Avondale Sisters

This week has been super busy. I wish we could have recorded every day so you could relive it with us. I cant tell you all that happened but will share a few fond memories. We got bashed every. single. morning. My goodness we have no idea what happened. God was either testing our patience or wanted us to share our testimonies. Maybe both. Don't worry we did well with not smashing them, we just testified and walked away. We had heaps of appointments this week and not all of them fell through! That never happens in this area!! Saw a few of our investigators that we haven't seen in ages and it was nice to see them and see what they are still learning. 

This week I wanted to share the love that I have for my sweet Avondale ward. Been here for just a few months and probably a few more to come but they are just wonderful people. I cant really state what has happened but because of events my love for them has grown. I was able to testify of the love that God has for all of us. That yes we could be doing better with missionary work. It would be nice for our planners to be full of appointments, for members to help our every day. In reality that doesn't happen, but that doesn't make them bad or evil. It makes us human. I know that each person in this area was here for a reason, I am here in West Auckland for a reason. I reckon this area has taught me the most about how the church works, about the role of leaders in the ward, the priesthood, and how challenging missionary work actually is. Sometimes I do get down. Its hard to see people not helping or people not progressing. Struggles with everything. Being in an area for 6 months and feeling like I havent accomplished anything. The typical missionary things. But yesterday at our come and see it was down in Otara. My last area. Where Sister Hobbs and I both served (just a fun fact). We sat in the back and we turned around and saw Joy. One of the less actives in Tangaroa ward. Then saw my two favs run in. They saw me and waved hard out and ran to me and said "SISTER BOITEUX SISTER BOITEUX!!!" In the middle of a fireside lol. Dont worry not many heard. I wanted to cry, I was in that area 6 months ago and two 9 year old girls still remember me. It felt good to know that I did help someone even if it was the primary kids it was someone. Not trying to be all wo is me, but it was a humbling moment when I really felt the spirit of the Lord strengthening me and helping me know that I am doing alright and that I help people even when I dont realize it. So same goes for all of you. You never know who you impact. It could be an older person or a little child or someone around your age. Just small simple acts of service can really change someone's life. I am so grateful for my areas and all the people I have come to love so much.

I hope you are all having a great Sabbath day and are enjoying the peacefulness that comes with it! 

Kia Kaha,

Sister Boiteux

pictures!

Last P-day we went and played pool. Definitely went against Elder Murdock So Jo vs Herriman.. I may or may not have lost. He was supposed to play the sister card ;) 

Waterview Zone!!

Dont mind my frumpy missionary clothes.. We had a zone blitz in the elders area so I got to knock on the Wisharts old house. It was a sweet moment for me :)

The Nocks moved down from Keri Keri so we called the troops in to help unpack. May or may not have gotten some kettle corn and we were a wee bit happy! While the Elders had some fun time playing darts. We are real productive people.

Also definitely didnt plan this.. But Sister Liki and I matched again!! :)

Please Plan Your Journey

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a great week filled with tender mercies from the Lord!

We had a good week. A pattern I noticed was the awesome power of the priesthood!!!  

On Saturday Sister Hobbs and I were walking around Avondale. A man stopped us and said "Oh it's the Mormon sisters! I have a few questions for yous!!" Wonderful! We stopped to talk to him and he asked if we had a restoration book. So we gave him a pamphlet and he started asking us if we believe the restoration is like when a car breaks down and you have to bring it back. So yes we agreed. He then asked if we believe in the Bible. As long as it is translated correctly, then we do. So he said "okay get out your bible and turn to 1 cor." Talked about how the gospel is the scriptures. Then asked us to turn to Hebrews 7. Which talks about the priesthood. Now this man was really pushing our buttons. He said the gospel was never lost and didnt need to be restored, and Christ has the priesthood so no one else does. I have no idea what he was on about but it was so frustrating because he would not let us talk. It was crack up cause I totally studied about the priesthood that morning. So we just testified of the need for the restoration and I couldnt help but think of my daddy and the priesthood he holds and how grateful I am for it. 

We also had an investigator who is struggling hard out right now. We stopped by her house and she told us how she is pregnant again. She already has two kids and now another on a way. She also isnt married. She expressed her sorrow on not being married and how hard it will be. When we left Sister Hobbs looked at me and said "Its so sad that having a child to the world is a burden, but for us in the gospel it is such a blessing." The eternal view of things. So grateful for the gospel and for the priesthood. We have been studying heaps on women and the priesthood because we were unsure of what we actually can do. So Sister Balli gave us a few talks to study. Today they taught me of the importance of the man and women in the church and in the home. That we are equal but not the same. Men hold the priesthood but they are not the priesthood. It was cool to remember the covenants made in the temple and when we are endowed we are literally endowed with the same power as the brethren. That the priesthood is used for blessing others not themselves. Elder Ballard gave a talk a few years back talking about the different responsibilities of men and women and the priesthood. A paragraph I really enjoyed says 

"Surely, if our eventual exaltation is Their essential goal and purpose, and if They are omniscient and perfect, then They understand best how to prepare, teach, and lead us so that we have the greatest chance to qualify for exaltation. Our Father in Heaven knows all, foresees all, and understands all.His comprehension, His wisdom, and His love for us are perfect. Surely we must agree that our Heavenly Father and His Son know which opportunities the sons and daughters of God need to best prepare the human family for eternal life.

Each of us has the privilege of choosing whether we will believe that God is our Father, that Jesus is the Christ, and that They have a plan designed to help us return home to Them.This, of course, requires faith. Our testimonies, our peace of mind, and our well-being begin with the willingness to believe that our Father in Heaven does indeed know best."

 My testimony grew on the role of men and women in the church. That men cant fully establish an eternal family without a women. Both are necessary to create a family. I know that the teachings and ordinances in the church are so important for families to go to the eternities. I am grateful for my own family and that my parents understand each of their roles and what they are to do. And one day (not trunky) for me to have my own family too and be able to help my husband equally fulfil his priesthood duties. I know Gods plan is perfect. That he gives us things that help us grow because he knows us best and knows what we need.

I love you all heaps and hope you have a great week!

Ofa Atu,

Sister Boiteux

pictures:

Had FHE with Trent on Monday. Couldnt go inside so we definitely had a camp out in the drive way. 

Bishop and Sister Hobbs cheat. Can't play anything with them. Shame.

Sister Liki and I matched. Great minds think alike :)

Living with Samoan sisters results in chicken nibbles and chips for breakfast! 

We helped Anne Marie move some stuff around this week and I was helping Jess..  I asked her to get some stuffed animals and she looks at me and says "You are so American!! I cant understand anything you are saying." Lol. Sorry i meant soft toys... 

A sign that describes my life

My sacrament buddy. Love this little girl to the moon and back!

Living Below Your Privileges

This week was fast, cold, and wonderful.

We had interviews!!!! Where I completely got smashed by the spirit by President Balli. He is just great and I love him so darn much. A question he asked is "what am I going to accomplish the last 6 months of my mission?" Lol cause I have no idea. I have been thinking heaps and heaps about that and I want to cry every time thinking about how much longer I have left but also how short it is. He talked a lot about me seeing my privileges and not comparing myself because I am me and no one else is. 

My companion reminded me of the wonderful Mormon Message "your potential your privileges" Its about the man who goes on a cruise and only eats beans and crackers because he didnt know he could eat the food on the ship. He misses out on everything and just stays in his room and enjoys the view from the porthole. The Lord greatly rebuked me this week and taught me so much about myself and I am grateful for it. President committed me to setting personal goals on what I want to accomplish and I encourage all of you to do the same. Let Heavenly Father help you know what you can do. I was studying in 2 Nephi when I came across this scripture..

" 4:29 Do not anger again because of mine enemies. Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions."

Sometimes it is really easy to be down on ourselves. Especially when things dont go our way. We just dont understand Gods will for us. As missionaries we have things we struggle with baptisms not happening, no progress with investigators, the ward may be struggling, companion is struggling, we personally arent where we wish to be. Or at home with figuring out where to go to school, what to study, problems at work, problems at home, who will you end up with, where is life going to take you. There are so many things that we fill on our plate that we let weigh us down. When they should actually do the opposite. God is preparing us for something so great and so wonderful. I have had a bit of time this week to just reflect. Reflect on what I have accomplished in this year and what I get to accomplish in the years to come. Its exciting and scary, but so wonderful. When we let disappointment or frustration over take us we are literally giving in or giving up. When we should be reaching up for that divine help to help us reach our full potential. I was studying a talk by Elder Hales. One of my favourite from the October General Conference. It's called "meeting the challenges of todays world." I would encourage you all to read it and ponder on it too if you need some help with todays trials. My testimony of Gods love for me personally grew so much. I know I am a daughter of God with so much potential. With Gods help I can accomplish heaps. I learned from Elder Hales that taking time to come to ourselves is okay and its needed. That if we let Him, God will counsel us and guide us home.

I love you all and pray for you always. Have a great week and continue to find out your true potential. 

Love,

Sister Boiteux

Pictures:

So the fleas decided to attack us this week. We went to our Bishops and were scratching hard out and they asked what was going on. When they saw all our bites they freaked. It was so funny. So Sister Houma got me some lovely ointment that my body hates, but it helps the itching :) Go New Zealand!!

Dont scream. It's just a baby rat 

 I promise Sister Hobbs did enjoy holding these creatures. (Dont tell her I sent this home)

Brother Hall provided my new tracting shoes. These are comfortable and attractive right?

More from the Hankins. They had the cutest little furry animals!!! 

Live By and For the Mission!

Some funny events happened this week. (to me maybe not to you) But I will go through some of the days... 

Monday: We decided to head out to the end of our area. The elders wanted to go on a hike. Which resulted in us driving around heaps of turns and we got real car sick. The view was pretty but our stomachs were not happy. So on the way home I felt even more sick and I was debating on asking to stay in but we couldnt miss another FHE with a certain family. So we went and it ended up in me throwing up at their house because I was so sick. Lol @ Sister Boiteuxs life sometimes. So we had to go home early. Which meant we stayed in on Tuesday because I was not doing well. Also my contact infected my eye on sunday so i was banished to wearing my glasses all week. If I had a dollar for every time someone commented on them or told me I was blind I would be rich as :)

Wednesday: We had a mission tour. Elder and Sister Haleck. Elder Haleck is now the new Pacific Area President. Training was really good. Everything President and Sister Balli, and Elder and Sister Haleck gave training on is what we needed to hear. After the tour one of the assistants came up to me and said Elder Haleck wanted to meet with me. Lol you can say I was a bit nervous. It was a really neat experience though. He chose a few of us that he personally wanted to interview and I was lucky enough to be one. It was nice to get some counsel and spiritual upliftment from him. He testified that God loves me and cares about me. Which I can testify about all of you too. When you are struggling and going through hard things. Its not because God hates you or wants to punish you but he knows you can grow so much from it.

Saturday: We had trade off!! I was able to go with Sister O'Reilly down to Otara. Back to South Auckalnd. I love it down there so much. We met some pretty funny people. They just white washed the area so we were figuring it out together. We had dinner with a member family and they commented on how skinny I was. So they brought me out two pieces of steak and Sister O'Reilly only had one. So I finished my two pieces and they offered another. Which I declined... Yeah they still brought me one. Sister didnt even have to finish her first piece and I had to eat all of mine. Gotta love the south. It was crack up I was so stuffed. We then went on another trade off that night with the Tongan sisters. Avoided every opportunity for someone to feed us or I would have popped.

We got home and had to call President cause my license expired and I can no longer legally drive here since I have yet to recieve my NZ license. He was like "WHAT?!?!" It was quite funny. So Sister Hobbs is beyond excited that she got to drive yesterday and today until I get my temporary license. 

Sunday: We got to sit by children. One came and sat by Sister Hobbs then another came a few minutes later to sit by me. It was so cute! We went to a members home for dinner and we watched some Book of Mormon stories. The living scriptures videos. Pretty sure sister and I were more into it than the children, but it was the greatest thing to watch. I Learned so much from the video and loved at how simply they made the gospel. Because it is the gospel is simple. Sometimes when we dont understand it we just need to break it down and teach it or study it like we were going to share it with children. It makes so much more sense. I am grateful for the gospel. I love my mission and every experience that we have every day. I know that this is the Lords work and he has so much in store for each of us. I pray for you all every day and hope you are doing well!!

Also shout out to my Glenmoor 10th wardies.. Thank you so much for the letters you sent me. Cried my eyes out when I saw all of them. You are all amazing and strengthened me so much this week. Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Ofa Atu,

Sister Boiteux

Pictures!!

Last Pday we had an adventure out in Huia.

Saw Sister Miko at the Mission tour. 

Elders came to celebrate my one year with a box of pizza. Jokes on us because they had a spicy as piece and Sister Hobbs got it.

Trade off with Sister O'Reilly. She spoiled me on my year mark. Funny to have Sister Christiansen as my STL. Love them both so much!

Dont let my smile deceive you. No bueno to not driving. 

Vina moved back to Aussie so we went to go and say bye to her. Something about my recent converts that sends them overseas. Haha love her heaps though!

 

How Full Is Your Cup?

Kia Ora,

This week was great! Lots of things were going on. First we received a wonderful referral from our Samoan sisters. Her name is Lisa. She has been looking for a church to go to and wants to change her life. You can say she has had a pretty hard life and the gospel can help her in so many ways. She came to church with us on Sunday and also to our ward fireside. One of our members asked her if meeting the missionaries was an answer to her prayers. She said "Yes. I was praying to God to help me change my life and then two sisters walked past me and I said 'Hi I am Lisa' and then they introduced me to these lovely sisters." It was really sweet to see that God loves her enough to send us. Missionaries, or members to help his children. 

In our ward fireside Bishop spoke and something I have heard him say a few times always sticks with me.. which is "How full is your cup?" Sometimes the messages we hear in church could be recorded because the words they used were great, but the words aren't what teach us. It is the spirit. What the spirit taught me yesterday was sacrifice. Honestly living the gospel is a sacrifice. Maybe not in a bad way it can be in a great way. But we always give up something. It's not because God wants to punish us so he makes us give up things we love, but because it is showing our commitment to him its showing our love towards him. Bishop talked about changing things in our lives so that our cup can be completely full. Not just filling it once and one super spiritual night, but continually filling it so that when trials do come or obstacles are put in our path we wont fear, but have full faith in the Saviour. 

I hope you are all filling your cup every single day. Studying the beautiful Book of Mormon and learning from the spirit. I hope you are following the counsel of the leaders because they truly are called of God. I hope you all have a great week! I love you heaps!

Sister Boiteux

Pictures!

 Love these children!!

this is my soa!

Our young women. Dont know what we would do without them.

The ward activity... (If Brother Eteru posted something on Facebook we promise we weren't dancing. Just there to supervise) :)

The Six Month Stretch!

Hello loved ones!!

Transfer news. I stayed in Waterview woohoo. Six months in an area. My new companion is Sister Hobbs. She goes home in 3 months and she is from England!!! She is also a ginger haha she reminds me a lot of Olivia and Kylie and Mikayla. How is that possible? I dont know. But it is great. We are ready to change things up and work some miracles in this area. 

This week has been a little every where. Tuesday Sister Fonua left for Mississippi so I was in the North shore with Sister Ottley and her other daughter Sister Lemalu. Then on Wednesday I was with Sister Soderberg and Sister Cluff in Panmure then picked up Sister Hobbs who just left Whangarei. Then Wednesday night we had to move flats because Waterview finally has other sisters than just us. Gotta love living with samoan sisters. It has been crazy and hectic and wonderful.  God knew we had to move flats again to keep me sane in this area ;) 

My companion taught me a pretty cool principle the other day. We were having companionship study and she shared a story in the Book of Mormon. Found in Alma 47. It talks about how Amalickiah brought his armies to the mountain where Lehonti had his army. He kept sending notes up to Lehonti telling him to come down from the top of the mountain and he wouldn't do it. So finally Amalickiah decided to go up the mountain not all the way but pretty close and told him to come down. So he did they came off the mount and yes surrounded Amalickiahs army, but then eventually Lehonti was poisoned and killed and Amalickiah became the king just as he wanted. 

She related this to us. That today satan doesn't expect us to go from a temple patron, attending church every sunday, praying, reading scriptures to going to the pub down the road smoking and drinking all in one night. Because he knows we won't do it. He does it by gradually having us come down the mountain. He starts by saying "oh you stayed up to late last night you should just sleep in you don't have to go to church in the morning." He makes tv and other literature more entertaining than sitting down to have a good scripture study. Makes a temple session sound a little bit too long one day or makes us irritated because of how long the wait may be at the temple. He does it by slow and simple means until we are at the bottom of that mountain surrounded by him. He knows our potential and he will do everything and anything he can to stop us from getting there.

I hope you all remember that the Saviour is on our side. He wouldn't do anything to us or tempt us with anything bad. All good things come from God and all bad things come from satan. That because we are on his team we don't need to and shouldn't come down from the top our mountain and fall into satans trap. Obviously none of us are perfect but because of the Atonement we can strive to become better. I hope you all have a great week. Know I love you and pray for you always.

Ofa Atu,

Sister Boiteux

Pictures!

 Zone Pday!! Cheesy smiles with this sister :)

A day with my mum and sister!

Sister Dohnt and Sister Taylor were heading home and stopped by to say good bye. Love those sisters. 

The view in Harbour!

Sister Hobbs!!!

Is this a dishwasher? yes yes it is. We also have a dryer too. This flat isnt as bad as we thought it would be :) Kicked the elders out and moved the best sisters in ;)