Eating Tongan pie in Houma
The Blowhole in Houma
Elders Valahulu and Mafi
Country Road
Houma Store
Vava'u Elders at pig fence service project
October 16th ~ 2016
How's it? I have some news, I have an appointment to baptize! We're in charge of two wards, Houma 1st & 2nd and I had the opportunity to bless the sacrament!
The work here is a lot of members finding people and us doing the teaching. Going over to members houses though is a risky thing. Not because it's dangerous, but because they feed you...and feed you...and feed you. I've had lu (meat wrapped in taro leaves and cooked until soft) for 5 meals in a row, haha. I try to eat but I'm like, " is it worth getting obese? No, no it's not." Sometimes I just mash it up and make it look like I've eaten, haha. Sometimes you do what you gotta do.
The language is really hard to get down. I'm trying really hard. I mostly just sit there and listen, if I hear my name I just nod.
October 23rd ~ 2016
Aye team,
How's it going? Fefe Hake, Oku mou sai pe?
I have a few updates to give you all!
I have had my first baptism! His name is Manako. It was a really cool experience. It wasn't our investigator but still I got to baptize him and the Spirit was really strong, and to see that person's aura change was very special.
The two investigators that my comp. and I are teaching are both committed to baptism, I mentioned one last week.
I even got to take the lead on the lessons. My Tongan is getting better and I'm starting to be able to understand what people are saying. I read the scripture Grandma Finau gave me every day, it's in Alma 37:34-37 I would encourage you all to read it too when you can.
Oh! Funny story...well not for me.
So we were fasting for our investigators and we just closed it and were looking for some food. Then our fafanga (the person who feeds the missionaries that night/day) drops off some curry sheep and we start eating. Next day, I had to stay home because, well, had to stay close to the bathroom!
That's about it! Ofa Lahi Atu (I love you very much)
Elder Mafi
October 31st 2016
HI MOM! I have lots to tell you!
Last Monday after I got done emailing you and everyone that day I was told I was going to Vava'u!
I had no time to tell anyone or do anything but pack and leave.
One of the Elders that I came out with from the MTC went home because he was homesick so I took his place. I don't know why I was chosen. I am doing great now, this new area is just what I needed. I also needed a more responsible companion/trainer. The area is tough though.
(I'll talk about it in my weekly email to everyone)
"Elder Mafi closed his quick email to me with this moving sentence. I was overwhelmed and sensitive to it as my heart aches for the family who's son left the mission field early. I want to dedicate it to all the strong mother's, observant fathers, family and friends who come across this entry this week. I know Beni and I aren't the only ones who have made an impact on this boy of ours life, we pray he continues and perseveres in faith, as we all must. This life is wonderful and terrible and worth every sacrifice for the betterment of our children and our families. I could say so much more, but again, this isn't just for me, it's for all of you who have helped and loved the
Larsen - Mafi families in immeasurable ways."
I wanna tell you that I love you a lot and that you've always been a great and amazing mother to me...thank you. - Kalisi
"A little payback from your kids is always nice."
Aye Squad! What's good? I'm just here in Tonga serving and what-not...haha.
I recently got called to serve in Vava'u last Monday night, (a different island group from Tongatapu, and approx. 190mi. away from Nuku'alofa), so I packed up all my things and headed out. I have been transferred to this little village called, Pangaimotu. the work here is very, very rough. It's a struggle to talk to people because the missionaries before kinda put a bad taste in the member's mouths. Honestly, I don't believe I'll be baptizing a lot, but there will be a lot of ngaue ofa (service) and helping people trust the missionaries again. I am willing to serve.
We built this pig fence for a little old lady and she was so happy. It was a cool experience and I can't wait to help out more people. We also helped this person get coconuts for their pigs. I drank a crazy amount of that coconut milk, it was hecka good.
We've gone without food for a couple of days but it's ok, we're losing weight. haha.
We're walking a lot, not to teach but to go to meetings and such. It's 6 miles round trip just for a meeting. It's all good, I can walk and lose some weight.
Also, here in Vava'u the pigs run around like squirrels in America! I want to ride one! They are giant!
Lots of good is about to start with me and my comp. We're both pumped to serve, and I can see that we'll be friends when we get home.
'Till next week, Oku ou ofa lahi atu!
