and unwilling) companion and I. (:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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7239, 7240-> This awesome Yoda mural in town! A photo, to take, I must! </div>
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7243-> We also saw this really furry chicken at the zoo...I haven't ever seen anything like it! </div>
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<div>
Well,
it's an incredible time to live on earth! The Lord is hastening His
work and it is so cool to be a part of it. (: Keep up the good work, my
friends! I love you all so much!!</div>
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<div>
Arohanui,</div>
<div>
Sister Pearce</div>
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<div>
From the Editor: Sister Pearce's companion sent me these.</div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-46153087722067859462015-04-02T17:19:00.000-07:002015-04-02T17:20:26.514-07:00#BecauseHeLivesConfession time: I forgot my list of things to email, but I will really try my hardest to remember what we did this week. (:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Monday,
we bleached T-Shirts with the elders. That was pretty fun. Elder
Christensen, Sister Perry, and mine were the only ones that worked out
properly. So that was funny. (:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We visited a lot of members this week because this <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1081276518" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">coming Sunday</span></span>
we have an "Invitational Sunday." Last month the members were meant to
fast and pray to have names brought to their minds about people that
they can bring to church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1081276519" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">this Sunday</span></span>,
Easter Sunday. So, we were visiting them and sharing a message with
them and then committing them to invite someone. We got commitments out
of a lot of members, so it is going to be a really awesome Sunday!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
week was Gwen's birthday! We were so excited when we found out because
we had planned to heart attack her front door and this just gave us a
perfect opportunity! So, we probably really obviously asked her when she
wasn't going to be home and she said around 4, so we went over there
and we put heaps of hearts on her door! (: 7198, 7202 I love doing that.
(: I love putting a smile on people's faces! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2HRjFq47aAlDOgy08VWy4iqVPOSiXxd6LVJtrGndcliuRgMySEcutcTjw7XoFZq8tExl-FBmDixy5wjXDr3Iu2X13fm_DarzFzhxmKzWfWityjTQtk4mx9JCnN-7nB5QABzkTs-8yts/s1600/IMG_7198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2HRjFq47aAlDOgy08VWy4iqVPOSiXxd6LVJtrGndcliuRgMySEcutcTjw7XoFZq8tExl-FBmDixy5wjXDr3Iu2X13fm_DarzFzhxmKzWfWityjTQtk4mx9JCnN-7nB5QABzkTs-8yts/s1600/IMG_7198.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div>
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<div>
I
think the ultimate highlight of the week though, was District
Conference. Because we aren't a Stake yet, President Rudd holds the keys
for our District and so he and Sister Rudd and his two counselors and
their wives were there as well!!! President Rudd invited all of the
missionaries in the Taranaki Zone to go down to Hawera <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1081276520" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Saturday</span></span>
night to attend the adult session on District Conference. It was
probably the best Stake/District meeting that I have ever been to. It
was absolutely amazing. The spirit was so strong and the talks were all
about becoming better missionaries and also about better using the
full-time missionaries. President Rudd said something really cool, as
well, "Heavenly Father has turned His keys for member missionary work.
People who may have not accepted us in the past will accept us now. That
is why it is so important for the members and the missionaries to work
together." And then he talked a whole heap about rescuing the lost
sheep. Who are you going to rescue this week? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then
the Sunday session was also really good! Gwen came to that and she
really enjoyed it. I cannot believe how prepared she is to accept the
Gospel. I am so excited for her to enter into the waters of baptism in
April!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My dear family and friends, I know
that this is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that I am a
daughter of a loving Heavenly Father and I know that He loves me. I also
know that He loves you. I know that Jesus Christ is my Saviour and that
he performed the Atonement for all the things that I have done wrong,
but also so that I can progress and change and become more like Him. I
know that the tomb is empty!!!!!!! How exciting is that? Jesus Christ
died and then was resurrected three days later and I know that that is
true. I know that because of His amazing sacrifice, we have the
opportunity to live again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you have been
blessed with a testimony, I invite you to invite someone else to learn
about this beautiful truth. And if you aren't sure, I invite you to ask.
Ask someone you know who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints to help you! Or better yet, find the missionaries and
ask them! Take the challenge in Moroni 10:3-5 and ask God the Eternal
Father in the name of Christ if this is true! He will answer you through
the power of the Holy Ghost that it is true. It is true. I know it. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Invite
someone this week. Rescue someone this week. And I expect stories next
week. Miracles can happen, my friends. The Lord is Hastening His Work!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Arohanui,</div>
<div>
Sister Pearce</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7211->
Me and one of my very favourite less actives. Waitangi. She is an
absolute miracle. She came from hard drug abuse and is now almost fully
active in the gospel. I love her!</div>
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<div>
7214-> Sister Perry, Sister Rudd and I. (: I love them!! </div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-42733397497543767722015-03-22T21:37:00.001-07:002015-03-22T21:37:37.136-07:00Hard Work and Diligence (;Sorry about the lack of photos last week, I always seem to run out of time!! I will strive to get better at sending photos. (:<br />
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On Tuesday and Wednesday, we went on exchanges!! I absolutely love exchanges and I love being able to work with the other sisters to improve! I went to work in Stratford with Sister Taylor, who is from Riverton! She is so amazing. She is so kind and loving to literally every person that she meets. I don't know if I am being totally facetious saying this, but I imagine that Sister Taylor is a lot like what Heavenly Mother is like.<br />
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One cool as experience that we had while on exchanges goes something like this: in our planning on Tuesday night, I felt impressed to pray that we would be able to be the answer to someone else's prayer that next day. Sister Taylor thought it was really cool, but to be honest, I didn't really think anything of it. So, we started planning! We had planned to do some service at a place called Pioneer Village at 10, and then we would visit some people after that. After planning finished the night went on as normal! Then the next day after we had had companionship study closing prayer, Sister Taylor looks at me and says, "I think that we need to change our plans and visit the people we planned after Pioneer Village, first." So, I rolled with it because obviously it was from the Spirit! And boy, oh boy, was it from the Spirit. (:<br />
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We went to visit a couple who aren't dating, but they're living together (it's weird, welcome to New Zealand!), Thelma and Richard and we taught them a pretty cool lesson about faith! We each chose a scripture about faith and drew pictures to correspond and Thelma's photo was pretty interesting. (: Look up Alma 32:28 and try to figure out what she drew...but in order to do that you must think much like a dirty old lady. Sister Taylor and I were in fits of laughter. But then Thelma asked us to go and pick up her suitcase that she had left at one of the shops. So, Sister Taylor and I head off to do that. After we had come out of the shop with her suitcase, we saw a lady walking down the street and we walked down to talk to her. Her name was Sarah. And we learned that she was a less active member of the church living down in Patea, where there isn't a branch, they have to travel to Hawera. And heaps of people don't have transportation here and she just ended up going less active because she could never get to church. And then she said this, "I was sitting down there in the Laundromat praying that I would run into some church people and then I just felt like I needed to walk out here! Can you say a prayer with me?" So, I was able to say a prayer for her and we got her address to send down to the Hawera Sisters. Then we walked back over to our car and Sister Taylor says to me, "Sister Pearce, guess what we just did?" And I'm a little bit slow, but fortunately I was able to get this one and I said, "We just answered someone's prayer." What a testimony builder that was! We were able to answer someone's prayer. But guess what else that means? It means that our Loving Heavenly Father answers prayers as well. My testimony is so strong on the power of prayer. Holy cow. I love prayer!<br />
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Okay, if you thought the lesson we had with Gwen last week was amazing, it was. And this week we had an equally amazing lesson with her! We started at the very beginning because it's a very good place to start (movie reference(:) and began teaching the Restoration. Holy cow, the Spirit was really strong. We got to the Book of Mormon and we asked her if she had prayed to know if it was true yet, and she told us about how when the Elders first met her and gave her a Book of Mormon that she was a little bit skeptical, but then she said, "But as I've been reading it, I've been able to find answers to a lot of my questions and at this point, I am sure that it's true." I just about fell over. The Spirit was cutable in the room. Is cuttable a word? Well, it is now. (: And then we asked for her feedback about church on Sunday and she told us how it was weird that we don't pass around a collection tray and asked us about it. Normally, we wait until the commandments to teach about tithing, but for some reason the Spirit prompted us to talk about it then. So, we began to teach her about tithing and Sister Perry pulled out the Malachi scripture and then Gwen says, "Oh, I don't have a problem paying tithing, I was just curious how your church did it." At that point I had fallen over in my brain. NOBODY EVER SAYS THAT! Golden. That's all I have to say. Golden.<br />
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And then one last awesome event from the week and then I'll sort out some photos. (:<br />
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Saturday night, Sister Fisher and Sister Taylor put on a Interfaith devotional, Easter, music thingy. It was amazing. I was able to play 3 different times. First I played the duet of My Heavenly Father Loves Me with Sister Cardall, then I accompanied a brother who sand I Stand All Amazed, and then my favourite thing of all, I got to accompany Sister Thalman and Sister Chudleigh while they sang "Because." That is the most amazing song I have ever heard. I don't know who it's by or what, but I do know that that is now my most favourite church song ever. (: It was such an amazing night! And so many non-members were there. It was awesome. (: In between the musical numbers they played the Bible Videos portraying from when Christ was born until He was resurrected and it was so powerful! Holy moly. (: I love the gospel!!<br />
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7183-> One of our less active members, Wendy. (:<br />
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7190-> We had a Relief Society party this week and one of our member's daughters-in-law made this beautiful cake!<br />
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7195-> Us and Sister Clarkson with Baby Boots on her lap. She absolutely loves and adores that cat. (:<br />
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7162-> This awesome garden that we went to with the Cardall's on Monday.<br />
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7166-> A cool as Water Wheel that used to be the power source for the lodge.<br />
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I love you all so very much and I am so grateful for my testimony of the gospel! Doctrine and Covenants 50:24 "That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."<br />
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Another email had these photos:<br />
7173-> The greeness! It's awesome. (:<br />
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1030886-> Pita Pit Date! It was delicious!<br />
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And finally:</div>
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1030910-> Me and Sister Clarkson and Baby Boots. </div>
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<br />The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-67935959017923238312015-03-15T20:42:00.003-07:002015-03-15T20:42:24.093-07:00A Much Better Week<br />
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Well, I can definitely testify to you all that this week was so much better than last week!! Thank you all for you support and the kind words of encouragement that you sent me. I really do appreciate it. <div>
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Last Monday, we drove up to Hamilton again! Wahoo! This time we drove up to have a Zone Conference with Elder and Sister S. Gifford Nielsen of the Area Presidency and 70. To be honest, I wasn't as excited as I was for Elder Bednar, but I still went with some questions in my heart and I was ready to be spiritually fed!</div>
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<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_26340195" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span> morning came around! I was more excited in the morning than the previous night. The drive to Hamilton definitely takes a lot of concentration so I think I was just tired. Sister Rudd asked me to play the piano again and so I was privileged to play for the Zone Conference. That was another really cool experience. The conference started and we got to shake Elder and Sister Nielsen's hands!! How cool is that? Then President and Sister Rudd spoke to us. There have been a couple of new programs that the mission has introduced in the past little while and President wanted our feed back on how we feel that it has helped us and how we have incorporated what we learnt from them into our lives. There were some really cool answers that some of the missionaries gave. </div>
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Then Sister Nielsen spoke to us and it was so cool! She asked us a simple question, "Who are you?" And then one of the Senior Couple Elders said, "I am a child of God." And she then asked, "What does that mean for you? How does that make you feel?" And a lot of people threw out some answers and for some reason I found myself raising my hand. The answer I gave surprised me, but I realised later that it was the Spirit teaching me how being a child of God makes me feel. This is what I said, "Being a child of God give me hope. And it helps me to know that I will never ever be alone." I know that it is really simple, but to me it was absolutely profound. Then the meeting continued on.</div>
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Elder Nielsen then spoke to us. Man, what a guy. He is so inspired. He first talked to us about how missionaries are called and the inspiration of the calling. He told us about the time that he issued missionary calls with Elder Quentin L. Cook. Holy cow. The Spirit totally flooded the room when he was sharing his experience with us. I am truly where I need to be. New Zealand is where the Lord needs me to be and I know that without a shadow of a doubt. I may not know all of the good that I have done or maybe the precise reason that I needed to be here at this time, but I know that I am where the Lord needs me. </div>
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He then began teaching us about how there a literally no failures as missionaries if we are being obedient and following the Spirit. Oh, how much I needed that. Question #1-answered. (: </div>
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It was such a cool conference and I really can't say that I've ever been to one like it before. It was formal, but casual at the same time. Elder Nielsen would be teaching something and then President Rudd would have something to say and so he would hop up and Elder Nielsen was just so submissive and would let anyone jump up and say something if they felt inspired. So, Sister Nielsen or President, or Sister Rudd would hop up and say completely inspired things and it was just so awesome. I received so much revelation in that meeting that I could scarcely keep up in writing things down.</div>
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There were a couple of times that Elder Nielsen would open up a question for us missionaries and we would have the opportunity to respond and that was really cool. There are so many good missionaries in our mission! He asked us, "Why are you here?" And so each of us were able to describe in two or three words why we're here! Some were, "Because I have brothers and sisters who need help getting home." "Because I have felt the Atonement working in my life." And many others. It was so awesome. (: </div>
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Okay, okay. Now for the best part of the week. So, our investigator, Gwen, who the Elders passed to us is now our most keen investigator. Normally, we have to plan lessons with her, but for some reason<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_26340196" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Wednesday</span></span>, I just had this really strong impression that we needed to visit with her. So, we hurried over there and knocked on the door. And she came to the door half asleep. I felt so stink, but she let us in anyway. She then started telling us how our visit was totally inspired and how she was willing to do whatever Jesus Christ asked of her and she wanted to start keeping all of His commandments. OH MY GOSH!! How cool is that? (: </div>
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But she has social anxiety problems and so we decided to take her on a tour of the chapel so that she wouldn't be nervous about people and about the venue. So, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_26340197" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Thursday</span></span> morning rolled around and we were so worried that she wouldn't come! Then she pulled up! Oh, how excited we were to see her. So, we took her around the chapel and the whole time she just kept telling us how comfortable she felt and how calm she felt. And then she said the most awesome thing ever, "I feel really comfortable in this building. I don't think I'll have a problem being at church <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_26340198" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">on Sunday</span></span>." WAHHOOOOO!!! Sister Perry and I had planned to be in the Relief Society room last, because that's where the font is, and we had this awesome plan to set her for baptism! So, we explained and taught and testified and then we invited her to be baptised. And she said yes. Sister Perry and I had prayed about it and felt that we could set her for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_26340199" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">April 18th</span></span> and she was so excited to work towards that date. There was no hesitation. It was the most powerful lesson that I have had at the chapel. And maybe even from my whole mission. The Spirit was just so strong.</div>
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And guess what? </div>
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She came to church. It was truly a miracle. And she said that she felt totally at home and at peace! HOW FLIPPIN' AMAZING IS THAT?!?!! After all the hard work that Sister Perry and I have put in, something is finally happening. (: I love life!! </div>
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Sorry, for the incredibly long email, but I just had so much to tell you this week. (: </div>
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I'm going to send the photos in a couple of other emails, so I can send quite a few. (: </div>
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I Love you all so much!!</div>
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Love, Sister Pearce (: (:</div>
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Editor's Note: The Photography department for this girl's mission needs to be sacked - we can only assume she is too focused on the work. She surely doesn't send many photos. Still love her. Here is the 'quite a few' - Two.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">P1030749-> Sister Perry and I. (: </span></div>
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P1030866-> Mount Taranaki looked so good the other day!! (: </div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-13656508492971191612015-03-08T21:11:00.000-07:002015-03-08T21:11:18.539-07:00A good/hard/windy/rainy WeekHoly mackerel. What a crazy week this was. I will try my best to explain it in words that make sense and edify. (:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This whole week I felt that I was I guess a little bit inadequate. I think it started <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_887475331" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Tuesday</span></span>
when the Zone Leaders were telling us, in District Meeting, how good
the zone is doing and how most of the companionships in our zone have
investigators set for baptism. And I just felt that I wasn't doing
enough because none of my investigators were set for baptism. Even
though Sister Perry and I had been praying and fasting for our
investigators. And I'm not going to lie, this area has taken a lot of
brain power, every second of every day. I love it, I really really do,
but I am starting to feel like the work I am putting in is reaping no
fruit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But we went out working anyway. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_887475332" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span>
we had a couple of really awesome lessons with our investigators and
one of them Jo, even felt the Spirit so strongly that she cried at the
end of the Joseph Smith movie. It was a really awesome lesson and I
truly enjoyed being with her as she received answers to who the Prophet
Joseph Smith was. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_887475333" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Thursday</span></span>,
I went on exchanges with Sister Fisher. It was really awesome. I
remember the second night that we were in the MTC together and we were
just sitting in the corner crying because we thought that 18 months was
going to last for an eternity. And then here we are 16 months later,
serving in Taranaki New Zealand. Crazy how the Lord works. We saw so
many miracles that day! It was absolutely amazing. We found three new
investigators from referrals that we had received from the Elders and
also from the Visitor's Centre in Hamilton. It was so cool. And I was
having a really good time. I really felt the Spirit working through me
that day. I love those days. Those days when you just know that you have
done all you can to become clean so that you can be a mouth piece for
the Lord. It is an amazing feeling. We even met with one of our
investigators name Ngaire (Ng-eye-dey or Neyeree) and she accepted the
invitation to be baptized!! How cool is that? She has a lot to work
through, but Sister Fisher and I felt really good about setting her for
the last Saturday in March and she accepted!! (: I felt so happy!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But
then we, Sister Fisher and I, went to a very challenging meeting. Things were said and some of them were rather unkind and I know this is a little vague, but lets just say I was able to control my emotions in the meeting, but, the
second I got out of that office I just broke down and all of the
feelings that I had been feeling just came out in one big cry. It was so
inspired that Sister Fisher was with me because if it had've been
Sister Perry, we both would've been crying. It was terrible. I just felt
so under appreciated and discouraged. Even Sister Fisher was shocked at
how bad it was. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, we closed exchanges and
when we got back to New Plymouth, I called Elder Cardall and asked him
to give me a blessing because I just felt so discouraged. It was a
really powerful blessing. I definitely felt the Spirit of the
Priesthood. And I definitely felt the Lord's love for me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The
weather the past few days has been dreadful! Rain so thick that we
can't even see across the street. But it's okay because New Zealand
needs the rain. And the wind! I think it must've been like being in a
hurricane! Holy cow. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know that the Lord is
mindful of each of our challenges an trials. And I know that He always
provides a way for us to feel loved and to feel His love. I love the
promises that He makes to us. And I love the Lord so much. I know that
my Saviour lives. He loves me. And I know that I am a daughter of
Heavenly Father who love me and I love Him. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all so very much! Thank you for all of the support you give me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7111-> We took a trip out to Maunga Taranaki for Preparation Day. It was so lovely! </div>
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7121-> A really cool monument. (:</div>
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7142-> All of the rubbish that we threw out a Sister Clarkson's (Crazy Cat Lady) <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_887475335" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Monday</span></span>. </div>
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<div>
7149-> I risked my life to take this photo. I thought for sure the wind would blow me over. But it was worth it. (: </div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-20087263619414086172015-03-01T20:52:00.001-08:002015-03-01T20:52:08.650-08:00THE MOST AWESOMEST WEEK EVER!!!!So, last Monday after I emailed, we headed over to the mall to get a
Duffin from the bakery. Now, I think that this is probably the most
ingenious creation on the planet! It is a mixture of a muffin and a
doughnut. And guess what it has in the middle...NUTELLA! Yeah, it is the
best thing ever. Basically it was just a croissant with Nutella in the
middle, but it was absolutely amazing. (: Luckily, it was just the
flavour for February, otherwise...we'd be there way too much!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_504035953" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Monday</span></span>
afternoon, we began our drive up to Hamilton! It is really such a
beautiful drive, the scenery is amazing. We drive through a couple of
gorges, which is terribly long and crazy curvey, but up either side of
the gorge is tropical and green and beautiful. Really just what I
thought that all of New Zealand would look like. So, it was so awesome
to see once again. Heavenly Father really does love us!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We stayed the night in the Frankton Sister's flat, which is Sister Perry's old flat and so that was pretty cool!! <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_504035954" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span>
morning, we caravaned with three other zones up to Auckland. The drive
to Auckland isn't as beautiful. It doesn't help that New Zealand is
experiencing a very rare drought right now either. There were a couple
of towns and villages that we drove through that had water restrictions
placed in the town. PRAY FOR RAIN!! Even though it's not fun being a
missionary in the rain, we need it! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We arrived
in Auckland and headed to the Kerr's road chapel to wait for the
Assistant's go. We had to plan it so that we wouldn't be seated 30
minutes before, but also so we wouldn't be there 40 minutes before. It
was crazy! So, Sister Perry and I got to sit on the very front row
because I played prelude! It was so awesome playing prelude in front of
600 missionaries, both from Auckland and Hamilton missions. The Spirit
in the room was almost palpable! Elder Bednar was about 40 minutes late
and so I was playing prelude music for about an hour. Which was fine!
But I only had so many books and only one hymn book. It was so fun
though. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then...then Elder and Sister Bednar,
Elder and Sister Robbins, Elder and Sister Nielson, President and Sister
Rudd, and President and Sister Ballie walked in the room. And if I
thought the Spirit in the room was palpable before, heck, I was almost
in tears. It is really an indescribable feeling. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Elder
Bednar did something different than I have ever experienced in a
conference before and he turned the teaching and the learning right onto
us. He asked us before the conference to study three of his talks and
come with the things that we learned in mind. And so he asked us all
what we had learned. There were a lot of really good comments. And the
Spirit taught me so many things that I was absolutely astonished. And
then he turned the questions out to us and invited us to ask him some
questions. There were really really awesome questions asked and Elder
Bednar was completely in tune with the Spirit. He taught a lot, but he
also let the Spirit teach a lot. He did teach us a little bit about the
Priesthood that I thought was really interesting, "The Priesthood is not
man. The Priesthood is like an umbrella that protects everyone under
it's influence from rain, wind, snow, the sun, etc. But the difference
is that the man must hold the umbrella. He is not the umbrella. Men need
to hold and be worthy of the Melchizedek Priesthood to enter in the
House of the Lord. Women do not." It was really enlightening for me. (:
Also, the question that I went with in my heart was answered. It was
almost like he was speaking right to me and I couldn't believe it! The
Gospel is amazing, isn't it? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then, we drove home <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_504035955" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday</span></span>
morning. It was a whole heap of driving and I was hammered by the time
we got home. So, I just slept through our lunch hour and then we got
back to work! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was then that we learned that there must needs be opposition in all things because <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_504035956" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Wednesday</span></span> afternoon, <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_504035957" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span> and <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_504035958" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span>
were some of the hardest days that I have had in quite a while!
Absolutely no one was home and we were getting so discouraged. We were
trying so hard to do the Lord's Will and we just felt that we were
failing. By <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_504035959" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span> I was sure that if something didn't change, I was going to die. (I was being a bit dramatic, I know.) <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_504035960" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span>
night, we went through our area book and made plans to contact each
Former Investigator that we had in there and we prayed with extreme
faith that we would be able to contact each of the people we planned on.
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_504035961" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span> rolled around and we had contacted each person, plus more. And we found 6 new investigators from our efforts that day. And <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_504035962" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Sunday</span></span>
was the exact same with some of the exact same miracles. Sister Perry
and I really learned that we really much pass through the trial of our
faith before we receive a witness. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So...remember
how I told you about Crazy Cat Lady last week? Well, we went back
again! And we cleaned her bathroom this time. The upstairs wasn't as
stinky as the downstairs, but it was just as dirty. I have never seen a
bathroom in such a state. We found some really interesting stuff in
there as well. I won't gross you out with the details, but it was pretty
bad. We've talked to someone about the situation though and hopefully
it'll get resolved. (: Oh, life as a missionary. It's never boring,
that's for sure. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Gospel is true,
everyone!! If I could just shout it from the rooftops, I so would. (: I
love being a missionary and serving the Lord full-time. I cannot believe
how fast time has gone and I am so excited to finish off strong! </div>
<div>
May the Lord bless you throughout this week. (:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love,</div>
<div>
Sister Pearce</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7104, 7105-> Us, and Crazy Cat Lady. (:</div>
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7096-> On the day of the Conference. (:<br />
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-14067720155668103672015-02-22T17:43:00.002-08:002015-02-22T17:43:51.854-08:00And We Walked and WalkedWhat a crazy week this has been! The beginning of the week was kind of
slow, but still full of teaching and testifying which was awesome. (: I
love sharing my testimony!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_501709431" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Monday</span></span>
evening we cleaned our Crazy Cat Lady's house. Now take the worst thing
you have ever cleaned and then multiply it by 3000 and then that's
Crazy Cat Lady's house. Her house probably hasn't been cleaned in 15
years, give or take a few millenia. But we felt really prompted to help
her clean and so we buckled down and did it. A couple of times, we
almost died, but we made it through. After cleaning 14 inches of cat
hair, poop, dirt, mould, and grime off of her floor, it finally looked a
little bit and smelled a little bit better than when we got there. We
didn't get it all clean, to do that we'd need 200 professional cleaning
squads, but we made an improvement. It was pretty rewarding. (: Oh, the
joys of mission life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_501709432" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>
morning we had Zone Meeting and it was I think the best Zone Meeting
that I have ever been to. It was so good. We talked about Miracles and
how miracles can happen every day, every day, every day. Elder Romney
said something that really made sense to me, "You can't believe in God
if you don't believe in miracles." So, I found that really inspiring.
And we learned how to seek learning by faith in preparation for our
Elder Bednar conference <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_501709433" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span>. It is going to be so amazing! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well,
the Zone Leaders committed us to 1) every night during daily planning
to plan for a specific miracle for the next day 2) in every prayer to
pray specifically for that miracle to occur and 3) to work as hard as we
could to achieve the miracle. So Sister Perry and I did it! <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_501709434" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> night, we planned to talk with 50 people to next day. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_501709435" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span>
rolls around and it is raining cats and dogs. We finish study and it is
still raining. But we went truckin' into the rain anyway. No one was on
the street and nobody was answering doors and we were starting to get a
little fearful, I guess. We went home for lunch, got dry and warm. And
then 5 minutes before we went back out after lunch, the skies parted and
the sun shone through. WHAT A MIRACLE!! We were so excited. So, we
drove out to bell block to do some tracting out there and it was still
sunny. Hot, in fact. It was awesome. We had to put on sun cream and
everything. After 3 hours of tracting out there we had no success, but
we had talked with and taught quite a few people, but still had about 25
people we needed to talk to. So, we said a prayer and decided to go
walk up and down the costal walkway. 2 hours later we had talked with 51
people and taught 20 other lessons. It was such a miracle. We walked so
much and were beat, but it was worth it. I learned that after the trial
of your faith and after you thrust in your sickle, the miracles that
you plan for can happen! I know that to be true. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Life
is good. (: Today we are driving up to Hamilton, which is about 4 1/2
hours north east of here. We'll stay the night in Hamilton and then <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_501709436" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Tuesday</span></span>
morning, we'll drive another 2 hours to Auckland for a combined
Hamilton and Auckland mission conference with Elder David A Bednar! IT
WILL BE AMAZING. I will definitely come away from there with a jug of
spiritual knowledge. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We, again, didn't take many photos this week...slacker! But don't worry, I promise that I will get better. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
love you all so much. I love this Gospel with all of my soul. There are
so many things that I have learned that will bless me forever. "A
testimony means that you know the Gospel is true, but to be converted
means to consistently be true to the Gospel." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Pearce </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7087 Sister Perry and I. Aren't we cute? </div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-7392275302843332602015-02-15T17:34:00.003-08:002015-02-15T17:35:09.462-08:00What A Week! - Email Dated: 15-Feb-2015My dearest Whanau,<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
This had to be the most crazy week
of my entire life. I spent three days down in Hawera, South Taranaki
with Sister Mihaere and Sister Thalman. Then I spent a day in Stratford
with Sister Taylor from Riverton, Utah! It is crazy how many people we
know that are the same. And I realised why she always seemed so familiar
to me! She would come in to In-N-Out with her family, so I'm so sure
that I would have seen her there! It is such a small world.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It
is a little bit hard being away from your assigned area for such a long
period of time. So I am really glad to be back. I am really grateful
that Sister Baird is the one and only companion I'll ever kill off. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, transfer calls came <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1281088651" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Tuesday</span></span>
afternoon. I found out that I was staying in New Plymouth and I was
getting Sister Perry. Much like Perry the Platypus. (: I had no idea who
she was, but Sister Thalman did and so she told me all about her! I was
really excited to meet her. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1281088652" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Thursday</span></span>
came around and it was time to pick up our companions. They all met us
at our flat and I met Sister Perry. She is just the cutest thing in the
world. We get along so well and we have already seen a heap of miracles
together. It's been so good! I am so excited to work with her. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So,
I am still truckin' through the Book of Mormon and seriously it has
been the most revalatory experience that I have ever had in the Book of
Mormon. I love it. It is absolutely amazing. I am so grateful for it.
Joseph Smith truly is a prophet of God and he truly did translate it by
the Power of God. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Which brings me to another
story. For the past little while we have been trying to get a hold of a
family name the Skinners. They are a less active couple that our Branch
Mission Leader asked us to contact, but each time we went there, they
weren't home. Yesterday night after our dinner appointment, we felt
really strongly that we should go to the Skinner's home and visit them.
So we get there and to be honest, I didn't have that much faith in them
opening the door for us, but we pressed on. And, boy, did the Father
have plans to help strengthen my faith. Sister Skinner opened the door
and looked absolutely shocked to see us. She invited us in and asked us
to sit down. We started to get to know her and it was going really well.
They had a pretty flash TV, so we asked if we could share a Mormon
Message before we went, but for some reason, I could not figure out how
to work it even though I was clicking all of the right buttons. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Heavenly Father's plan is PERFECT!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister
Perry instead shared a scripture from Alma 32 and all of a sudden
Sister Skinner just opened up to us and we found out #1 what her concern
was and #2 why the hard drive in the TV wasn't working. Her concern was
that she felt totally alienated at church, which is totally sad. She
also said that she felt like her culture, the Maori culture, was not
involved in the church at all. Luckily, Sister Baird had taught me a
little bit about how the Maori people were descended from the people in
the Book of Mormon and so we were able to challenge Sister Skinner to
read the Book of Mormon and look for the similarities in her culture as
well. Sister Perry and I were totally teaching by the Spirit. There are
those awesome lessons where you just know that the Lord is speaking
through you and I know for sure that that was one of those lessons.
Sister Skinner is fluent in Maori and we are going to take her one <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1281088653" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">tomorrow</span></span> morning. It was amazing to see her countenance change in the short while we were there. I LOVE THE GOSPEL!!!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You
are all going to be angry with me, but I don't actually have any new
photos, but I'll send some of the others that I couldn't send last week.
(: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all truly so much and I am so
grateful for all of the support that you have given me as I've been out
here. I love being a missionary. I love having a companion to support me
and help me learn and grow. I am so grateful for everything that the
Lord has taught me while I've been His servant and I am excited for
growing and learning more while I still have time left. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
7598-> All of us eating Pita Pit. (:</div>
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<div>
7555-> Bridge time!</div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-46356900867131996122015-02-12T20:18:00.001-08:002015-02-12T20:18:17.349-08:00Another One Bites The Dust In The Circle Of Life - Email Dated: 02/08/15This week has been really good. A lot of it has been focused on Sister
Baird and it was really cool. It was definitely a surreal experience
watching her pack and stuff. Like, it made me realise that missions
really do come to an end and that we just cannot waste any time.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
were able to go to a beach activity with one of our keen as
investigators this week! It was at Opunake Beach and it was probably the
most beautiful beach I have been to in New Zealand. The waves were huge
and the sand was a pretty greyish colour. We had a great time, but most
importantly, it was a good time for our investigators to make some new
friends and get really involved with the activities! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Transfers are <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_715971562" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Thursday</span></span>
and life will take another turn for the better! Although, Sister Baird
made such a huge impact on my life. She helped me to really see the joy
of the gospel. I am so grateful that the Lord allowed us to be
companions for 4 1/2 months. It was much needed. I love her!! (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you!!!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Pearce</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5865-> We took Life Support off...</div>
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<div>
7081-> And she died...</div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-48476809635059249572015-02-12T20:11:00.003-08:002015-02-12T20:11:49.989-08:00The Hottest Hot, To The Coldest Cold - Email Dated: 02/01/15This week has been crazy! The weather has been toooo hot! It got up to
like 30 degrees Celsius, which is like 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Really
really hot. And when it's hot, you get tired and missionary work is
really hard when you're tired, but it makes for a greater adventure,
doesn't it. (: Then the past couple of days, it has been cold, rainy,
and muggy. Not too fun, but the land needs it. It has been really really
dry and the farmers are like freaking out. So, prayers are being
answered with this rain.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not too many awesome events
happened this week, but a couple of our friends that we have made left
on their missions this week. (: Hannah Anderson left for the Auckland
Mission on Thursday and Tiffany Gaastra left for the Ogden Mission
today! I'll attach some photos of our last night together! 6918, 6918,
6920</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The sunset has been absolutely mind
blowing the past couple of nights. I have literally never seen so many
colours in the sky. It is fantastic. 6921</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
had a companionship study with the travelling assistants this week. They
are going around the mission training on how to have more effective
companionship studies and it was really awesome. We learned so much
about studying effectively. (: And then as we were taking photos, I
accidentally tripped off the stage..that was a really funny moment. (:
6924</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Brothers and Sisters, the gospel is true!!
It is so true. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and I know that we
can, through reading it, come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus
Christ than by reading any other book on the planet. The Saviour died
for me and for you and for all of us. He made it possible for us to
return to live with the Father and Him. I know that families can be
together forever, through Heavenly Father's plan. I am so grateful to be
a missionary. I have learnt so much and I will forever be grateful for
the many, many things that I have learnt. Life flies by, don't waste ANY
time. It is just not worth it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all! Sorry for the lame email this week, but really nothing exciting happened. (:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Rachel Pearce </div>
The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-62906972482365239792015-02-12T20:03:00.000-08:002015-02-12T20:03:02.097-08:00I Ate the Tongue of A Kinna - Email Dated: 01/28/15What an exciting week this was! It started out at the zoo! And let me
tell you. It wasn't even a zoo. It was like...lame. But exciting all the
same. (: It was a good Preparation Day.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tuesday we had District Meeting and those are always fun!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then
on Friday, we had Sports Night at Ngamotu Beach again and Te Ata, one
of our member's husbands, went diving and he brought back a heap load of
kinnas. If you don't know what a kinna is, I'll attach a photo of all
the ones that he caught..mind you, they were all still alive when this
photo was taken. 6909 They are some of the sharpest things that I have
ever held in my life. If you touch it lightly, the wrong way, they draw
blood. It's pretty intense. You break them open, either with spoons or
with a knife. It's a little sad to watch, because you're basically
murdering a real life creature. So, you break them open and there's
their guts and stuff and their teeth and tongue and such. I was so game
to try one. Being in New Zealand around a bunch of Islanders, you have
to game to try anything. So, I've learned to try everything once and
then to not eat it again if I don't like it. Well guess what? I really
enjoyed the kinna. It really only tasted like salt water because they
were completely fresh out of the ocean, but it was so nice. (: Slimey,
but nice! Sister Baird, who isn't much of a sea food person, didn't like
it at all. (: It was a little bit comical watching her gear up to eat
one. (: 6902, 6910.</div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Saturday we had interviews
with President Rudd. So, we drove down to Hawera Saturday morning and
picked up the Stratford Sisters along the way. The trainings were all on
The Book of Mormon. 5 hours worth of training on the Book of Mormon and
my testimony of it is stronger than it has ever been in my life. At the
end we watched How Rare A Possession and that was one of the greatest
movies that I have ever watched. If you haven't seen it, I highly
recommend it. It truly makes you grateful for the Book of Mormon. So,
that training took most of the day and by the time we got home, it was <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_715971559" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5 o'clock</span></span>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
didn't really know what to do and so we sat outside and spoke with our
neighbour, Martin for a little while. He got out photos of his family,
who have all passed away and that was really touching. He is so ready to
be baptised, he just has a few changes before he can enter into the
waters of baptism, but we definitely feel that he'll be baptised this
year. (:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sunday was one of the greatest Sabbath days that I've had in the mission field. At <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_715971560" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8:00</span></span>
I got a call from President Heremia and he asked me to speak in
Sacrament Meeting. He told me that I could speak on whatever I felt so
inspired to speak on, so I decided to speak on the Book of Mormon! I was
a little bit stressed out because I didn't really have that much time
to prepare, but guess what? I didn't even have a paper with everything
written down on it. For the first time in my life I trusted in the
Spirit enough that I let Him guide my talk. And he did! It was
absolutely amazing. After church we visited a couple of families and
then at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_715971561" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">4:00</span></span>
we headed back to the chapel to see Hannah Anderson and Tiffany Gaastra
be set apart as Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. Sister Anderson will be going to Auckland, New
Zealand. A completely foreign land for her, but she is so excited and
Sister Gaastra is going to the Ogden, Utah mission. They were both set
apart by President Rudd because Districts fall under the direction of
the Mission President and both of their blessings were so unique and
individual. It just testified to me that Heavenly Father knows each of
us individually. It was awesome! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then straight
after the setting aparts, we had a devotional that President and Sister
Rudd were the guest speakers at. It was truly amazing. Sister Cardall
and I played a duet on the piano and I think that that was the first
time in my entire life that I have played through a song that I have
prepared without making a single mistake. Even Sister Cardall played
through without a single mistake. It was amazing. And guess who came?
Martin! He came to the chapel for the first time! And he had a really
great time. The Spirit was so strong. It was amazing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, the Gospel is True! I love being a missionary! It is the best thing that has every happened to me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Pearce </div>
<div>
6870-> The Elders Brought us a pet. A cute, stinky hedgehog! </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
6878-> The puzzle that we made for Martin abut the Plan of Salvation. </div>
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<br /></div>
The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-34002385121859259132015-02-12T19:50:00.000-08:002015-02-12T19:50:08.023-08:00Life is Grand - Email Dated: 01/18/15<div dir="ltr">
<div>
I'm in New Zealand. I am in literally the most beautiful place on the planet. </div>
This
wasn't too much of an exciting week, but it was really good. I am
continuing in the Book of Mormon! I am up to Alma 13 now, truckin' along
with 6 pages a day. The revelation that I continue to receive amazes
me. When people say that the Book of Mormon opens up the door to
revelation, they are telling the truth. It is true. I know it is true.
Everyday I read something that reminds me that we have a living prophet
today, that the people in the Book of Mormon faced challenges and
struggles just as we do, that the Book of Mormon truly is Another
Testament of Jesus Christ, that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ make
and keep covenants with their people, that missionary work is real and
it is important, and that Joseph Smith was and is a Prophet of God and
that he translated the Book of Mormon for our benefit and understanding.
How grateful I am for Joseph Smith and for a loving Heavenly Father.
The Gospel is True!! I know it is. (: <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Baird
and I have been really trying to develop and use our talents these past
couple of weeks. We felt like we were getting a bit too robotic in our
missionary work, so we have started incorporating into our days the
things that we like to do for other people and the things that bring us
joy. So, we have started making cookies for people and we have started
heart attacking people's doors. We do things that we love to do, and
that show our love for other people. I love it. I love being a
missionary. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have started trying to have
sports night as a branch that we bring our investigators and less
actives to and we've just this week started having them at Ngamotu
Beach. This week the Elders decided to have everyone play water balloon
volleyball, which is apparently an American sport because we had to
explain it to everyone including Sister Baird. (: Well, that started of
all nice and civil and then the Elders had to run off to get more water
balloons to fill up. So, we started helping them to fill up their
balloons and little did I know it, but I was standing under the shower
that they have for when people are done swimming and all of a sudden
Elder Mitchell presses the button that turns it on and drenches me! And
that just started an all out water war. It was so much fun. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Side
Note: Sister Cardall and I are going to be playing a duet for a
devotional that is coming up this coming Sunday so we've been practicing
pretty much everyday in whatever time we have. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So,
we had to leave sports night to go and practice the piano with Sister
Cardall, so we were pretty wet at the time we were leaving, so we
gathered up all of our stuff and started to leave. And Elder Mitchell
decided to have all of the kids gang up on us and the absolutely
drenched us just as we were leaving. So, we had to rush back to our flat
to get changed and such. It was so fun, and now we will seek to get
revenge on our beloved Zone Leaders. (:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Life is so good. All you need is the Gospel. Believe it. Love it. (:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all so very much. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6823-> The front of a birthday card that we made for one of very favourite members this week. (:</div>
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<div>
6824-> And the inside. (: You gotta love us!</div>
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<div>
201207-> We really are normal...I promise. </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
201228-> A summary of our relationship in a photo. </div>
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</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
6822-> And lastly a bunny in a tutu. (: </div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Pearce (:</div>
</div>
The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-65606030709844433982015-02-12T19:39:00.002-08:002015-02-12T19:39:52.528-08:00A Week of Firsts - Email Dated: 01/11/15What a crazy full week this was!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Basically we spent
every day mowing a lawn for a less active. When she asked us to mow her
lawn, we thought she meant lawn, but she really could've classified it
as a jungle. There were a couple of points that I thought I would have
to call for help because I was lost. No, it wasn't that bad, but it did
take us about four days with one lawn mower and two sister missionaries.
(: It was intense. We borrowed the lawn mower from the elders to do it
and we found an investigator that needed her lawns mowed and so we mowed
her jungle as well. Now, keep in mind that I have never mowed a lawn
before in my life. (Don't judge me) But seeing my parents doing it every
week and stuff really prepared me for what it would be like. (: It was
awesome. It was incredibly sunny and hot, but it was awesome. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After
we had finished our investigator's lawn, we called the elders to see if
they needed their mower and they didn't need it right then, so we went
on our way back to our flat to change back into proselyting clothes.
Then 5 minutes later the elders called us back and asked us to come and
give them a hand with some things at the petrol station. Here's the
situation that they were faced with:</div>
<div>
1. They were helping a single mother investigator move house and she asked them to rent a trailer from the petrol station. </div>
<div>
2. Because they were in mufftie, they both had forgotten their licenses. </div>
<div>
3. You can't rent a trailer without a Full New Zealand Driver's License. Luckily I had mine.</div>
<div>
Well,
they wanted me to rent the trailer with their investigator's card and
my license and then they were planning on pulling the trailer. Luckily,
we sisters have a little more intelligent brains and suggested that if
they got pulled over it would not be good for them. So, I ended up
pulling the trailer. A second first of the week. But it was so fun! We
had such a blast helping Cindy move house. I love being able to serve! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
week we had Zone Meeting and due to a General Authority's appearance in
our mission in a couple of months, we have been committed to read the
Book of Mormon by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_715971558" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">March 8</span></span>.
So, I calculated from where I was and it comes out to about 6 pages a
day. It's been amazing. I have been able to receive so much insight from
reading and pondering. I love the Book of Mormon. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This church is true, my friends, it really is. It's as simple as that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Much Aroha,</div>
<div>
Sister Pearce </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6802->We heart attacked the Cardalls, our seniour couples flat door this week. (: </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
6807->The Sun had a rainbow thing around it this week! So cool!</div>
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</div>
<div>
6809->Sister Penales and I at Zone Meeting. (:</div>
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<div>
6812->This
is Elder Anderson. I asked him to take a photo for me and this is what I
got along with the photos I wanted. (: It describes his personality
PERFECTLY.</div>
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<div>
6813->All the Sisters of the Taranaki Zone!</div>
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<div>
6820->Sister Mihaere, Sister Thalman, and I. (:</div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-40284793175185060532015-02-12T19:27:00.000-08:002015-02-12T19:27:10.465-08:00The Testimonies of Children - Email Dated: 01/04/15This week was slow, but it was good. New Year's Eve and New Years Day in
New Plymouth is a bit like..I think it's Midsummer Night's Eve in
Fablehaven. Crazy. Haha. So, we had to be in before dark. It was pretty
fun. (: President Rudd allowed us to stay up and see the New Year in as
long as we were in bed by <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_715971557" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">12:05</span></span>. So, Sister Baird and I stayed up chatting and stuff. It was really fun. (:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nothing
too great really happened this week, but one thing I have been working
on is this thing called the 40 day fast. I may have talked about it, but
basically it is a fast from the things that keep us from being like
Christ and I finally have my list! I have chosen 10 things that are a
combination of things that I can stop doing and things that I can start
doing. And I feel really good about each of those items on my list.
Heavenly Father has been helping me immeasurably the past couple of days
as I have been striving to change and set goals and make plans to help
me become more and more like His Son. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yesterday
was fast and testimony meeting. It was one of the best that I have ever
been to for three reasons: Cody, Alexandra, and the fact that I
actually learnt how to fast properly this week. I had a really powerful
experience with my fast. It was amazing. And then the two Riggle kids.
Cody and Alexandra got up to bear their testimonies. They are amazing
little ones. I love them so much! It's amazing. (: they're amazing. We
should all be striving to be a little more like children. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's
really all I have from this week. I hope that next week is a little bit
more interesting. (: Every week is interesting and powerful, it's just
hard to explain it when the growth is coming from inside of me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Pearce </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6773-> The District. (:</div>
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<div>
6785-> Selfie time at the Beach!! #Casual</div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
6791->
Six weeks ago, Brother Coward, our Brand Mission Leader, asked us to
contact a less active, who has been on a mission. We have been trying
every day for the past six weeks to catch her and yesterday her car was
home all day and we knocked and knocked and called and called and she
never opened the door. We. Will. Get. Her. </div>
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<div>
<br /></div>
The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-36737625341864386442015-02-12T19:12:00.000-08:002015-02-12T19:12:20.511-08:00It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year! - Email Dated: 12/28/14This week was so great. (: Christmas in the mission field has got to be
the best one ever! We had a really really busy day on Christmas. I'll go
through it and tell you about it!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_715971554" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">9:00</span></span>-Headed
out to a less active member's house. She feeds us every Tuesday night,
but she decided to do a big Christmas breakfast this week. We got there
and her daughters were there. That was not a very good environment for
us to be in. We definitely sacrificed the Spirit to be there. Her
daughter was saying really crude and rude things about missionaries and
such. So, we left that environment as soon as politely and humanly
possible. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
10-Drove to the Tamati's house.
Sister Tamati is a recent convert of like 2 weeks and Sheridan, their
son, just got baptised this past Saturday. They are seriously the
coolest family! They fed all six of us missionaries on Christmas Day. We
had such a great time. We just sat around and chatted. Elder Lyes
skyped his family, so we got to meet them! Same with Elder Mitchell.
It's really cool to meet the other missionaries families! So, we really
just hung out there until lunch which we ate at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_715971555" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">12:30</span></span> and it was amazing. Kiwi Feed's are the greatest in the whole world! (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After
lunch we had some down time before our dinner appointment so we went to
the beach! We just sat up top to avoid all the people below, but as we
were sitting on the ledge Elder Manoa (who is from Hawaii and an avid
surfer) says, "Look! There's a seal!" And sure enough, down below in the
water was a seal just swimming around. #OnlyInNewZealand (: Then after
we had all pondered our lives and finished goggling over the ocean, we
headed over to Elder and Sister Cardall's house. They are the senior
couple in our area and they had pretty much an open house for us
missionaries. (: It was fun to chill there for just a few minutes. They
are the most amazing senior couple that I have ever met. We fell in love
with them from the moment that they moved into New Plymouth! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At 6 we went to our dinner appointment and that..was an interesting experience. (: But it was good. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The
day after Christmas is Boxing Day, which is pretty much like Black
Friday. So, we didn't get a whole heap accomplished, but it was still a
pretty good day! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have learned so much the
past couple of days. My personal studies have been so powerful the past
little while and I feel that I am finally learning how the Spirit of the
Lord speaks to me. Elder Jenson told Sister Baird and I about something
called the 40-day Fast. It's not a fast from food and water, but a fast
from things that keep you from constantly having the companionship of
the Holy Ghost. And so Sister Baird and I and a couple of the Elders are
going to do this for the next 40 days. I am so excited to work on this
an become more like my Saviour. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am so
grateful to be a missionary. I am so grateful to be here in New Zealand.
I am so grateful to be so close to the Lord at this time in my life. I
couldn't imagine being anywhere else right now or doing anything
different. I love being a full-time servant of the Lord. And even though
missions end and people go home, we can still always and forever be
servants of the Lord. A mission simply teaches us to be better members,
better friends, better mothers and fathers, better examples, more
devoted, more loyal, more obedient, more righteous. Overall more like
Jesus Christ. It's beautiful!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all. I don't have any photos this week due to laziness and a lack of time. (: I will get better, I promise. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Love you all!! </div>
<div>
Sister Rachel Lyn Pearce </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-8677385057506860932015-02-10T20:49:00.003-08:002015-02-10T20:49:21.405-08:00MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! - Email Dated 12/21/14<div dir="ltr">
<div>
Sorry for the late email everyone! We had quite the
exciting day! In the middle of our email time, all the power at the
library went out! We went on an awesome hike today, up Paritutu Rock and
it was so beautiful! (: Every day I am astonished that I am in New
Zealand. There's a joke about how God created the earth and this is how
it goes...God started in New Zealand, so he put all of His attention to
making it beautiful. Then He went to the United States and so on. By the
time He got to Australia, He was just done, so that's why New Zealand
is the best place on earth (Kiwis and Aussies have a major conflict...so
I think probably a New Zealander made this up.) So, this is what I was
about to send. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
So, this week was really good.
(: Monday night, we drove up to Hamilton! The drive up there is
incredibly long, but incredible beautiful! It's about a 5 hour drive,
but unlike the State's motorways, New Zealand motorways curve through
and pass through towns and rolling hills and it is really too incredible
to explain. (: It is much easier to make a 5 hour drive when there's
nice scenery to look at. (: <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
President Rudd gave us
permission to go to see the Temple Lights and so that was a great
blessing. (: We got to sing in the choir for the night.(: I loved it!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tuesday
dawned early and sunny. When we were told that we were having a
conference, we were told to pray for sunshine and finished electricity
for Camp Tuhikaramea. So, Heavenly Father definitely answered the
prayers of 250 missionaries. (: We got to camp and the reunions started.
It was absolutely amazing. I got to see all of my previous companions,
except for Sister Holmes because she's home now, but it was so great to
see Sister Amituanai and Sister Uele. Sister Ami finishes in about 9
days. It will be really sad to see her go, but her journey in the
mission field is over. I love her!! I also got to have a good catch up
with Sister Klundt. (: It was just a really great conference. President
gave really great trainings and we had some really great missionaries
share their talents with us. After the conference was over we started
our long drive back to Taranaki. (: It was an even longer drive because
we had to drive down to Hawera for companion exchanges. (: But it was a
blast! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have learned so much about my Saviour
this week. A lot of it I cannot write down because it is simply the
feelings in my heart, but I do know that He lives. I do know that He
loves me. I know that His love is powerful and so is His Atonement. Life
is grand! I hope that you are all sharing the He Is The Gift video
because it is a powerful one. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are being
well fed for Christmas Day, I can assure you of that. We aren't really
sure how we'll fit all of the food in, but I'm sure we'll manage
somehow. (: I think as of now, we have about 5 dinners lined up ;O But
we're so excited because we are going to be making little Christmas
baskets for families in need and door bell ditching them. (: Well,
actually...no one in New Zealand has door bells..except for on the
really flash houses and I don't think any of them are in need...(; They
do need the gospel, but a lot of them simply aren't ready for it. (: So
we'll knock ditch them. Elder Mitchell's grandma sent him some money to
be sub for santa so that's what we've decided to do!! It's awesome. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6740-> Temple Lights! </div>
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<div>
6744-> Our view from the pavilion at Camp Tuhikaramea. (:</div>
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</div>
<div>
6745-> Sister Mihaere and I . (: </div>
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</div>
<div>
6750-> Only in New Zealand...I'm sure you'll figure out what it is...(:</div>
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<div>
6753-> Sister Klundt and I!</div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
6757-> Package Time!!</div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
I
Love You All! I hope that you all have a Very Happy Christmas! Remember
the true meaning however because that is all that matters. (: </div>
<div>
#ShareTheGift</div>
<div>
#HeIsTheGift</div>
<div>
#BecauseOfHim</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ofa Atu,</div>
<div>
Sister Pearce</div>
</div>
The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-63158289131595193972015-02-10T20:43:00.003-08:002015-02-10T20:43:48.326-08:00I Know Why I'm Here!! - Email Dated 12/14/14This week has been somewhat of a trying week, lots of rejection and such. But alas, there must be opposition in all things, eh?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
is my 5th area in the mission field. Each area has been so great and I
have learned from all of the people that I have served around, but this
area has already changed my life. I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but a
couple of weeks ago, we moved flats. We weren't too sure why we moved
flats, but we knew that there had to be a really good reason. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week, we learned the reason.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We'd
been trying our hardest to meet our neighbours and we met one of them
when we moved in and his name is Martin. We see him quite often because
he goes out onto his front step to smoke and so we just take the
opportunity to talk with him. We haven't been pushing the gospel onto
him, but he asks questions and we answer them and then life goes on. We
have quite the Father - Daughter relationship. It has been really
awesome getting to know him. His wife passed away quite a while ago and
this week we really learned a lot about him and we really feel that we
are going to be able to help him. He has told us that he has a really
searching mind. And that he is pretty open minded. I think we'll see him
baptised. We know why we are here in New Plymouth. His late wife has
sent Sister Baird and I to him because she knows that he'll listen to
us. He feels the Spirit when he's around us. It's incredible. We'll make
great progress with him. It's so awesome! I love being a missionary!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There
must be opposition in all things. I have learned that so strongly in
the past week. On the mission I have learnt that we must go through
opposition to see the beauty. We face a lot of rejection on the mission.
We met a couple this week and all we asked them was if we could help
them and he told us to go away. I mean, I won't say it was as bad as it
could've been, but it was a little bit gutting. But we know, I know,
that there is a much brighter scene waiting for us. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This
gospel is true. I know without a shadow of a doubt. I know that Thomas
S. Monson is a prophet of God. Follow his counsel and you WILL NOT go
astray. I know that the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus
Christ. Read it. Love it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
#ShareThegift <a href="http://christmas.mormon.org/" target="_blank">christmas.mormon.org</a> </div>
<div>
^ #DOIT #NOW </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sister Pearce</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6718->
This is Sister Baird, Elder Mitchell, and Elder Jensen, and I on Back
Beach. (: It is so beautiful. WE BELIEVE IN TARANAKI!!!!!!!!! </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
6719-> Give credit when credit is due. (: Credit is due to Mount Paritutu. (I rhymed...that's how good I am.) </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
6725->
This is our G-E-T-O (<-Sister Baird's spelling...she's my special
companion.(: ) Christmas Tree that the Elders picked up for us on the
side of the road. They had to butter us up for the nasty as soup they
made us as a prank...Elders...what can you do with 'em? </div>
<div>
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</div>
The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-14189650526729848522015-02-10T20:32:00.000-08:002015-02-10T20:32:01.981-08:00The Fourteenth Article of Faith - Email Dated 12/7/14You didn't think that there was a Fourteenth Article of Faith, did you? Well, there is. (: it goes something like this:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
WE BELIEVE IN TARANAKI.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yes.
That is where I am. It's President Rudd's only District in the mission
and so Taranaki, especially New Plymouth has a special place in his
heart. (: President Rudd is amazing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week
has been especially wonderful. We had Zone Meeting on Thursday and it
was all about the new initiative that the church has put out called 'He
is the Gift." I really really hope that you all have taken advantage of
this amazing opportunity that we have to share the true meaning of
Christmas. Anyway. It was the most amazing Zone Meeting that I have ever
had on my mission. The Zone Leaders gave a really inspirational
training and then the Taylor's, the senior proselyting couple in Hawera,
gave a training. Elder Taylor gave a training on 'Learning of Christ.'
He showed us a really really amazing way to study the scriptures. It has
changed the way that I study my scriptures. I have learned so much
about the Saviour the past few days, it's incredible. At the end of
their trainings, they gave a 21 day challenge to know our Saviour
better. And the way that it was planned, the twenty-first day will be on
Christmas. (: It'll be fantastic! I love being a missionary. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Saturday
was probably one of the greatest days of the week. False, it was the
greatest day of this week. (: Here's what happened: woke up, studied, as
normal, but then at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2105114006" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">10:00</span></span>
we made our way up to the chapel to Super Saturday! It was a blast! We
had a couple of less active members and investigator there! It was so
much fun. So, that ended at 2 and then we drove home to pick up the
cookies we had made for the baptism. Lisa Tamati got baptised on
Saturday at 4. Part member family that the elders have been teaching.
They have been teaching them for a year. And she just got baptised on
Saturday. But she is so converted! Their family have invited us over for
tea on Christmas and to Skype our families. There are six missionaries
in the New Plymouth branch. (: It's going to be really exciting!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not
too much has happened this week, but what I do know is that my
knowledge of the gospel, my knowledge of the life of the Saviour, and my
testimony are growing into an oak of understanding. I love studying the
scriptures. I love my Saviour. And I am so grateful for this second
time that I get to be a missionary at Christmas. It has been such a
blessing for me to get to have two Christmas' and Christmas Seasons on
the mission. Life is amazing! Life is great! Be humble, be submissive,
be obedient. (: The Gospel is easy to live, we just complicate it with
the natural man. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'll send photos in a separate email because I don't have too much time left on this computer. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ofa Atu!! </div>
<div>
Sister Pearce </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Second Email with Photos</div>
<div>
<h2 class="hP" id=":2pg" tabindex="-1">
Photos from Heaven. (:</h2>
6683-> Pearce and Baird!! </div>
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<div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div>
6713-> This is us as we were waiting for our meeting to start. (: </div>
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<div>
</div>
<div>
6688->
We visited one of our less active members on Sunday night and she
mentioned that she had been to the beach and tried to make a sand man
snow man...well, when we were at the beach, we found it. (: Not too
shabby!</div>
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<div>
6692-> There was a log in the middle of the river. Naturally, we had to sit on it.</div>
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<div>
6701-> The park in our area that looks like the one from Mary Poppins. (: </div>
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<div>
6699-> The elders doing the food bank run for Christmas. (: </div>
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</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I LOVE NEW ZEALAND!!!! But especially Taranaki. (:</div>
</div>
</div>
The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-9544674479390523522015-02-10T20:22:00.000-08:002015-02-10T20:22:05.373-08:00The Gospel is Beautiful - Email Dated 11/30/14Wow! This week was pretty crazy! After a week of adjusting to New
Plymouth, Taranaki, I am still adjusting! It is really different than
all of my other areas have been! For example: We are the only Sister
Missionaries in about a 3 hour radius, we triple cover the ward with two
sets of elders, our area is so big that it isn't possible to do
anything other than ride in the car, we see the ocean every single day,
Mount Taranaki is the lone giant that dominates the horizon on a clear
day, and it is not yet warm even though it's meant to be, but best of
all...we live in a house...with stairs!!!!! But it is SO BEAUTIFUL HERE!
Seriously, this is what I thought all of New Zealand would look like
and I'm not sure that I have words adequate to express my feelings for
this beautiful place. (:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This week has really been a
turning point in my spiritually, I think. Sister Baird teaches me so
much every single day and she has really helped me to see the joy of
living the gospel much clearer. My testimony grows every single day. As I
work my way through the Book of Mormon, I have once again gotten stuck
on the Isaiah chapters. So, I have been praying harder than I have ever
prayed in my life to see the symbolism and the great words that Isaiah
wrote and a new light has come into my scripture study. It is amazing. I
love the Book of Mormon. (: Everyday, I see Heavenly Father's hand in
my life. Whether it is seeing Mount Taranaki dominating the scenery, or
seeing the blue ocean, it doesn't matter, He is there for me. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We
have an investigator who is set for baptism!! The previous sisters set
her for the First of January because she needed to get married! Well, we
hadn't met her until this previous Saturday, so we weren't really sure
what was going on with her wedding date, but we had this mean lesson
planned on Eternal Marriage and stuff like that. Well, we get into our
lesson on Saturday (her daughter is a convert of 3 years and she's the
bomb!) and she starts telling us about how she had been praying to
Heavenly Father to know if she was meant to marry the partner that she
was with. She asked for a sign to be given to her to know and Heavenly
Father gave her a sign that she isn't meant to marry him! How cool is
that? So, our lesson had to change in a split second. We followed the
Spirit and decided that we should focus our lesson on Jesus Christ. So
we did. And we asked her daughter to share her testimony on Christ and
about halfway through Melody, our investigator, what just in tears. It
turned out to be one of the most powerful lessons I have probably ever
had on my mission. And now she has decided to get baptised on the 13th
of December!! She has decided that she doesn't want to wait anymore. It
strengthened my testimony on the Saviour so much. I love the Saviour. He
is my rock. I don't know where I would be right now if I didn't have a
solid foundation upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love this gospel. (:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I
am so grateful to be a missionary. (: I am so grateful that I get to be
on the front row while watching the Atonement change people into who
the never thought they could be. Melody is a perfect example of how the
gospel changes people. It is amazing to see and hear her testimony! I
can't believe that I've been living among such amazing people for over a
year now. I am so grateful for all of the things I have learned. I am
grateful for this stage that I've been able to and will continue to have
in my life. I have learned so much about myself. Some things that
aren't necessarily the greatest, but that is why I love the Atonement.
It allows us to change and become the people that we need to be. My
challenge to each of you this week is to more diligently study the
scriptures. Feast upon the words of Christ. And send me your
experiences!! I'd love to hear them. (: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love you all!! Ofa Atu!!</div>
<div>
Sister Rachel Pearce </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
6620-> MOUNT TARANAKI!!! Just so you know, Taranaki means "The Lonely One," in Maori. (: </div>
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<div>
6622->The Ocean we see EVERYDAY!!!!(: </div>
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<div>
6645-> Just a casual waterfall in our area. (: </div>
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<div>
6649-> Just us casually in front of the waterfall in our area. (:</div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-36681854523792604462015-02-09T20:45:00.003-08:002015-02-09T20:45:36.423-08:00Taranaki Hardcore! Email dated: 11/23/14This week has been crazy!! Crazy good, but totally crazy!! It all
started on Monday. We finished our emails and decided to go and get some
lunch. Well, we needed to call the Assistants to get permission to go
to the Warehouse to get a new USB. So, we called Elder Hammar and asked
if we could and he gave us the permission and then he was like, "Hold on
just a second, Sisters." And we knew that it was about the upcoming
transfers, so we sat there staring at each other. Then Elder Hammar
comes back onto the phone and says the following words, "Okay, Sisters!
You are being double shifted out! Sister Baird, you're going to Taranaki
and Sister Pearce you're going to Taranaki! And you're both going to be
companions in New Plymouth!" We went crazy! We were so excited!
Unfortunately, we had just done a huge grocery shop. BUT IT WAS OKAY
BECAUSE WE WERE GOING TOGETHER! So, then we called the Zone Leaders to
let them know and because they were like our best friends up there. (:<br />
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Fast forward: Tuesday and Wednesday were just filled with packing and saying goodbye. Nothing too exciting there. </div>
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Thursday: We woke up insanely early. <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049394916" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">5:00</span></span>. After going to bed at about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049394917" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">midnight</span></span>.
Not good for missionaries. All good though. (: We met the rest of the
zone at the chapel and we headed on down to Hamilton! We arrived a
little bit late, but it worked out just fine! I got to see a lot of my
mission friends. (: And yeah! President Rudd announced that we would be
having a Christmas concert, so I am really excited for that! We then had
to wait for one of the Elder's bikes to get fixed and so we didn't end
up leaving Hamilton until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2049394918" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">3:00</span></span>
and it's about a 4 1/2 hour drive down here. So, we drove down. Let me
tell you...that is a crazy, but insanely beautiful drive. Holy llamas!
It was fabulous. I serve in the most beautiful country in the world. (:
Hands down. </div>
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So, we got here and got stuff into
our flat and then the Elders told us that branch council was going on,
so we went up to the chapel to meet some of the auxiliary leaders. This
branch seems pretty onto it, but there is a lot of work for us to do! We
are so excited. And we are so close to the ocean! We hear it constantly
and we see it every day. It's beautiful down here! </div>
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We've
already had a few encounters with absolutely crazy people. It's been a
really big testimony builder for me on the importance of keeping the
word of wisdom. We met a lady who was on our ward list. And we were
knocking on her door and we could just smell the house from the outside
and we could see the nicotine on the curtains. She wasn't home, but then
as we were walking away, she walked into her driveway and then second
we saw her, we knew that she was so far gone. She started talking to us
and basically she got into drugs and now her body is wrecked, and
because of the state that she is in when she is on the drugs, her body
is used for completely immoral things. She is completely crazy and while
we were talking to her the Spirit was testifying to me the importance
of keeping the Word of Wisdom. The importance of keeping the Law of
Chastity. It made us so sad. But, that, my friends, is the beauty of the
gospel. If we live the principles taught in it, we will be free of
addiction and we will be able to feel the Spirit of the Lord warning us
of the dangers of Satan. </div>
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This week has been a
great testimony builder for me. I am so grateful for the wonderful Plan
of Salvation the helps us to know where we came from, why we're here,
and where we're going. I am so grateful to know who I am and what I am
doing. I am grateful to be a missionary. And I am grateful for all of
you back home who are supporting me unceasingly. I love each and every
one of you. I am so grateful for my call to come to the New Zealand
Hamilton Mission. It has changed my life. I am grateful for the Saviour
and Redeemer of the world, who suffered for my sins, for my
imperfections. He felt all that I have felt and all that I will feel,
just as he did for you. I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father
who placed me here at this time. Please, if you do not have a testimony
of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, ASK. Ask Heavenly Father and he
will reveal it to you through the power of the Holy Ghost. I know He
will. And I know that He loves you. This life is the time for men to
prepare to meet God. Prepare now. Do. Not. Procrastinate. </div>
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Ofa Atu, </div>
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Sister Pearce </div>
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6620->
This is Mount Taranaki. It is such a shocking landmark here. (: You see
it all of the time and there is snow on it! The first snow I've seen in
over a year!(:</div>
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Here's another cool photo of it. (: </div>
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The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8202750066958142595.post-19524001742455402142015-02-09T20:39:00.000-08:002015-02-09T20:39:04.457-08:00Too Good For Words - Email Dated 11/16/14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How good was this week?! The weather wasn't, but we constantly found ourselves being in the right place at the right time.<br /><br />It all started on Preparation Day last week. (: We again journeyed to the beach and did some more exploring. (: You'd think I was on holiday with where I am serving right now. I love it. (: 6534<br />
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The longer I am serving the more and more I feel Heavenly Father's love. My testimony of prayer has been strengthened immensely this week and I can feel the power of Heavenly Father's love even more in my life. The mission has taught me many, many things. Just a few go as follows: >The Lord loves us no matter where we are at on our journey. >He answers prayers. >We are here simply to become like Jesus Christ. That should be our sole motivation. >Obedience is key. I love being a missionary. I know that for a while I got a little bit distracted, but I am know now more that ever why I am here. And I am here to serve!<br /><br />This week we met up with a less-active man and it turned out to be him confessing all of his wife's sins to us on their front step. It got a little bit heated for a while and Sister Baird and I were struggling to help him see that he is not her judge and that he will not be judged by her actions. Well, I can honestly say that I don't remember what I taught him because it was literally 100% by the Spirit. It was such a cool experience! And he came to church on Sunday which was the first time in like 15 years. It was all worth it!<br /><br />We are teaching this family. And they are so close to baptism! We have this really great lesson planned for this week, Thursday that we are hoping to invite them and set them all in the same lesson! Pray for them. (:<br /><br />Church yesterday was absolutely amazing. We got a new bishopric and we are so excited to work with our new bishop. We feel that now, the work will progress much faster. We got to stay after and watch him get set apart and it was the most powerful blessing that I have ever been a part of in my life. He's a really young bishop, but he is powerful. We are so excited to see the work move forward from here.<br /><br />6543->On Friday, our new bishop fed us, but we didn't even know that he was going to be bishop. Anyway, the next day we went over to return their plates, but first, we made cookies and I discovered that I have a talent in chocolateiring. (: It was so fun. Then nek minit, he's our new bishop. (: It was fabulous!<br /><br />
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<br />6553-> I did Sister Baird's hair...enough said. (: She's beautiful! <br />
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<br />The Elfhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13173659598264389223noreply@blogger.com0