Week 55 -

Kia Ora,

This week we taught a lady from Turkey who pretty much believes in Relativism and that we're all good people so we don't need Christ (WRONG). We had to drop a few people that are just not progressing and are eating up precious time. We helped another lady move, chopped fire wood for days (yes, sisters can chop wood), and taught numberless less-actives.

One less active in particular called us up after being missing in action for like a month. She told us where she has been staying, asked us to come over and asked for a ride to church. So we went over and just listened to all this crazy stuff that has been going on and she was able to find her own solutions to her problems without us really saying anything. It's awesome when people apply things and then see them work out for their good. Anyway the next day we went around to make sure she was awake for her ride to church. She wasn't and she said she was too sick but we were able to help her see why church was important for her to get back on the right path. I don't really know the end to this story yet but she came to church and she's excited for a FHE tonight so hopefully the little things pay off!

Not much else is happening but we're working hard with the ward to get them more involved in missionary work and were able to do some role plays in ward council with the auxiliaries so that was pretty awesome. Anyway, the Lord has His own timing and we just have to TRUST! The church is true, the work is moving, and Heavenly Father is aware of each of us!

Much AROHA,
Sister Machen

Week 54 - Congrats A & A!!!

Hey Whanau.

I don't even know what to tell you but it was another good week haha. We finally got one of our investigators to come to church yesterday and she loved it! It was exactly what she needed to help her feel at peace with the things we have been teaching her. Funny thing though, I bore my testimony (as a promise to her for coming), and might have shed a few tears about eternal families and the plan of salvation (shout out to Aaron and Amy, who were having their reception at about the same time!). But afterwards she gave me the biggest hug and asked, "when did your brother pass away?" LOL she thought Aaron DIED. Pretty funny cause she probably didn't understand the words "sealed in the temple." Anyway that made the day a whole lot better!

Some things from the week-Sister Mitchell witnessed a lady breast feeding her child right in front of us and freaked out; we helped two people move; had zone meeting; and found out Sister Mitchell is a very talkative sleeper-she also laughs and cries in her sleep. I am so entertained at night. I love being with a new missionary and re-experiencing all the wonders of missionary life!

We found some awesome new investigators this week, a couple from India (pray for them..) and a cool lady from Turkey!! We are seeing the miracles happen here, slowly but surely. and I can't emphasize enough how important it is for us as members to fulfill our missionary responsibilities. We can't do anything as missionaries if we don't have the help or support from the members we serve. So ask yourself, "am I a good member missionary?" And get back to me :) I love you all! Have a great week!

Arohanui,
Sister Machen

Felt like I was right there watching the happy couple come out of the temple!

Got the announcement two days before the wedding-that's why I couldn't make it...

Week 53 - A Long One

FAM.

Another great week in the promised land of New Zealand. We have been blessed with tender mercies throughout the week that are great reminders of why I want to be here and that this is exactly where I need to be. We were able to teach some youth about the Plan of Salvation as it relates to temples and family history for mutual and the nonmember girl that has been coming for a few months now is so keen! She really felt the spirit and asked how she can help her ancestors to progress and then how she should go about being baptized herself! So that was an awesome moment. Another experience we had this week was when we visited this part member family that we knew was getting kicked out of their home. When we got there just one single mom was left with her five year old son adn as we talked to her she shared a lot of crazy and sad things that she has been through in her life. Once again I was humbled to realize how blessed I have been in my life, but I also felt great hope for this young mother knowing that whatever she has been through in the past, the Lord will eventually compensate her and the gospel will absolutely bless her life. I love these expereiences!

We had interviews with our mission president and I received a lot of great peace knowing that with everything we are going through, the Lord already has a plan laid out for us. He knows what we will study, where we live, what our careers will be, etc. but He doesn't overwhelm us with all the information at once, He reveals things in His own timing that in turn is best for us. Going along with that, we had a great lesson from our Bishop this Sunday about simplifying our lives, but simplifying just means prioritizing and gi\etting rid of things that waste time so that we can replace them with important things of eternal perspective. "If what you're doing now has no eternal outcome, you're wasting your time." A mission is definitely not a waste of time!!

Also want to thank Mapleton 1st Ward for all the awesome letters and encouragment I have received over the past year! I always love getting letters from my "army" back home!! Shout out to Aaron and Amy tying the knot this Saturday, I'm so happy for you both! And happy birthday to Corey, thanks for being alive another year!

I love you all HEAPS!!
Sister Machen

Week 52 - Family History is COOL!

Kia Ora!

So this week was a super cool eye opener about how awesome family history is. So, as some may know, great-great grandpa Parley Waters served a mission here in 1894, and my dream of a mother sent his missionary journal with me to this promised land. I read some of it at the beginning of my mission but just kind of got busy. But I pulled it out again and am nearly finished reading. HE IS SO COOL. I recognize lots of places he served and even names of people he taught. And all of his service so far has been in my mission. I shared that story with some less active members and ward leaders at a scripture study this week and they were so excited! The Maori culture is all about family and knowing where you come from and everything, so having a journal from way back then is like gold. It has been such a blessing and so special to connect with my family in that way. I'm also so grateful that I don't have to walk 16 miles a day, beg for dinner at the first house I see, bathe in the river, or drink from a swamp. Missionaries today have a pampered life. Truly.

Other than that the work is moving slowly but surely. Alma 26:22 has come to mean a lot to me. As we exercise faith, repent, pray always, and serve, the Lord blesses us with greater knowledge and miracles.
I love you all! The church is true and I'm so grateful for my family's legacy of faith.

Ka kite ano,
Sister Machen

Chopped down a banana tree!

Week 51 - One Year Down!

Hey family!

So first that's so crazy about missionaries in Russia!!!! Satan is working to harden peoples hearts more than ever, but the gospel will win in the end.

My new companion is Sister Mitchell from St. George Utah. Brand new, fresh out of the MTC and already so good at being a missionary! I love her soooo so much!! She's much blonder, much skinner, and talks much more like an American than me, but all that will change in time haha. Jk cause we are now dedicated to running every morning. The past week has been great, we have had really awesome lessons with a few people and just been reminded of why we are here. Sister Mitchell asked me how long I have been out and that's when I realized I hit my year mark on Saturday (what the heck) and time doesn't seem real. As we have gone around introducing my new comp to the members, I have felt such a great love for them and appreciation for them. This area is not as busy as others but the members really make it amazing!

So I've been told to share more about investigators, the one part member family that we are working with and has great prospects is Jemma and Junior with their three boys. Junior is a member from his childhood and Jemma is so onto it! They are so busy so it's been rough trying to teach actual lessons and they have only come to church once but they are the best we have at the moment and once we can get them progressing faster they will be such a great addition to the ward! Other than that we have Gabby, who is a 17 year old super busy, athletic, high schooler that is NEVER home. So pretty much it's a struggle setting up appointments and teaching her but once we do, she will be so ready for baptism!

This work is the greatest thing ever. We are ALL a part of it. A scripture that is awesome is Alma 31:34-35, every soul is precious!


Ka Kite Ano and Arohanui,
Sister Machen

Bye Sister Suk!

Hello Sister Mitchell!!

Week 50 - President and Sister Cummings

Korean Ice Cream!

Kia Ora,

Well this will be short, but we got to meet our new president this past week! He is so AWESOME. They are from Sydney, Australia and brought their son along. I felt so much love from them both and the spirit confirmed the divinity of his calling. He's the man for the job right now. They both were so nice. I'm sure there will be changes to the mission in the way of rules and things, but President just exhorted us all to be obedient. "Being worthy when the opportunity arises is what a good life is all about." We need to show the Lord that He can trust us when He needs us. Maybe He will place a prepared investigator in our path or allow the priesthood to work through a worthy priesthood holder at a time of need. But I am grateful for their worthiness to serve and the excitement they have brought to this mission! Hope you all have a great week!

Much Aroha,
Sister Machen

Crazy Sisters

Week 49 - Happy 4th!

Another week gone by. Of course I'm decked out in red, white, and blue today in honor of America, but sadly no one here seems to care. And fireworks are banned. so sad. Anyway we get to meet our new mission president this thursday for one hour haha, should be interesting! We went on exchanges and I got to go to the area across the bay where people are nearly lining up to be baptized (not really but it seemed like it). It's crazy how much you can learned/be reminded of in just 24 hours. But mostly I learned there is a balance between being focused and enjoying yourself as you do the Lord's work. I don't think you could ever work TOO hard, but just understanding that there needs to be great enthusiasm and joy paired with the hard work. Don't worry I'm very happy!

We went to yet another funeral "tangi" on the Marae and did the nose touching "hongi." I don't think I'll ever get used to pressing my nose against an old man's. And then there're those cheeky fellas that kiss you on the cheek and basically I just want to die. But it's all a beautiful culture when done properly...

Then yesterday we had a baby blessing in church and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the plan of salvation. As one spirit left this world and one spirit entered, it hit me how short and precious this life is, and how pivotal. Our decisions DO determine our destiny. I love this gospel and I love the confidence it gives me that we can be families forever. Even though it just annoys me that you're all fit and tan in the pictures you sent, I still love you hooligans.

Have a great week!
Sister Machen