Hau’oli La Ho’omakika’i!‏

Aloha once more, loved ones!

This week has been crazy, and it's about to get even crazier. This is Sister Teuscher's last week on the mission, and so she has a lot to do. We drove to Honolulu on Wednesday for her 'dying' interview with President Warner. I'm super sad to see her go, and so is everyone else :( BUT while we were in the office, we got to see the official Mormon Message for this Holiday season (I'm not sure if it's been released yet to the public). It is so amazing, and really shows and reminds us of the true reason for the season. Please go watch it, if it's out (or as soon as it's released). 
(:

SO THIS WEEK. A lot has gone down. 

Our Zone leaders called us Thursday afternoon, and told us we were having a meeting at 3pm the next day with President Warner, because he needed to discuss some things with the Kaneohe zone. Now, this isn't normal, so of course my anxiety was on overload for the next 24 hours. When we got to the meeting place, we learned that there has been a lot of disobedience in our mission, and that several missionaries have been going out of zone and making some not so good decisions. Our zone leaders were released from their positions, and President Warner really just wanted us to know how important being obedient to not only God's commandments, but being obedient to the mission rules was. It was really great to see how those missionaries truly took responsibility, and apologized for their actions. I respect them so much, and they are good examples of being able to go through the repentance process while on a mission and still receive miracles. Honestly, the more I meet with and talk to the other missionaries in my zone, the more grateful I am for them. I never thought I could get this attached to a group of people I met only 6 weeks ago, yet here I am. I love the Kaneohe Zone (:

Our investigators and members are doing really well! Leni wasn't able to come to church this Sunday. Her little baby, Serenity was up all night Saturday crying and fusing, and Leni didn't sleep and she got sick. I wish we could've helped her more, but she is set on coming next Sunday. She and her family are so sweet, they have been so prepared by the Lord. She totally has faith in Christ, and it's been amazing to look at her progress record. When they started teaching her and her family in May, she didn't want to get baptized at all, but maybe have Jasmin baptized. Now, only recently has she wanted to get baptized herself, and with that has come faith and really relying on Heavenly Father. She prays all the time, and loves it when we come by. (:

Saturday night has been one of the greatest nights of my mission, so far. We went over to Aunty Lily and Uncle Willy's for dinner with Elder Whitely and Elder Va'enuku, as we do every fourth Saturday. With it being Sister T's last dinner with them, they really made it special. They set up outside a big table, with SO MUCH FOOD, and Aunty Lily's cousin and brother were there. Her brother had a beautiful guitar with him, and we jammed all night. We sang hymns, local Hawaiian songs, and I even was able to sing some of my favorite Beatles tunes! :D There was such a special spirit that night, though, and it was that moment that I realized I was in Hawaii. The lights were dim, and the wind was blowing softly, and it was beautiful. I realized how blessed I was to be sent to this mission, and to LIVE and SERVE the people of Hawaii for 18 months. 

I can't believe I've almost finished my first transfer already. It's so bizarre that Thanksgiving is this week, I honestly had no idea. It's funny how being set apart as a missionary truly sets you apart from the world. Not in a bad way, but just, we don't hear the Christmas music, the commercials for all the black Friday sales. We truly are focused on the people and their needs, and what they need from us. I love this work. I love serving the people here, and the love I feel from them and my Heavenly Father. 

For Thanksgiving, we so far have 4 different dinners to go to. Fun fact: Sister Teuscher gained 7 pounds on Thanksgiving alone last year. Who wants to guess how much I'll be gaining this Thursday? :P I am kinda scared, not gonna lie. I know the Lord will bless me with an extra stomach or 2... I hope. (:

I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving! I'm so grateful for each and every one of you that have helped me on this journey, whether it was money, words of love and support, or just an email. I love you all. Stay cherry, Arizona!

Hau’oli La Ho’omakika’i,
Sister Noriega <3

The 'Perfect' Week‏

Aloha, friends and family! 

First off, I am SUPER excited for everyone in Arizona right now! I've heard only good reports on the cultural celebration and dedication. I have the Phoenix Temple pic taped to my wall, so I see it everyday. Makes me so excited to go through it when I eventually come home! Congrats to everyone and for your hard work (:

So please excuse me, but I've been up since 3:45am. We went on a hike on Lanikai mountain, or pill box, as a zone to see the sun rise. So funny thing, the mountain is lava rock. And it was pitch black. And nobody remembered flashlights. I might have rolled my ankle... and cut up my legs and arm after almost rolling down the hill... but hey, the Lord kept me alive! It was intense. SO worth it though, we watched the sun and I got some amazing pictures. I think I may be able to send a lot home today :D Then, after the hike we got breakfast, and then we went to Kualoa ranch and took the bus tour and guess what? I WAS IN JURASSIC PARK AND I CRIED BEST DAY EVER AHHHH. I took a picture with one of the scene props. Seriously best day ever oh man. The rest of the stuff was super cool, got a lot of fun pictures. In about an hour we're meeting up and doing a water slide, hopefully no more injuries will occur (:

SO. This week, we taught Leni (the George family). She committed to baptism once more, and we needed her to come to sacrament meeting yesterday in order for her to keep that date. I PRAYED so much. I had a calm feeling, and I just, somehow knew she'd show up. Well, in sacrament on Sunday, she wasn't there. We had done announcements, and started to sing the sacrament hymn, and I was nearly in tears. Just as I was about to say she wasn't coming, I looked up and saw Leni and her 4 little girls walk in. They stayed all 3 meetings, and she had a great time. SO THANKFUL for Heavenly Father and the spirit, for keeping my hopes up and for helping her know that church would be an amazing experience (:

We also went over and taught the Souza family. They were very kind once more, and they let us in and fed us. THEN we brought out the Book of Mormon. They kinda freaked a bit, and started saying that they only worship ONE God, and Christ, and they just kinda went off for a bit. They still want us to come back, but they don't know about Joseph Smith. I wanted to bolt out of there, I was sick to my stomach. It's so hard to teach people who don't want to truly listen to your message, and let us explain ourselves. It's hard, too, when people do not believe Joseph Smith. I personally struggled with the fact that a 14 year old boy saw Christ and Heavenly Father, and supposedly restored the gospel. BUT. I prayed to know the truth, just as Joseph Smith did, and I received an answer. I know without a single doubt in my mind that he DID restore Christ's true church to the Earth once more, and I realized how strong my testimony was when they were telling us that we were wrong. They accused us of "being indoctrinated from birth" and "raised to believe lies" and I was able to say "Umm, actually NO" (but in a nicer way, of course). They turned red, and not gonna lie it was a satisfying moment. 

Patrick, once of our recent converts, received the Aaronic Priesthood on Sunday. He had one of the bishops counselors come and get Teuscher and I from relief society, and it was such a special moment. Patrick has been so prepared by the Lord to be a member, and to serve Him. I cried during the blessing, and just, felt the spirit so strongly. LOVE this gospel!

We had many good lessons this week. Our zone DESTROYED our goals, like for example, we wanted to teach 45 with member lessons. Want go guess how many we ended up teaching? 72! We all worked SO hard, and this is the largest amount of lessons, new investigators, at sacrament, EVERYTHING. The Lord is helping us as we are obedient to the commandments and mission rules. We had that perfect week were prayed and strived for! 

I have tried a few more fruits here, almost puked a few times, but hey it's all good. The food isn't what counts, it's the people. I love everyone here so much, and I am so grateful to be here. I feel myself forgetting myself more often, and losing myself in the work. I finished the Book of Mormon a few days ago, and have since restarted it, and I know with 100% assurance that it is truly the word of God. I know this church is true, and that Heavenly Father loves us and that Christ died for us so we could live with Him again. Love and miss you all so much! 

This holiday season, I challenge everyone to show your gratitude to someone in your life who you are thankful for. Think of a time where someone expressed how grateful they were for you, or something you did for them, and imagine making someone else feel that feeling. (:

'Ofa atu,
Sister Noriega

Raising the Title of Liberty!‏

Aloha once more, everyone!

So, on a really sad note, we didn't go to Jurassic Park today. One of our zone leaders rolled his ankle, and wouldn't be able to do the hike we planned. NEXT MONDAY THOUGH. 

Okay, so anyways, hi! I am doing extremely well this week. Had a few anxiety moments though, they asked me to speak in Sacrament meeting and I was so nervous. They had me talk about my conversion, and I spoke right before a sister who just returned from her mission. She was serving in the California Anaheim Mission, Samoan speaking. She was super sweet, everyone so so happy and excited to have her home. Reminded me how quickly my mission's going to fly, and really put me in perspective. 

Some fun things that happened this week:

We committed 2 of our investigators to baptism! We went into the lesson not planning on it at all, but the Spirit really prompted and led us to do so. Her name is Leni, and she and her family moved here from the Marshallese  islands. Her daughter, Jasmine, loves going to activity days every Wednesday and has a good bond with many people in the church. They taught Jasmine about the Holy Ghost, so we expanded on that topic. There came a point when Leni was saying how much she'd love to have that constant companionship of the HG. Sister Teuscher turned to me, and told me to "pop the question". So I did, and both were very excited! Unfortunately Leni got very sick this weekend and wasn't able to come to church. We are keeping her and her family in our prayers, though (:

On Thursday we had zone conference in Mililani, so we woke up early to drive over there. I found out that Elder Gee is serving in Mililani! So it was cool to see him, hopefully he sent the pictures home to his Mom and she's sharing them. (:
Anyways, we had a full day of training with President and Sister Warner, and I really learned a lot about finding people and the importance of reading the Book of Mormon every single day. Our testimony of the gospel isn't something that we can just have forever as it is in the beginning. We have to constantly strengthen and nourish it, pray, read the scriptures, go to church and all our meetings, and not shy away. It is so easy to lose something as precious as our testimony, and I really realized how important it is to do my daily studies. I am grateful for my time I have to read and ponder the things our Heavenly Father has given us.
It was an extremely long day, and we took so many pictures. Again, can't send pictures this week. I promise, ASAP though!

Friday we went on exchanges with our Sister training leaders, so I went and served with Sister Talanoa in her area. Not too far from where we are, but definitely different. We had service at 9:30am, and our member took us to Denny's for breakfast. She's super sweet, and very talkative! She has a rottweiler who is super fluffy and sweet, named Roxy. Roxy and I played with the hose, it was a lot of fun (: We met a lot of super kind people, and I was happy to meet them. At the same time though, I found myself missing my own area, and wanting to be with my own companion and members. It was such a great day though, I literally met SO MANY DOGS. BEST DAY EVER. But seriously dogs are the best. I loved having that one on one time with Sister Talanoa. She told me "You are a natural missionary. You have the spirit with you so strongly with you when you speak, and you are so genuine. We can all tell how much you love the gospel, everything we talk about, you are able to somehow bring it back to the gospel." I needed that so badly! It felt really great to know I'm doing the Lord's work, and not completely ruining the church :P

Saturday, Sister Teuscher and I went tracting! Most people either ignored us and hid, or they turned us away. I am grateful to be in a place where everyone is very chill and loving, so far no doors slammed in my face! As we were tracting, we knocked on this one door and met this super sweet lady and her husband. They are older, and they're the Souza's. They were so loving and welcomed us into their home, where we talked for about an hour about what we do, and about their lives. They are some of the most Christ-like people I've met, and the spirit told me that they are special. Like. I don't know how to explain it, but it's a good thing (: Phillip (the husband) is an activist, and he just loves to talk. He found out I was Mexican, and he said next time we come over that we'll be discussing the Alamo. (: But seriously, everything they were saying, it was like they were Mormon's already. They prayed with us, and after Sister Teuscher had finished, Phillip continued the prayer. He thanked God for sending us sisters to him and his wife, and thanked us for the work we're doing. He asked Heavenly Father to bless that more people would be willing to hear our message and let us in to invite the Spirit into their lives. He also said the last line in Spanish (and he was holding my hand and said this line because I think he thinks I speak Spanish awkward) and then hugged us. They said next time we come over they'll bake us something and have us eat lunch while we're there. It was just an amazing experience, and I cannot wait to go over and see them again (: 

We had a really amazing FHE with our ward mission leader, Aulani and her family, and Uncle Gabe and Aunty Shelly. We talked about our "Flags of Liberty" and made our own flags. It was sweet, to see what the everyone had written. I'll send a picture of mine when I can! Sya, the 5 year old, he held up the flag from the scriptures and played Captain Moroni. It was THE cutest thing I've ever seen. If you don't know this story, I included it below so you can understand better (: Basically though, Moroni writes on this flag all of the things they will lose when they let the bad guy be king. He writes on the flag all the things he's fighting for. I want everyone to think about what you would write on your own Title of Liberty! 
((seriously I'm terrible at explaining stories though, read the little section I included below))

On my Title of Liberty, I wrote "Family, friends, Christ and His Atonement, Chance of Recovery, the Scriptures, my testimony, and love". Those are my motivators each and every day. I am grateful that I do have these things to fight for, and to motivate me each and every single day.

I am grateful for my life. I am grateful to be in this mission, and to be able to serve the Lord for 18 months in Hawaii. I love everyone here, the people I've met and continue to meet. I love my district, and my zone. I love my mission President, and his guidance and all he does for us. I'm also extremely grateful for Christ and His Atonement, that no matter how many times we've messed up in our lives, we can always come back to God. I love this gospel, and how it has saved my life. Thank you all, for your constant love and support for me! This is the Lord's work, and I know I am where I need to be. (: Love you all!

Ofa atu,
Sister Noriega

Chapter 46

Amalickiah conspires to be king—Moroni raises the title of liberty—He rallies the people to defend their religion—True believers are called Christians—A remnant of Joseph will be preserved—Amalickiah and the dissenters flee to the land of Nephi—Those who will not support the cause of freedom are put to death. About 73–72 B.C.

 1 And it came to pass that as many as would not hearken to the words of Helaman and his brethren were gathered together against their brethren.

 2 And now behold, they were exceedingly wroth, insomuch that they were determined to slay them.

3 Now the leader of those who were wroth against their brethren was a large and a strong man; and his name was Amalickiah.

 4 And Amalickiah was desirous to be a king; and those people who were wroth were also desirous that he should be their king; and they were the greater part of them the lower judges of the land, and they were seeking for power.

 5 And they had been led by the flatteries of Amalickiah, that if they would support him and establish him to be their king that he would make them rulers over the people.

6 Thus they were led away by Amalickiah to dissensions, notwithstanding the preaching of Helaman and his brethren, yea, notwithstanding their exceedingly great care over the church, for they were high priests over the church.

 7 And there were many in the church who believed in the flattering words of Amalickiah, therefore they dissented even from the church; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly precarious and dangerous, notwithstanding their great victory which they had had over the Lamanites, and their great rejoicings which they had had because of their deliverance by the hand of the Lord.

8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.

 9 Yea, and we also see the great wickedness one very wicked man can cause to take place among the children of men.

10 Yea, we see that Amalickiah, because he was a man of cunning device and a man of many flattering words, that he led away the hearts of many people to do wickedly; yea, and to seek to destroy the church of God, and to destroy the foundation of liberty which God had granted unto them, or which blessing God had sent upon the face of the land for the righteous’ sake.

 11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.

12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

 13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—

It's P-day again?

Aloha, all! (:

I honestly don't know where the week went. Yesterday I could barely believe it was already Sunday again, and now it's p-day. Time is starting to fly a little, and it feels really weird. But we started our P-day off with a trip to the ''beach", as in we did our personal studies sitting on the grass, with sand just a few yards ahead of us. Nobody was there, and it was overcast and BEAUTIFUL. I "pondered" my studies (it was a little nap but hey) for a while, and it was perfect. Gosh I wish I could send pictures, there is no way to describe Hawaii. Even the pictures don't do it justice, I can't wait to bring loved ones back once I come home :D

Our week has been an odd one. Tuesday we went to Papa Warner's house for pancakes as a zone, because we hit our goals woohooo! One of the Elder's made me a Mickey Mouse head pancake, it was cute! Then Sister Teuscher was really sick, so we stayed home a majority of the day. OH BUT BEFORE THAT we went to this place called Tutti Frutti, and literally had THE BEST DOLE WHIP OF MY LIFE. Oh man. Mom, you would love it here.

So Wednesday, many of our appointments fell through. I didn't feel discouraged though, I felt motivated. We have a few struggling recent converts, so this week we really focused on them and their needs. It's so hard, especially with the holidays coming up. These people are so scared about being homeless in a year, and not being able to give their children Christmas. I have been truly humbled, and so very grateful for the little apartment that we do have. That we know we are taken care of, and can afford food every week. I plan on making a lot of Christmas goody-baskets this year, to help out (: 

Halloween was bizarre. We had to stop tracting at 5, so all the missionaries in our zone got together and played sports and ate candy. Apparently I'm really good at handball, which is funny because I don't play sports ever. Here though, it's so much fun! Minimal injuries, lots of laughs, hardly any sleep, it was a successful night (: OH and there's an Elder from Arizona, and he and I both have histories with depression and anxiety, and he's really been able to help me a lot. I was totally put in this area by God, this is no coincidence.

Speaking of, there's a lady named Mapu in Weinberg Village. I may have mentioned this before (but frankly I can't remember so), but her daughter lives about an hour away from here. She's living in a group home, because she has been suicidal and severely self harms herself. Sister T and I talked to our mission president about us driving to visit her, because of where she is and my past with self harm. He approved us to go to Pearl City and see her, and I am SO excited. Mapu was on the phone with her, and said "When I look at Sister Noriega, I see you. I can't wait for you 2 to meet each other". I know that Heavenly Father gives us trials for a bigger purpose. I pray every day that I will be able to help this girl, and connect with her and make a difference. To show her recovery is possible, especially with the gospel. Please pray that we will be safe and have a meaningful and impactful visit with her this Saturday!

I keep trying to think of what else to write. Hmm.

We might be dropping an investigator soon, Papito. He will not pray, and he doesn't focus at all when we're teaching. He's flying through the BoM, but, not progressing. He has been meeting with the missionaries for months. I'm sad about it, and I am starting to see why agency can be extremely sad and frustrating. I pray for him daily as well.
One of our other investigators, though, will be baptized soon! Her name is Sasha, and she turns 10 this Friday. We visited her on Thursday, and Sister T asked "If you could ask Christ for one thing for your birthday, what would it be?" and Sasha replied "to be baptized!" quickly. Soooo (: Hopefully we'll get a date by the end of the week!  

I hope everyone is doing well, and being safe and all that jazz. I miss you all so much, but the Lord has a purpose for me, and I couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity to serve (: I'M FINALLY HALFWAY THROUGH 3RD NEPHI BTW SOOOO THAT'S A HUGE DEAL I'M SO EXCITED YAY

Okay anyways, sorry I'm being random, just. So much happens in a week. I need to be better at journaling, that's my goal!

Oh, I'M GOING TO JURASSIC PARK NEXT MONDAY I LEGIT CRIED WHEN I FOUND OUT I'M SO EXCITED

ofa atu, everyone!
Sister Noriega (actual Hawaiian Princess)

"Why do they love me?"‏

Aloha everyone!

We've had a super busy, productive week! Unfortunately there isn't a slot for my SD card, so I will not send pictures this week, sorry about that!

I don't really know where to begin. This is probably going to be so out of order, but hey it's whatever, accurate to how I talk :P

Last Tuesday we had a district meeting, so I was able to meet the rest of my district/zone. We have so many hilarious elders, and the sisters are so sweet! So because I'm new to the mission (I'm the baby of the group), I had to be initiated into the group. Elder Moala had poke (raw fish). He mixed up his poke with hot Cheetos, and then he offered me some. I was set on saying no, but then the rest of our zone started cheering and playing dramatic piano music, how could I say no? Sooooo... I ate it. And then I vowed to never have it again. End of story.
(: I love my zone though. We have zone conference tomorrow, so that'll be fun! Papa Warner is making us pancakes because we hit our goals!

On Wednesday, Sister Teuscher and I did a lot of work, meeting with less active members and such. While we were tracting, it started POURING HARDCORE. Like. Cray-cray man, choke water! It cooled down, but like we were pretty far from our car. I welcomed it though, it was hot that morning! Then it stopped raining when we got in the car (of course) and then as soon as we got out it poured AGAIN. It's like it knew I was from Arizona or something :P Anyways, for lunch my comp and I decided to go to a beach park. We only drove 5 minutes away, and it felt like we were in a completely different island. It was such a beautiful place, and not too crowded. The waters are this gorgeous blue, and the mountains and trees SO GREEN. I'm sad I can't send pics, I can't begin to describe how beautiful it was. AH. I often forget I'm on an island, since we don't see the ocean often. 

Thursday we had a lesson with Carmen, our investigator. She's been cruising through the Book of Mormon, and talks like she's been a member her whole life. I taught a lot of the lesson, and felt the spirit so strongly. Honestly, it was my favorite lesson to this day. After talking for a while, she asked if she truly needed to be baptized again (she is Catholic), if she needed to pray, and if she had to be a member to go to our church. What beautiful music to a missionary's ears (: 
After a while, I felt it. During a pause, I bore my testimony of the gospel. That's when I said it. 

"Carmen, will you follow the example of Christ and be baptized by someone holding the proper authority of God?"

She said she would pray about it, and ponder. It wasn't as scary, to invite someone to be baptized. I wasn't even nervous before or after I said it. I felt good, and I knew the Lord was pleased with me. (:

Friday was such a long day. We were able to teach many people in Weinberg village, though, and visited with almost everyone there. They're so kind, it breaks my heart to be there, but it's also heartwarming. They have almost nothing, but they give us everything. The Lord has truly prepared many of these people for baptism! There are also so many kids here, and Sister Teuscher can't believe how quickly they warm up to me. This little girl, her name is Noelani, she is maybe 2 years old, she yells "SISTERS'' every time she sees us. She also insists on praying, and she was absolutely crushed when we left. She cried, and wanted to come home with us. Aww. Also that day, we were able to teach Chauncey and her 2 girls the plan of salvation, and showed of a Doctrine of Christ DVD featuring a family that was sealed in the Temple. Chauncey, she felt the spirit and was crying. She's an amazing woman, but she goes to a different church. She's sweet though, and is warming up to the gospel. (:

ALSO ON FRIDAY: We met with Patrick, a recent convert. He has lived a rough life, with drugs, alcohol, and crippled body. He found it hard to live with himself, but he's gained so much happiness just from the missionaries, and from the realization that his Father in Heaven does as well. Patrick said to himself "Look at me, why do they love me? And then I say, because God loves me, and these Sisters are His representatives." I almost cried <3

Dinner on Saturday night was with Aunty Lilly and Uncle Willy, and they always invite us and the Elders. We sang, we laughed, and we ate SO MUCH FOOD. I kept saying "As my stomach grows, so does my faith in Christ" and "I can to all things through Christ which strengthens me" when I thought I couldn't eat any more. They made this awesome beef with Hawaiian BBQ sauce, French Fries, Boston Crème Pie and a melon bar. I felt like I was going to die, but knowing that we had hardly any real food in our apartment made it easier to eat! We also sang "Silent Night", and just. So many laughs, I was so happy (:

Sunday was a lot less overwhelming. I'm finally adjusting more to the area, and remembering more faces and names. I love the work here, even if it is hard. I know there's a purpose for me here, in Olamana. I have also been blessed big time with Sister Teuscher. She and I are like sisters, and joke around and have such amazing conversations. I'm going to be sad soon, she flies home on December 4th. GAH.

I love and miss you all very much. Please continue sending emails and letters, they brighten my day (: I encourage everyone to look up Hebrews 10:35-36. I have been struggling with many different things out here, but I know that Heavenly Father loves me, and is always listening and answering my prayers. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to serve!

Ofa atu,
Sister Noriega (:

I FORGOT‏

ONE OF OUR INVESTIGATORS GAVE ME A TINY CACTUS AND I NAMED IT PRESIDENT HOOVER PLEASE ADD THIS TO MY WEEKLY EMAIL & BLOG POST

My New Ohana‏

Aloha, everyone! (:

As of tomorrow, I will have been on the islands for one week. I can't believe it has only been that short of a time. I absolutely LOVE IT HERE. I am serving in the Olomana ward, the Kaneohe zone. My companion is Sister Teuscher, and she's from Idaho. I stayed on Oahu, and it sounds like I'll be here for a good chunk of time. Speaking of, I have an actual address! :D

Sister Alexis Michelle Noriega
1198 Kapau St., Apt. A
Kailua, HI 96734 

I'll be looking forward to all those letters (hint hint) <3

So first of all, my area is BEAUTIFUL. Want to know something else? I live right next to where the filmed Jurassic Park. Like. How fitting is that!? The mountains, trees, I mean honestly I feel like t-rex will jump out at any moment! And with the hurricane/tropical storm, we were in no danger. In rained for 2 days straight, and I LOVED it! It's so hot and humid, and when it rains it's cooler and cloudy. Our apartment is a little oven with one fan, so I was super grateful for the storm. Our place is pretty tiny, but I have no complaints. Especially with the people we serve, I have no reason to complain. We are safe, we have food, beds, and plus I have an amazing companion. (: Sister Teuscher is so funny, and we got along instantly. She is actually leaving in December. She hits her "1 month until I leave" mark, while I hit my "1 month in, 17 to go!" mark. So I'll be killing off my "Mom". She doesn't want to leave, and she loves it so much. She has a ukulele, so often we sing and make up songs. We leave each other notes around the house, and we bond so well. I couldn't have asked for a better trainer!

The people here are amazing. Aulani was one of the first members I've met, and she's super loving and protective of all the sister missionaries that serve here. When she found out I was diabetic, she told me how I need to refuse food sometimes, drink water all the time, she even started lecturing Sister Teuscher on what to keep in the apartment! Her and her family are amazing. They were married in May, baptized in August. They have an amazing story, I'll have to explain better when I have more time. She and her husband Shanon have 5 kids, and they have a really rough past. They are amazing though, and the kindest family. Everyone here is family, automatically once you meet them. I have never been hugged or kissed so much in my life! They are so loving here, and instantly want to get to know you. We have a lot of investigators and recent converts, and I love visiting them. No, I don't, I love visiting everyone! We are taken care of by members and nonmembers everywhere. Nobody judges here, nobody cares what you look like (which is great, I haven't worn makeup in a week and I don't plan on going back!). You are loved, regardless. It is the Christ-like love of the people of Hawaii that has changed me and how I view the world. There truly is an aloha spirit here, and I have fit in perfectly. 

Yesterday was super overwhelming at church, and I cried. A lot. BUT I have Sister Teuscher, and she has been such a blessing to me and my journey already. OH I HAVE TO TELL YOU ABOUT SATAN.

There is a less active here named Alex, and he smokes weed. A lot of weed, all day every day. Actually most people on the islands do, I'm in the drug selling/using/recovery area of the island, but yeah when we visited Alex there was a HUGE bag of it just sitting there. Well, I have heard a lot about Alex before I met him. He has a pet chicken, a girl that his parents call Chick-Chick, but Alex has renamed Richard. Richard is Satan. He pecks, and actually got the last sister to serve before me in the face and she was swollen for a few days. Richard is a black chicken, and is just evil. Apparently Alex used to serve Richard weed when she was a chick. So naturally I wanted to meet Alex, and Richard. I was so jumpy though it was ridiculous. It was sad though, Alex has officially asked us to cool it and stop coming by. We're making it a point to go visit again when Sister Teuscher is about to leave. Hopefully I'll meet Richard then, because Richard was banned to a plastic crate when we visited a few nights ago.

So the food. Hmm. I have been exposed to a lot of food. Lots of white rice, lots of tomatoes, pineapple, coconut. Fun story, I thought cubes of tofu were squares of cheese. Yeah I don't like tofu. That's alright, I managed to get it down.! I also had THE most Hawaiian meal on the planet for dinner the other night: White rice, green beans and salmon. I freaked when I finished to salmon, because the skin was on it. Good thing I was done! IT'S ALSO TRUE THOUGH THE PINEAPPLE WAS SENT FROM HEAVEN. My goodness. 

I am actually doing amazingly well out here. I have instantly connected with all of our investigators and members. During lessons, I'm not silent, but I ask questions. Especially with Papito (pa-pee-toe), they've been teaching him for months. The first time I met him, he really liked me. I was actually able to figure out why he refuses and gets uncomfortable with praying. The one time he prayed, his brother had just gotten sick and he prayed to God to make him better. His brother died that night, which is heartbreaking. Being a recent convert has become such a huge strength since I've gotten to Hawaii, and I am also a good listener. I'm so grateful for these talents and experiences Heavenly Father has given me that I may relate well to these people!

I love it here. I have one huge Ohana, and I couldn't be more grateful. I love the weather, and just. Everything. I've learned so much about myself, and I can't even begin to cover it in one email. I'm so grateful for the letters and emails! I have read each of them. Please know I want to respond, but holy goodness the time flies here. I have never been so exhausted in all my life, and I LOVE IT. I am usually in bed and passed out by 9:45. Yeah that's a big deal for me.

 

Please pray for Sister Teuscher and I, that we may find those the Lord has prepared for us, and for our safety. Please pray for our members, converts and investigators. This is such a poor area of Hawaii, and it's heartbreaking. These families have so much love to give, and they give us so much of their food when they feed us. It's hard, knowing that. I so badly wish we could give them money, but I know Heavenly Father will bless them as they come closer to Christ. (:

I love you all, so so much. Send me lots of letters and pictures, okay? (:

Ofa atu,
Sister Noriega!



In Hawaii

View from our home

Hawaiian meal - salmon, grean beans and rice



Me and Sister Smith

Me and Sister Teuscher



Mosquito welcoming party



Provo, UT Temple

Provo, UT Temple

Al(Oh)a Canada

Aloha, loved ones! (:

This in 2 days, I will be on my way to Hawaii. The time has flown since our first weekend here came to an end, and I am SO not ready to leave this District. I'll admit, I'm so ready to eat real food again. But that's alright, I'm grateful for the work and prep that the MTC crew go to so we can eat!

So on Monday, we began teaching Barbara. She and her husband just moved here from New Jersey, and she wanted to know about our church. When they moved in, relief society swept in with their plates of cookies and made her feel welcomed! Sister Smith and I felt so comfortable with her the first time we walked in there with her, and I instantly loved her. She and I love theatre, Disney, and have both been through rough times with our mental health. We started teaching her about having faith in Heavenly Father, and how much He is SO AWARE of each and every one of us here. She questioned God's parenting though, because of the things she's been through. Both her parents are Holocaust survivors, but her Mom passed away when she was 4 months old, and her Dad when she was 14 years old. Barb also has no siblings, or any other relatives for that matter. We truly connected with her when we taught her the Plan of Salvation on our 3rd visit, especially about Spirit Paradise (where we all have the opportunity to hear and accept the gospel of Christ). She loved that we were all given a fair chance, no matter our background.

FUN STORY: Also on that 3rd visit, I was wearing my red polka dot skirt and black button up shirt, along with my Mickey Mouse earrings. Barb looks at me and says "You look just like Minnie Mouse, Sister Noriega!" I was so happy, and told her I planned it. She told me the next visit, she'd make sure and wear her Mickey Mouse watch and earrings. She kept good to that promise (:

ANYWAYS during our 4th visit, she revealed to us that her and Harvey DID have a baby boy, but that he died. We were able to comfort her, and let her know that her baby was safe. That he was living with Heavenly Father, and she would get the opportunity to raise him. At that moment, I felt prompted to teach her the steps to enter the celestial kingdom. We explained that our purpose is to bring people unto Christ, through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism by immersion, and by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. She accepted the invitation, and will be talking to her husband about it. I am SO HAPPY. She's such a sweet and loving person, there was a point that she stopped the lesson, looked at me and said "Thank you, for sharing your struggle with depression. When I see your face it has no trace of all the pain you've been through". I cried, it was such a sweet moment (:

We've also been teaching Ryan, who felt God existed, but wouldn't pray in fear of not getting an answer. He has a really bad relationship with him family , and is struggling through community college and juggling a night job. He is really so sweet, though, and needs our message. We realized after our 4th lesson that he was afraid to pray because he didn't have a true knowledge that God existed, and then Sister Smith and I came up with an idea.

In John 3:16-17 it says:

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Well, when we taught Ryan, we made it much more personal:

For God so loved RYAN that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn Ryan; but that Ryan through him might be saved

 

He almost cried, and he then accepted the invitation to be baptized. He prayed with us, and it was the strongest I have EVER felt the Spirit. The Spirit is testifying to me every single day that this gospel is true, and I cannot believe how fast I am coming to love every single person here in the MTC. I feel myself developing more faith in Heavenly Father, and how to trust Him that he will fill my mouth with the words that need to be said. It is hard. I have had a few mental breakdowns, where I've just started crying and not been able to stop. Elder Johnson (who is basically my best friend now we're literally the same person) gave me a blessing, and then the next night my branch president asked if he could give me one. Both were so sweet and sincere, and I have a strong testimony of the power of the priesthood, and I am so thankful for worthy priesthood holders using there gifts to bless me. It's so funny, every time I start crying I am terrified they'll send me home. I told this to my branch president, and he said "Sister Noriega, even if you wanted to come home I wouldn't let you. Your district loves you, and they need you. The people of Hawaii need you. You are needed, and you better not be comparing yourself to any of your classmates. You have a special gift, for loving others, and you also have the unique experience of being able to relate to investigators. We love you, I love you, and Heavenly Father loves you"

 

(:

On a lighter note, my district loves to make me laugh. Elder Johnson and I (as mentioned earlier) are literally the SAME PERSON. We are both walking Vine videos, and we are the only 2 that understand any reference the other makes. Example, in class the other day Brother Singleton was teaching. We were taking a break and we were all standing up, and Brother Singleton said "Okay everyone, take your seats!" and Johnson and I at the SAME TIME said "Where?". It was amazing. We make literally the worst puns imaginable. Everyone says I have a contagious laugh, and that my laugh is funnier than any of the jokes that are made. (:

It's been such a spiritual, hard and defining week in my mission. A sister that I live with and is in my district is going home, because she needs physical therapy on her back. It's heartbreaking, but she'll be able to enter straight to the field once she completes treatment. None of us want to part from each other. I adore everyone here, but I will admit, I am ready to go outside again. We are legit in the classroom ALL DAY LONG. I am learning so much, but at the same time it's hard. Everything is so green here, and the leaves are changing colors. I will say though, nothing beats that Arizona sunset. <3

I'm going to try and send some pictures, but I'll have to switch computers to do so. I will be logging off and attempting all the computers in here! I am determined!

I love you all, and thank you for all the emails and letters. I'm sorry if I don't have time to respond individually, but I am reading them all. (:

Aloha nui loa,
Sister Noriega!

 

[regarding pictures]

So these are the 4 gals I love with. In the group pic of just us 4, it goes me, Sister Alvez, Sister Letnar and my comp Sister Smith.
Then with the Elders, it goes (from left) Elder Harris, Elder Johnson, Elder Williams, Elder Roberts and then from left again it's Sister Letnar, Sister Alvez, Sister Smith and I