Tahiti - Week 13

PERSPECTIVE

"Perspective is the way we see things when we look at them from a certain distance and it allows us to appreciate their true value."

"Na Na to Sr. Garbutt this week. She's being transferred to another island and opening a new sector! I hope one day we will get to be companions! She's so fun and I'm really going to miss her!"

  "I literally have the best companion in the world! Seriously, we get along great!
She's pretty much like me. She's from Canada. She's so lax. Hardly anything aggravates her and she's just always calm. She loves to laugh and we stayed up many nights this week talking about the most random moments of our lives. She likes to look pretty all the time, which isn't a thing here, so I just laugh and continue looking like a bum."

(Ummmm...if you ask me, the above^picture does NOT proves Mickey doesn't look like a bum!)

"This transfer, President Fox tried something new. Because all of the Americans that had Tahitian companions were struggling, he changed everything! It turns out that nearly everyone right now has a companion that has the same native language. Tahitians with Tahitians and Americans with Americans."

^^The new Sisters Mickey lives with.^^
Sr. Damtp from France
Sr. Larsen from Utah
Sr. Dumouchel from Canada
and of course our beautiful Mickey!

^^Mickey's favorite little boy in Tahiti. His name is Fatohei.^^
He wanted Mickey to take a picture of him with this fish. haha

Maman Gobrait and her daughter Euliette.
On rough days, Mickey will go visit with them. 
Eurliette served a mission in Washington, so Mickey likes to speak English with her! 

This week Sr. Dumouchel celebrated her birthday, so this was their "party crew".

...and since it was Sr. Dumouchel's birthday, Mickey asked Teiki if they could do a carving activity with him and of course he said he'd love to! ...so Mickey carved this little turtle! 
She said, "I'm pretty much a professional!"  haha! 
It's SO cute!

Anyone knows Mickey, knows she loves music! Sr. Dumouchel came with an instrument it makes Mickey's life complete when she plays and sings for her!
 

With a new companion, this week, Mickey was able to have a new perspective of her mission. 

Things with Sr. Teahu were hard, but Mickey loved her and they got along. The language barrier was difficult also, but now Mickey can communicate a whole lot easier.

"We learn and grow and become stronger as we face and survive the trials through which we must pass." 

- President Thomas S. Monson

"Seriously, every day this week, I realized how hard my first few months were." 

"It was the busiest week I've had on my mission and I literally feel dead tired, but I wouldn't change it for anything. I'm already so sad that this transfer is eventually end. However, I realize our sector has so much potential, and we are PUMPED to get some work done!"

"...really, this week was the best week of my mission. Work wise."

"We have so much work to do though, it was funny...one night I was talking with Sr. Dumouchel about it and she said 'It's okay...I don't ever have to sleep! If I don't sleep then I don't ever have to wake up, and waking up is my least favorite part of the day!" 

"We found out that our area book is AWFUL!! It hasn't been cleaned out for years, so we decided to hit the books and clean it out. We found this sticky note on one of them that says the missionaries stopped having lessons with him because he was always stoned...I about died.  - Clearly the missionary was from America, because they were good about doing French until it got to the slang words. (: "

Mickey has now received her second package! The first one came from us,
and this second one came from Tina and Daniel (Step mom and brother).

Stories about the ami's!

Marie-ange ended up having a lot of trouble with the word of wisdom this last week, so she cancelled her baptism, but at the next visit with her, she chose the 20th of September to work for her. Please pray for her to have the strength to overcome  her smoking habits.

Also, Mickey has been teaching Mata Flores ever since she arrived in Tahiti. She first started taking the missionary lessons in 2002 but has lived with her concubine (who is inactive). They aren't married (obviously) but something happened with the contract of their house and they were pretty much kicked out. On the bright side, she's now living with a Mami in Mickey's ward (her and her kids) but the Mami wouldn't let Matas boyfriend live with her, so they aren't living together anymore!!! That was Mata's only obsticle. haha. Mickey said she's practically a member, except she's not. BUT, she picked a baptism date of September 23rd! Wahoo!

Miracles happen and the work is starting to come together for Mickey.
Please continue your prayers for her and her ami's!

Mickey and Sr. Dumouchel are hitting the ground running and have made a lofty goal 
to have three baptisms throughout this transfer! 

 "I'm just here to invite others to come unto Christ
...and be an example."

And with that ^ Mickey can do all things through Christ.
I'm excited to see what great things she can accomplish this transfer.
I'm proud of her and her willingness to serve with her whole heart!
We are so proud of her!

♥♥

Tahiti - Week 12

NEW HELLO'S

aka: Transfers

On Wednesday, the mission received 30 new incoming missionaries which meant Thursday was transfer calls. Luckily, Mickey was able to stay in her sector like she wanted to, but she had to say goodbye to Sr. Teahu today. Only Mickey and Sr. Larsen stayed.

"I got a new companion today. Literally, like an hour ago. Her name is Sr. Dumouchel. (:

She's from Canada. I think we'll be great friends.  

She grew up speaking English but she speaks pretty good French. 

She's been out 10 months.

I really like her."

"On a positive note, I haven't gained any more weight since the MTC. I was weighed last week."

 ^^Mickey's ward building^^

 ^^Ahh...apparently Mickey misses Abbie^^

 ^^Mickey and Sr. Mendenhall^^

^^With Sr. Teahu transferring out, Mickey was able to switch beds. This side has more room for pictures and letters on her wall which she is excited about!^^

"I had an allergic reaction to the coconut I ate last week

...which explained why my skin was so bad last week. I also got food poisoning. 

WAHOO 

..but, I'm great!  Life is good. 

I went to the Doctor and I feel great today!"

 ^^Purple ice cream? Yes!! ^^

"I LOVE Taro Ice Cream! It's probably my favorite treat."

^^This is the Brother and Sister who have been teaching Mickey how to carve wood. 

She loves them so much!^^ 

 ^^Mickey received her first package in the mail from us this week!!^^  
Haha - just a heads up - in case you want to send her anything. It's a process so send early! 
We've sent two others before the above package that she hasn't even received yet. 

Mickey has been studying SO much and has really been trying to learn FROM the Lord. I love that she is not afraid to ask for trials because she knows it will make her a stronger person! She continually amazes me and growth is always happening with her. 

I can honestly say that the biggest thing I learned this week is the importance of loving me. It's such a blessing that I am serving in an area where I don't really have people comparing others.

It's nice that I don't get to wear tons of make-up, or have to dress nice.

--I'm learning to be comfortable with me."

"I'm trying to read the Book of Mormon by the 1st of September. (that is Sr. Garbutt's birthday and she set a goal to read it by then, so I'm doing it with her) but the time is coming fast so we'll see."

 ^^Mickey thought all the guys in the family would appreciate this pic. She said literally like everytime they use the microwave, they have to go "flip the switch" because the power is tripped. haha ^^

 ^^"Heiva"^^

Funniest moment of the week:
"We were at Heiva  (dance concert thingy) and started to smell a really stinky something or other (like poop) and the girl next to me asked what it was, so I told her it was probably the little boy next to us...she waited for a minute then responded by saying it was probably the mami (old woman) behind us! I about died.

When I asked Mickey who helped her the most this week, she responded with:
"God helped me the most this week.
If not, it was Sr. Maeva. She's in our ward and literally does anything for anyone. It makes me feel bad sometimes to ask her for things because I know she'll do it...but she was so helpful this week and took me to the doctor. I'm the closest with her and Maman Gobrait."

Best moment of the week:

"I got my first Tahitian pearl from a member in our ward. ♥ She is so sweet!"

Best moment of the week:

"I got my first Tahitian pearl from a member in our ward. ♥ She is so sweet!
It's special to get a pearls from people because it's Tahitian...they're Tahitian, giving you a piece of their lives.  It's on a bracelet. So simple...but it's sweet and special."

Tahiti - Week 11

INTENT

Real intent means doing the right things for the right reasons.

I hope you're not counting the weeks anymore..

Bonjour tout le monde! I have a lot of gratitude in my heart for all

of your support and love from thousands of miles away. I love that I

can truly feel it, along with all your prayers. A big THANK YOU!

A newly returned missionary bore his testimony this week by sharing an

experience he had the first few months on his mission. -Elder Paea

served in Sydney Australia speaking English. When he first arrived he

knew how to say: hello, how are you, and goodbye. He even remembers a

time someone asked him how many siblings he had and he looked at them

for a minute and responded with "yes." When they responded with a

strange look on their face, Elder Paea knew that wasn't the correct

response. Day after day he became more discouraged and his desire to

return home became more prevelant. He finally decided it was time to

go home, so he had the phone in his hand, ready to call his mission

Président when the Holy Ghost whispered to him that he had two

options. He could call his president, or he could pray. He fought the

thought for a few minutes until he decided to pray. During his prayer,

he felt an overwhelming amount of gratitude for the opportunity he had

to be serving a mission. it was his choice to be there.

I can honestly say that he was telling my exact situation. I had the

same feelings, the same questions posed to me, but I chose to pray.

-and I'm SO glad I did! My mission has already been the biggest

blessing. I love it here. ♥ I love these people, I love this Island,

but more than anything, I love my Savior! ♥ That is why I'm here! That

is why I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to be here!

-Funny story! My acne has been really bad here in Tahiti just with how

dirty everything is, and Tahitians don't get acne, so they always

comment on it. (It's their way of showing me love..) (Cracks me up

every time) but this week someone asked me if I've tried Fafaru and

when I said "yes" she said that my acne was an allergic reaction to

it!! I about died... but at least I can use that as an excuse not to

eat foods I don't like. hahah

I'm really sorry, I forgot my camera this week.. -Next week I'll have

photos for you all. Just know I had good intentions in taking over 80

photos this week but I'm human.

Grande bisous! ♥♥ Je vous aime!

I LOVE that Mickey wrote about her reason for being (and staying) on a mission. Real Intent. It's her love for her Savior. Isn't that really why we all do (or don't do) what we do? Our actions and daily rituals are proof that we follow God and show just how much we love him. 
In the last 2 1/2 years as I have had a closer relationship with Mickey, I have seen her heart change. I have witnessed the true love she has for others - but I have especially noticed just how much her heart has changed - changed to show a great devotion to the God she has become truly grateful for. It has been an amazing journey for me and Brad to witness and it's heartwarming to know just how much Mickey continues to become what he wants her to be. 
...and it's because of her developing devotion towards him that he blesses her. Honestly, Mickey is truly an amazing soul. Very strong. 
My heart immediately fills with an immense amount of love at the very thought of her. Boy, do I miss her. But, mostly, ...*tears* ...I am truly in awe of her and grateful that she continues to choose the higher road of excelling alongside her Heavenly Father.
I love you, Mickey.

  

Her story of living with true intent reminds me of a conference talk I loved.

 I wanted to share just a tidbit of it: 

Too often we passively follow patterns and habits that have been developed through the years—we just go through the motions without carefully considering where those motions are taking us. Living with real intent adds focus and purpose to our lives and can make all the difference. Living with real intent means understanding the “why”—the motives behind our actions. Socrates said, “The un-examined life is not worth living.”1 So ponder how you spend your time, and ask yourself regularly, “Why?” This will help you develop the ability to see beyond the moment. It’s far better to look ahead and ask yourself, “Why would I do that?” than to look back and say, “Why, oh, why did I do that?”

I encourage you to live a deliberate and focused life - even if you haven't consistently done so in the past. Don't be discouraged by thoughts of what you have already done or not done. Let the Savior wipe the slate clean. Remember what He has said: "As oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven" (Moroni 6:8; emphasis added.)

Start now. Live an intentional life, understanding life, understanding why you do what you do and where it will lead. As you do these things, you will discover that the most important "why" behind everything you do is that you love the Lord and recognize His perfect love for you. May you find great joy in you search for perfection and in understanding and doing His will.

May we all live with real intent and devote our lives fully to Heavenly Father.

Also, I have a surprise for you!!  Mickey may not have sent us pictures, but I did receive some pictures this week from one of her ward members that I am will  share with you! The quality of the photos aren't the best, but they made my day! ...the Lord truly works in mysterious and amazing ways!

In case you're wondering, Mickey is wearing a Flower Crown. In Tahiti, it's used for special occasions such as weddings, cultural nights, a night out or dating. They say for a woman, it's a plus for their Tahitian beauty.

If you ask me, Mickey is beautiful with or without a Flower Crown. :)

♥♥

Tahiti - Week 10

TRUE GRATITUDE

"I learned the importance of TRUE gratitude. I feel like I've always been fairly 'grateful' but this week, at my lowest point, when it was the hardest to be thankful, I searched."

Sœur Wright is doing really well! Her sickness is gone! YAY! She said it was because of our prayers. She has always been a wonderful example of having a positive attitude and this week was additional proof of that. I am constantly amazed at what this girl overcomes and endures through. Read on to experience week number ten.

It really was a great week. I woke up telling myself every day that it was going to be a good day and each time, it was. However, one day in particular stood out above the others. I woke up already sad that the day was eventually going to be over. We didn't have anything out of the ordinary planned, but I just felt extra happy. After morning prayer I got into the shower and just cried because I had so much gratitude in my heart. The water was cold, and it was coming out of the pipe on the wall, but I couldn't help to feel so much gratitude for all that I DO have here in Tahiti, and all that I have in America. We are so so so blessed, and I don't think we take enough time to show our gratitude. Sometimes, I think we have so much that we don't even realize what a blessing it really is.

I've been sleeping a lot better this week too. I'm almost to the point where I only wake up in the night once 

(which is a blessing!) 

*Uncle Vaughn! This story is for YOU:

Mickey and I were discussing her sleeping and she said, "I think the sleeping better is caused by me letting go of all my stress at night and really focusing on relaxing. I actually tell myself to "Relax" all the time, and I think of Vaughn every time I do it. I say it like he does too, in the grouchy tone." haha

^^Mickey said this is how they take their naps!^^ 

But, seriously, isn't it so cute?!

Elder Johansson of the 70 came to our stake conference this week! So cool! I've really had the opportunity to see so many general authorities, as well as to feel the love they have for us. He talked to us about trusting in the lord with all we do. To be willing to put God above all else. If we can do that, then we have no need to fear because he will take care of us. He really had such a Strong testimony. 

Spoiler alert: 

Mickey and the other missionaries will also get a visit from 

Elder Gary Stevensen on the 26th! SO neat!

I've studied and definitely learned things about myself, both strengths and weaknesses that I have and want to change for the better. Funny story is that you've sent me some of the same scriptural references and words of advice. (JESS. ITS A SIGN!! You're a psychologist! Or a mother! Or inspired! Or maybe it was just a random guess, but you have been very helpful for me!) a few of the things I really want to work on are not being so much of a people pleaser, and not stressing as much. 

Marie-ange explained to us this week that she's willing to do whatever it takes to get baptized, so we're going to try for the 27th of August! -right now we're still working on the word of wisdom with her. She smokes on average 20 cigarettes a day. -I asked her what gives her the motivation to follow Christs example and she told me that she's always known the true happiness, but she's given into her boyfriend every time, and placed him above anything else. -it ruined the relationship she had with her parents. Until one day she realized that he makes her happy in the moment but her family treats her better. That's where she's most happy. -also, Sr Teahu jokingly asked if one day she'd like to go on a mission and she looked at us a little funny (kind of how I did to you that one time, Jess) and then said yeah!! So we let her put on our plaques!! Ahh I love their family. Seriously. They're in the poorest part of Tahiti. They literally live on the beach, in a tin shack with like 2 sources of running water that they all share (like 6 families). They have 7 children, and they take care of even more than that. They're so humble, giving and loving. I love them.

The person who influenced Mickey the most this week:

We're saying "Na Na" to Elder Drugeon today. ): he's been my district leader since I got here, and I can honestly say he's the best missionary I've met thus far. He's really given all his efforts into being a great example and reaching out to us enfants (children) (missionaries in training) -Elder Davis, Sœur Garbutt and myself. He's given me blessings, words of advice and lots of laughs. We love him! We wish him all the luck with his wedding in 3 weeks...... (no exaggeration) but really, he's awesome and France is lucky to have him.

*A special shout out to Kathy: 

"Will you give Kathy MaCallister a big  hug for me? 

"I love that sweet woman."

We played hang man with a few of the elders in our zone and Sœur Fox while waiting for our interviews with President Fox, it was my first time writing in French for people who speak French.. HAHAH. Okay, well i quote Ether 3:5 in French ALL the time because it's the little reminder that if Christ can do all he did, then I can do this. So I used it as my hangman phrase except I said "Tu pu le faire" instead of saying "Tu peux le faire." They sound the same, except one means "You can do it" and the other means "You stink..." i definitely told everyone they stink. -French. haha

^^The church^^

-there's pretty much one road in Tahiti. It goes around the whole island, some times crossing inlets of water or right next to the ocean. All the other streets are somehow attached to that road. Over the past few weeks we've been able to take a few tours around the whole island (for conferences and whatnot) and believe it or not there are a few tunnels we pass through and every time I scream (just like we do as a family on road trips). The first few times it caught everyone off guard, then became annoying to the point that everyone told me to stop, followed by everyone doing it. I've started a trend, my family. :D everyone thinks of me while going through tunnels now, and i think of YOU! <3

^^This isn't the "one" road Mickey was talking about,^^ 
but it is a trail she runs on in the mornings.

Elder Claflin thought he was being so clever when he said "I've figured it out! After your mission you can have a 'Mr right for Sister Wright!'" Unfortunately, it's not the first time I've heard that one, but I let him have it.. 

I ate fafaru. It's literally raw fish that's sat in salt water, fermenting for days, if not weeks. It smells like rotten eggs and definitely doesn't taste any better. Not awful, I guess if you like the smell of stinky farts.

I saw the biggest spider of my life just under the toilet seat at the church.. People always wonder why I look!! I almost died! (No worries.. I held it in) seriously the size of a soft ball.

We cleaned out all of our cupboards this week because we decided that we had too many dishes.. (these are all from dinners that have been delivered to the missionaries) Yes.. we gave them all away, and we still have a kitchen FULL!

Mickey made No Bake Cookies and took them to a neighbor and now everyone asks for them. They are a hit! Looks like she did a great job!
^^

^^Maui's hook!!  haha - Mickey carved this!^^ 

She is getting quite talented in the carving department, it's fun to see all the fun things she has been carving!

 ^^Mickey loves these kids - and they love her [the missionaries]^^ - turns out the missionaries have the key to open the church parking lot so they can play! haha

^^rainbow^^

^^A fellow ward member made and gave this lei to Mickey^^

I was feeling extra grateful this week that Mickey had a wonderful week. Even though she is so far away and I know she is safe, I worry about her. I genuinely care about her well being - physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally. 

This week, as I was thinking about Mickey, I was able to relate to our Heavenly Father: he cares for each one of us so deeply and in time, he wants us to return home to him.  When that great day comes for us, I can only imagine that he will engulf us in a big hug where we will feel the unending love he has always had for us and feel his gratitude in the positive progress we made on our Earthly missions and and then relate to us how proud he is of our accomplishments and willingness to follow Christ.  I know I see my own children and Mickey with those same eyes. Just as the Lord looks forward to hearing from us through prayer, I always look forward to hearing from Mickey. It's like Christmas for me! SO exciting and I can't wait to hear of all the surprises that took place in her week. When her mission is successfully complete, I look forward to the BIG embrace that I know will follow. My heart will already be full of the feelings I imagine Heavenly Father to have for us.  

I know the Lord blesses Sister Wright 

in her mission service as he does our family also.  

I'm SO beyond grateful this girl has been in my life. 

She has forever blessed my heart. 

♥♥