The net was broken, not just in our church but as a whole Island! Only in Tonga! But I am super happy that it is up and I can finally answer all of your emails!
These past couple of weeks have been slow with the work, but we go out everyday with a smile and talk to the people! I am loving this work and am so happy to be here. Although at times it can be hard and discouraging. This past Saturday, I had probably the most spiritual experience of my mission yet! We have been working with a less active family (Loloheas) for over 8 weeks now! We went to their house to invite them to church...you know the usual, every day thing? lol. But this time was different. The mom came and was talking to us. She never comes out to talk to us, so it was different! These are the people that their son, Oregon, was killed by two Liahona High boys. So we have been trying so hard with them. We were talking about Oregon and just reassuring her that he is in a better place, that through the plan of Salvation, she will see her son again. My comp, Elder Anderson, then shared a scripture Alma 40:12 :
"And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."
We read it and he testified of it and he started crying...and then I started crying...then she started crying! So there were tears being shed everywhere. Then she asked for a prayer and I offered it. I started to really cry. And she was crying and everyone was crying. The Spirit was so strong. Kind of embarrassing, but it is whatever the Spirit does, haha. She thanked us and we just sat and talked a little bit more. We asked her to come to church again.
We went to church and we were blessing the Sacrament. We looked around and they hadn't showed up yet. We were like, dang! But after I got done blessing the bread, I looked up and the Loloheas CAME! I was sooo happy and my comp was soooo happy! That was the moment where I realized THIS is why I came out here! This is why I was called to serve in Tonga! This is my purpose as a missionary and this is why missionary work is SOOOOO IMPORTANT! I know it is not a baptism, and I haven't had a baptism yet, but I feel like this is the same feeling! I am absolutely loving it here! I know this is where I am supposed to be! Deciding to serve a mission was the best decision I have ever made! If any of you reading this is trying to decide to go on a mission, I highly, highly encourage you to do so. You will receive many blessings and your family and loved ones will too!
A lot people ask me about what I eat haha. Honestly, I eat fried chicken more than anything and they call it Kentucky. Its funny. I did not expect to come out here and eat fried chicken, haha. That's all they sell at restaurants. I can't believe it. We also eat a lot of these vegetables called manioke. They are really good. They kind of taste like potatoes. Hahaha I will try and take more pics with my members and food. I have been slacking with pics lately.
I love you all so much thank you for the prayers and emails!
Ofa Lahi Atu Kiate Kimotolu!
Elder Nomani
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| Finally got my Christmas stocking that my Mom sent at the beginning of November |
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| Celebrating Elder Anderson's half way mark...surprised him! |
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| Can you tell which foot has 3 boils on it? |
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| pala |
Malo e ngaue Elder!!
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