Week 96: Fahefa- Loving this place

August 6, 2017

Hey mom and dad!!

I had a really good week this week. So, refresher from last week. I don't know if I told you, but I had chopped off the tip of my thumb with a machete. I’ll throw in a picture, but that is all getting better.

Also, from last week, on Sunday one of our investigators, a guy named V came to church. We continued teaching him and eventually got him ready for baptism. Last Saturday he got baptized!!! He is really strong and has some good friends who are getting him to church and I feel confident he will have an opportunity to go on a mission. He is really cool and it was a really good baptism.

On the day of his baptism, we were really surprised because there was this girl who showed up with her aunt and uncle. It’s a girl we are currently teaching, but our last lesson with her was not very good, so I didn't think she was going to get anywhere. We had met with her a while ago; we had talked with her during a family home evening with her aunt and uncle and she was awesome, answering our questions and everything. We set up an appointment to talk to her again on Friday, but when we did, she was super closed off, wouldn't answer any of our questions unless they were super direct and she said no to everything we shared and didn't believe anything. So, I thought that was the end, but she showed up to the baptism. We talked to her later that day and she had a question, so we taught about baptism, then invited her to come and go to church and see the confirmation. She said she wanted to and then she went and asked her parents, and I was super surprised they said yes. She came to church with her aunt and uncle. So, here's the thing, her parents are very strong in the Wesleyan church and have a high position, and she's 13, so I didn't think they would go for it. That Sunday after church, we taught her again and invited her to be baptize and she said she wants to, but her parents said no. They said she could talk with the missionaries, but not get baptized. So, we asked her to ask again, she will on Tuesday and we set up a fast for her that night. We are all fasting to soften the hearts of her parents. PLEASE, please if you get the chance put her name (L) in the temple so she can be prayed for!!!

We also taught a ton of people and have just been loving this place.

Ofa atu,

Elder Sitaki

Week 95: Fahefa- I'll see you soon

July 30, 2017

Hey family,

Yeah, it’s really clicking down. I’m nervous. About what to bring, just bring candy. It will provide the most instant gratification. Also, if you have any old clothes for kids age 5-12 you could bring those. There are several little kids who wear the same clothes for days because they are so poor. If you can, that would be great. Especially little girl’s dresses, I have a special place in my heart for them.

I just got interviewed to receive my temple recommend for the next three months. So, I got a new Tongan one. Man, mom I’ll see you soon! I just can’t believe it. Hey, I got to get off, I don’t really have time to talk, but I will see you soon. I love you mom and dad. Tell Bailey and Jake, “Happy Birthday!”

Ofa atu!

Elder Sitaki

Week 94: Fahefa- My Birthday and singing Adelle

July 23, 2017

Hey,

So, a couple updates: yeah, transfers came in. This is my last area, and my last companion....it hit me really hard last night when the zone leaders came over and told me. I just realized, this is the end. It doesn't help that my companion is constantly singing the Adele song from James Bond movie, Skyfall. He keeps singing the part: “This is the end, hold your breath and count to ten.” It gives me a lot of stress, but it's sad that this is the end of my mission life. I will not go to another place, I will not preach to other people. But at the same time is easy because I am comfortable here.

Other news, I was not able to get the pig. I asked this lady here to cook food for my birthday and it took most of the money for the rest of the food and I didn't want to make her pay for it. But I had someone make me a rocking cake; it was the most delicious thing ever, so that was great!!! I also got members to promise to make me a pig for when I finish.

I’m worried about coming home and going back to work. I don't want uncle Mark to waste money on me; I think I forgot how to do all my normal construction work. It's been a long time, plus Tongans are pro at red necking stuff with sticks and machete's. I don't know if I could follow building codes or any of that crap anymore. I don't want to be a liability, but I love working with Mark at the same time.

This week the work has been kind of blah. We are inviting tons of people and it feels like I am just waiting on everyone to use their agency, but they are really slow and not smart about using it. I have two people just waiting to be baptized, but they struggle greatly to come to church. I only have one transfer left so I am going to work the hardest I ever have. I am going to knock on EVERY single door and cleanse my blood from here. I love you guys!

Ofa atu,

Elder Sitaki