Mele Kalikimaka!‏

Woohoo it's Christmas-time!  I hope you all are enjoying the snow....I'm somewhat jealous.  It's been raining non-stop for a couple of days here which I have enjoyed.  One of the ward members said, "Look Sister Stringer, its snowing!"  I ran outside and it was raining really hard and I looked at him sadly and said "That's not snow!"  He said "Yes it is!  Look more carefully!"  I was so excited but then he started laughing and he said "It's liquid snow hahaha."  So rude.  I totally fell for it.  Have a merry WHITE Christmas!!
 
So I left a cliffhanger email a couple of weeks ago.  When I was up at the VC during the Temple Open House, I met a family...the Taylors....and was able to give them a tour of the VC.  There was a very special spirit in that short amount of time and we became good friends!  They wanted to learn more about eternal families so I sent the referral to the missionaries so that they could be taught.  A week later, the Taylors came back up to Laie to see the temple again and they ran into me in the Reception Tent.  We took pictures and they told me that they had been contacted by the sister missionaries in their area.  They waited for 3 hours for me to finish my Open House shift so that I could teach them more in the Visitors' Center again!  They introduced me to their extended family and it was just so fun to see them!  I love the Taylor family.
 
So anyway, long story short, they live in the Pearlridge Ward and so I am able to see them often and teach them the lessons!  They make time for us because they feel like I'm part of the family and it has been such a special experience for me.  Saturday night we went over and taught them about eternal families and the spirit in their living room was just as strong as anything I had felt.  Kalani, the father, said the closing prayer and it felt like we were in the Celestial Room of the temple.  It brought us all to tears!  I love that family as if they were my own and I am grateful to be a part of their conversion!  A big happy baptism is on its way :)
 
I am so grateful for the witness of the Holy Ghost.  There is no other way to know of truth except by the power of the Holy Ghost and I have been so blessed to have that witness myself and to help others to feel of it as well.  I was reading Elder Bednar's conference talk yesterday and he was saying that the reason we do all that we do....read, pray, go to church, keep the commandments....is not just because we should, but because those things are CRITICAL to invite the Holy Ghost into our lives.  How much happier is life when you have a member of the Godhead with you always!!!!
 
I love you all and I am so thankful for your prayers!
Sister Stringer
|

Humility

This week has kind of been a blur and I'm not quite sure what happened to be honest.  Christmas time is weird in Hawaii.  In fact, I feel like time just doesn't pass because the weather doesn't change.  I was thinking about that the other day.....I think it's a bad thing if I feel like I'm in the movie "Groundhog Day" and every new day feels like a continuation of the previous.  Bright sunny weather every day will do that to you.  It's been cold this past week though (70 degrees) and I've been wearing my jacket :)
 
We had a lot of downs last week, so I'm looking forward to a lot of ups this coming week.  Does it work that way?!  We've been having some problems with the sisters....I thought that I had escaped from all the drama when I left Laie.  I was asked to go on an emergency exchange this week with a sister that wants to go home.  It was an interesting experience and we had a good series of conversations about things.  This transfer I am really focusing in the Christ-like attribute of Humility (I know, its about time right?) and developing that characteristic.  The more I study, the more I realize that how destructive the opposite of humility, pride, can be.  Pride gets in the way of all that is good.  When we have pride, we can't have the spirit and we forget to remember the eternal perspective in the decisions we make.  Pride is the catalyst of sin.  Our pride blinds us and always keeps us from finding joy and peace.
 
As I've reflected on that this week, I've been so grateful to recognize the pride that I have and to pray for help to overcome it....to be more humble.  Pres. Uchtdorf said that "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking less about yourself."  If we all did that, think how happy we all would be!  It definitely solves a lot of problems and challenges while serving a mission if you're trying to be humble :)
 
I'm so grateful that I was prepared and capable to serve a full-time mission and that I've made the choice to enjoy my missionary service.  Wow it makes a big difference!!  I know that the Lord blesses us as we serve Him, in whatever small way we can.  This week (and hopefully always), let's all think less about ourselves and focus more on the needs of those around us!
 
Love you so much!
Sister Stringer
|

The Awakening

Aloha everyone!
As some of you may know, Sunday was the rededication of the Laie Temple.  AWESOME!!  Having the prophet in our midst and having a working temple has definitely awakened the spirit of this community.  We are now a temple-going people!  I was fortunate enough to be inside the temple during the last dedication session (there were 3) along with Sis. De, Sis. Graves, and Sis. Muller and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience.  There was just so much peace and joy as everyone's hearts were touched by the spirit.  I absolutely loved it and I love the temple.  Woohoo!!
After the dedication, we went outside and there were some people waiting for the prophet to come out.  We decided to join them and were able to meet Pres. Monson, Pres. Eyring, and Elder Cook.  Yippee!!  That brings my count up to 6 for my mission.  It was so cool.  I truly know that Thomas S. Monson is called of God and is a prophet "like unto Moses".  I know that Jesus Christ heads this church and leads it through worthy priesthood holders.  I am so grateful for that knowledge and for the ability that I have to share it with others.
Lately I've been reading Jesus the Christ and my eyes truly have been opened to many things.  I've been thinking a lot about our premortal existence and who I was....where I stood in the life before this.  I sincerely hope that I was one who was fighting with Michael for God's Plan and not just standing on the sidelines.  As I was reading in Alma 34 (one of the best chapters EVER) I came across verse 31 where it says that if you do certain things, then "immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you."  I have realized that just because I chose to follow God once and earned my mortal experience, that doesn't mean that I can stop there.  We are all responsible to choose God's Plan again......and again.....and again......daily we are presented with the choice to follow Christ or Satan in our mortal existence.  We must use our agency to choose God's Plan every minute of every day and see that plan unfold and become a reality for us individually.  Wow.  A General Authority said it this way..."Our life on Earth is an experience apart from Him where our choices determine our destiny."  I hope and pray that each of us will choose Christ each and every day.  We will still make mistakes, but then we are given the opportunity to choose Christ again and repent.  Use the Atonement.  Make your Heavenly Father proud.   Choose His Plan for you.  His plan brings so much joy and He has so much in store for each of us. 
I love you all with all my heart!
Sister Stringer
Pics -  Muller, Me, DeArton, Graves waiting for the Prophet - Here they come! - The amazing Open House sisters to the rescue :)


|

The Plan

Aloha everybody!
 
Well, the news is in.  I have been transferred out of Laie and into the Aiea and Pearlridge Wards on the other side of the island.  I am in the Honolulu West Zone and things here are soooo different.  I love it.  Instead of waking up to the sound of the ocean, I wake up to the freeway traffic and the horns from the boats in the harbor.  My new companion is Sister Rachel Braun from Fresno, CA and this is her 3rd transfer on the mish.  Our apartment is on the 11th floor and we have big living room and bedroom windows, with a balcony, overlooking Pearl Harbor.  I can the see the Arizona Memorial and the USS Missouri from our balcony everyday.  Sister Edwards served in this area for 6 months and now I am taking her place.  We just missed each other!
 
It's been an interesting transition but the awesome thing is that I have been feeling a lot better lately, which is good.  I always liked tracting when I was in Kahuku and Hau'ula and I still think it's fun.  We have already seen many miracles in these past 4 days.....new investigators, baptismal dates set, doors opening because they recognize me from the Open House/Visitors' Center.....really cool stuff.
 
As far as what I've learned this week....I think I'm really starting to understand the importance of putting my trust in the Lord and recognizing that He has a plan and His purposes will be accomplished.  I have no doubt in my mind that I am where I need to be right now.  I was supposed to be an Online Missionary for one more transfer in Laie and so I shouldn't have been transferred, except I got sick and it was time to re-evaluate what could be done to help me.  That is why I'm here....the Lord provided a way and miracles are happening.  It's so amazing to think that our trials often times are what get us to where we need to be.  I'm a complainer and I don't like going through hard things, but my testimony has been strengthened and I know that it is part of God's perfect plan for me.  He really does know best.
 
We have a picture on our wall that is painted by Greg Olsen of the Savior standing on a hill looking back to Jerusalem with sadness.  A couple of days ago I felt completely overwhelmed as I was standing on the balcony overlooking our area.  With tears in my eyes I thought about the people that I have stewardship over at this time and what little difference I felt I could make to so many people.  As I looked at the picture, I realized that I am getting a small taste of how the Savior felt as He taught His gospel.  I am grateful for the opportunity I have at this time to come closer to Christ and to have a deeper relationship with Him, especially in this beautiful month of December.  Can you believe I've been out a year already?!?!?
 
What an amazing transfer it is going to be!
I love you all,
Sister Stringer
|

Happy Thanksgiving!!

The Open House is over and now we are preparing for the re-dedication on Sunday.  It's so exciting!  The last couple of days of the Open House were completely packed and I have just been amazed at the spirit of the temple and the way that it softens everybody's heart.  There is such a strong spirit throughout the tour and many people have come out and said to me "I feel something different in there".  Yep!  It truly is the house of the Lord.
 
A couple of weeks ago, I met a family at the VC that had just gone through the open house.  After having an awesome time together and feeling the spirit so strong, they agreed to have the missionaries come over and teach them in the home on the other side of the island.  I know the gospel is going to change their whole lives and I can't wait to for them to truly experience the blessings that the Lord has in store for them.  So, a week after I met them I ran into them again!  They were at the open house going through the temple again and they had the biggest smiles on their faces.  They had also brought all of their extended family with them to share what they had felt.  When they saw me, I was received with big hugs and kisses and they introduced me to their family as "our missionary".  They wanted me to give their family a tour at the VC but I still had 3 more hours on shift at the open house so they went to the VC without me.  When I got to the VC 3 hours later, they were still there and waiting for me so that I could spend more time with their family in the Visitors' Center!  It was a very rewarding experience for me knowing that I have been blessed to be a part of the Taylor family conversion story!  The coolest part is that my childhood friend from PG, Sister Edwards, is the missionary that is teaching them right now.  Yay they are in good hands!  I am still praying that Sister Edwards and I will get to be companions soon....that would be so cool.
 
To celebrate the end of the open house, Sister De made a delicious cake for the 4 of us in our condo and we ate ALL of it.  Best day ever.  As I've reflected on the things that I have learned since the beginning of my mission, I think the aspect of the gospel that has been emphasized to me the most is the importance of the Plan of Salvation and how big of a role Temple worship plays in the grand scheme of things.  Serving near a temple, even if its not currently operating, has brought such a special spirit, understanding, and depth into my relationship with my Heavenly Father.  The endowment truly is a gift, the best kind of gift, and if we are worthy enough to receive it and to go back again and again, we must be doing something right.  The Lord is pleased when we worship Him in the temple.  Our understanding of the Plan that God has for us is deepened and we are given the spiritual knowledge and strength that we need to stay on the path that brings us joy.  I love the temple!!!!
 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  I love you from the bottom of my heart!
Sister Stringer
|

My Best

Dear Family and Friends!
I have received such an outpouring of love lately and I have to express my gratitude.  If I could I would give you all a big hug (in Hawaii its ok for us to hug everyone because its cultural haha).  I will try to get letters in the mail soon....the Open House ends on Saturday.
My sickness is back again....man I was doing so well.  My doctor is getting ready to send me to the hospital for more tests if we don't see more improvements in the near future.  I've been thinking a lot about Pres. Uchtdorf's talk about simplifying and slowing down and I just keep thinking "well how in the world am I supposed to do that on a mission?".  Have I come to any real conclusions?  No.  I'm still working on recognizing that my best is good enough and that I can't do any more even though the expectations of others may be higher than what I can give.  I'm still working on doing my best and then giving the rest to the Lord.  Somedays my best is just getting out of bed in the morning.  Somedays my best is just smiling at everyone in the VC and telling them that they are loved.  Sometimes, if I'm lucky, I can actually stand long enough to give tours.  My best is my best and I'm always willing to serve in any way that I can.

Cool story.  So last week Friday we heard rumors floating around that Elder Holland was in the temple giving a tour.  I was down at the VC and I was so sad that I wasn't helping with the Open House for that shift so that I could see him.  An hour later I was sitting in the chair reading my scriptures, I look out the window and start having a heart attack because it looked like Elder Holland was walking down the path towards the VC.  I wasn't really sure if it was him....he was by himself...but as he got closer I knew without a doubt that it was indeed Elder Holland.  The doors opened and I greeted him with a big aloha and he came up to me, shook my hand, and then gave me a hug and asked me about my mission.  He kept his arm around me (he said it was ok even though I was a missionary :) ) as he met the other sisters.  Wow.  I have documentation to prove it!  I know that he truly is called of God, that he is a special witness of Jesus Christ, and that the Lord is mindful of me and loves me.

Oh the ups and the downs.  Serving a mission is the bomb!
Love,
Sister Stringer
|

The Bugs Who Lived

Every day, visitors ask me if I would ever move back to Hawaii after my mission.  Almost before they get the question out, I have already answered NO.  Then I feel bad because so many people would love to be here right now....especially because its cold in Utah haha....So, I would like to share a little behind the scenes information about living in Hawaii.
 
There are creepy crawly things EVERYWHERE and these are my adventures just in the past week.  A couple of days ago, we were deep cleaning our apartment.  It's been sprayed, so there are dead ants and spiders everywhere.  Occasionally we would find some live ones but we would just go ahead and vacuum them up with the dead ones, figuring that they will die when they get sucked into the vacuum.  I used to do this all the time at home and I thought for sure it would work.  We decided to empty the vacuum the next morning so that everything would be dead before we began vaccuuming again.  The next morning I went to empty it and there were 4 live spiders and they had built their own series of webs inside of the other parts of the vacuum!  So gross.  These spiders are indestructible.
 
Almost as indestuctible as Hawaiian ants.  They don't even die when you nuke them in the microwave for 2 minutes.  They are breeding their own mutant ant colony in our microwave.
 
There are geckos everywhere, which I don't mind for the most part.  They crawl around our walls and they are kind of cute so it's not a big deal.  While I was sweeping the other day, I found a dead one :(  There is one that hangs out on the gate that leads to our front door....he's jumped on me a couple of times.  One night while I was writing in my journal, one landed in and got lost in my hair.  That was awesome.
 
Cockroaches....yuck.  We have them and I just hope and pray that they don't crawl around in our food.  The only thing I'm going to say about roaches is that it's definitely not a good idea to try to suck them up in the vacuum.  They get stuck!  We had to use q-tips to pry one out of the vacuum hose and it was nasty.
 
I saved the best creepy crawly things for last.  Centipedes.  I'm not talking about the little ones.  These ones are huge and they have pinchers and they bite.  We found one in our bathroom the other day, well actually, it crawled over Sister Muller's foot while she was brushing her teeth.  You can imagine 4 sister missionaries screaming and trying to figure out how to kill it.  After much confusion and chaos, we got it outside and sprayed it with bleach.  It jumped in the air and started curling up but it never fully died.  Apparently the only way to really kill them is to cut them in half with scissors.  Yeah right.  We just left it outside in the bleach and came back a couple of hours later to find that it was gone.  Is it still alive?  I don't know.  Probably.
 
I'm grateful to be in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission!  I'm also grateful for the many adventures that I've had since I've been here.  The next time you complain about the cold Utah weather, you can think of me over here with all of these nasty bugs and you can be grateful that you live in a cold climate so that there are not 6 inch long centipedes in your house!  Mission life is awesome and I'm so grateful for all of the many wonderful experiences I've had.
 
I love you all,
Sister Stringer
 


 
|

Miracles

Aloha wonderful family and friends!

It's been a very busy and wonderful week.  I got to go inside the Temple for the first time on Thursday morning and it was ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!!  It is such an amazing and special place and the spirit is so strong.  Helping with the open house has been great and a wonderful experience.  We have already seen miracles because of the temple reopening.

One such miracle happened with a 15 year old girl, Kamalani, that we taught my very first transfer.  We invited her to be baptized but she said she wasn't ready at the time, although she had a testimony of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.  For the temple rededication, all of the youth on Oahu and Kauai are having a cultural celebration for the prophet when he comes.  The ward invited Kamalani to participate with them and she helped them with their dance for the celebration.  Her heart was softened and about 3 weeks ago she came to the Visitors' Center and said she wanted to be baptized.  She was baptized because of the events surrounding the temple!  What a wonderful beginning to the many miracles we will continue to see.

I love you all so much!  Make an effort to go to the temple - it is the best place to be!!!

Love,
Sister Stringer

PS- Happy Halloween!!!!



|

Charity

I'm so grateful that I get to learn so much in one week's time.  I would like to share something that I've learned that has truly made a huge difference for me this week.  I was thinking about Pres. Uchtdorf's talk in General Conference this weekend.  I felt like he was speaking directly to me because I know that I'm always trying to do too much.  The overall message that I got from that is that I'm not loved any more or any less based on the things I have accomplished.  All He asks is that I do my best to work hard and be obedient.
 
Thinking about that has led me to think a lot about charity - the pure love of Christ.  I have really come to feel what it means to have charity for others as I constantly pray to be able to see those I serve in the way that Christ sees and loves them.  It's amazing how much love I can feel for people that I don't even know!  I know that what I am feeling is the love of Christ.  So, throughout the course of my mission, I have come to better understand what it means to have charity for others, which I'm very grateful for.  However, this week it has taken on a whole new meaning.  I realized that I haven't been feeling charity for myself.  I need to see myself as Christ sees me, and love myself as He loves me.  I need to pray to recognize the love He has for me more fully in my life and to take time to ponder who I am and what I can become.  I need to be more patient, kind, and loving toward myself, just as I would to people that I meet here in the VC.  I need to love myself...I know that the love Christ has for all of us is so real and it's time to make that a reality in my own life.
 
Pray to see yourself as Christ does.  Learn to appreciate who you are and love yourself through and through.  Make better decisions and choices to show gratitude for the perfect love that is bestowed upon you.  Life is so much more pleasant and joyful!!  I'll be working on that too.  If Christ loves me so much, why shouldn't I love myself too?  One of my favorite chapters of the Book of Mormon is Moroni 7.  Take time to read and ponder how you can feel that charity more fully in your own life.  I know that I am a daughter of God and that I am loved perfectly by my Redeemer.  My eyes have been opened to my eternal possibilities and I am so grateful for the knowledge that I have of who I really am.  I'm so grateful for my Savior and for His gospel and I'm grateful to be His missionary :)
 
Aloha,
Sister Stringer
|

My Personal Savior

Christ is my personal Savior.  He loves me perfectly and eternally no matter what and I don't even want to think about where I would be without Him.  My testimony today to you is that He is real and He truly did suffer for us so that we might have joy in this life and hope for greater things to come.
 
You know, I've heard it said that a mission is hard because you have so many trials and learning experiences in such a short amount of time.  You are constantly being shaped and molded by the Lord and sometimes it's little painful.  I have been struggling with some health problems lately and after going to doctors, laying in bed, taking medicine that's not working, and not being any closer to finding out what's wrong, I just couldn't take it anymore.  In a moment of frustration and weakness, my pleas to the Lord this week turned into the question "why is this happening to me?"
 
In a very tender moment yesterday while sitting at the Visitors Center, I was able to take a moment to sit at the foot of the statue of Christ.  His arms were outstretched to me and there was love in His face.  As I touched the nailprints in His feet, an overwhelming feeling of gratitude came over me and the Atonement felt more real than it ever has.   As tears streamed down my face, I knew, without the shadow of a doubt, that He is real and that He cares.  He knows all the pains, sufferings, sicknesses, and unhappiness that I have ever felt and He will always be here for me.  He offers a peace that cannot be imitated and a love that everyone yearns for.  It's so real....and it's within reach.  Those feelings and that comfort is available to all who will come unto Him.
 
His invitation to all of us can be realized through our desire to come to know Him.  He asks us to "Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world." (3 Nephi 11:14).  I felt that this week, and I know that He personally has suffered for me.  It is my hope that in this upcoming week we will all make a greater effort to come unto Him.  Pray to know what the Lord would have you do to take a step closer to Him and you will feel His presence with you always.  He will walk with you through the good times and the bad.  I know that He is there!
 
I feel so much love and gratitude at this time and I am truly happy that these experiences are mine.  I wouldn't trade them for the world.  I have learned so much and I am full of thanks and gratitude for that.  I love you so much!
 
Sister Stringer
|

No Boundries

This week has been...uhh...different.  But good.  It's just been a roller coaster of experience and emotion, but that's what makes the mission experience complete :)

Ok, working online continues to challenge me in a new and interesting way.  Good thing I'll be doing this at least until January so that I can catch up with the learning curve one of these days.  So right now we have an investigator named Mark and he lives in Colorado.  We meet with him 3 or 4 times a week and teach him the lessons and answer his questions.  We are learning more about him and he is progressing quickly with his testimony of the restored gospel.  He truly is prepared by the Lord to receive the gospel at this time.

The amazing thing about all of this is how the spirit knows no boundaries.  We can still receive revelation for him...what to teach him, what questions to ask, how to help him progress, even through a computer screen.  I have come to greatly appreciate the spirit of discernment - which instructs us and helps us understand what his situation and intentions are.  On the other side of all this, we have conversations with anywhere from 20-40 people a day!  On Saturday we had a really rough day with a lot of negative, offensive, or perverted comments and we decided that something needed to change.  Sister De Arton and I have been studying and praying more sincerely to have an added measure of discernment and on Monday things were much different.  Within the first couple of minutes, the spirit gave us very distinct and recognizable impressions as to the intentions of those we were talking to.  We knew when we just needed to end the conversation, even before anything wrong was said.  The spirit has been telling us all along but we just need to pay more attention.

These experiences have given me a much greater appreciation for the promise in 2 Nephi 32:5 "If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do."  I know this is true.  I also know that it is vital that we always qualify to be instructed by the spirit.  There is no other way to do the Lord's work and to be the people we need to be if we can't qualify for the spirit.  Be obedient, be diligent, be humble, loving, and honest.  Repent and exercise faith in Christ and the spirit will be your constant companion.  It is VITAL that the spirit of the Lord be with us always.  There is nothing we do, no sin we commit, that is worth the loss of the spirit.

I pray for you all daily and especially pray that we will all make the decisions that qualify us for the spirit.  We need the Lord's help, but He is there with open arms, ready and willing to lift us to a higher level.  He is lifting His missionaries, and He is lifting the wonderful people here on the islands, and He is lifting the whole world.  I pray that everyone I love is letting Him lift you up to greater and lasting happiness!  Aloha!
Sister Stringer
|

The Beauty of Life...

Dear family,
Well, I've learned a lot and still have a long way to go.  I'm actually having a bit of a hard time just because internet proselyting is so different than anything anyone here has done so no one quite knows what's going on.  I feel like a greenie all over again haha.  It is hard.  There are so many different things that I didn't take into consideration....like the fact that there are a lot of creepers on the internet, people have a lot less inhibition when it comes to asking questions, we deal with a lot more deep doctrine, and its hard to know if the spirit is reaching them through the computer.  We can use the internet to find talks and quotes to teach people and to research things, so I feel like I'm coming out of the stone ages and back into the 21st century.  It's a strange feeling!
 
You know, as I think about the events that have gotten me here, I can't help but wonder why I am where I am sometimes.  I've had strong spiritual impressions that I cannot deny, and yet it still gets hard and the doubt and fear begin to set in, making me question where I am in my life right now.  That's a horrible tool that Satan uses.  I was reading one of my favorite talks by Elder Holland and as an answer to my prayers, I read this quote,
 
"With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing.  If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted in it and lived for it, it is right now.  Don't give up when the pressure mounts.  Certainly don't give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness.  Face your doubts.  Master your fears.  'Cast not away therefore your confidence.'  Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you."
 
I know that is true in all aspects of life.  How easy it is to give up or give in when things get hard.  There are always better days ahead and with Jesus Christ, there can even be better days right now.  We don't have to wait for the future to find peace, hope, faith, and happiness.  It is available to us now.  I'm grateful to be a missionary and to be spreading the good news of the gospel every hour of every day!
 
Lots of Love,
Sister Stringer
|

A Series of VERY Fortunate Events‏

Aloha family! It's transfer day today and so I have a new companion and a new P-day. So a very interesting thing has happened. I have been selected to start a new program here at the Visitors' Center that has seen great success at Temple Square. It is called Internet Proselyting. I'm not really sure exactly what it is and all I really know is that we will be teaching people online instead of in homes, but that we will have our own "investigators" that we progress all the way up to baptism. Our teaching pool is the whole wide world and it is the proselyting of the future. I'm excited to be trusted with such a huge responsibility of getting it going and successful over here in Hawaii. I have to be re-trained for 3 weeks by some people in Utah and it's going to be a long term calling....at least 3 transfers is what they are saying (which is very long term for up here in Laie). I am really grateful for this new responsibility and I know that the Lord will help us in all aspects of the work.


For the next fortunate event, my new companion is Sister DeArton :) She is the other one assigned to pilot the program here and I am soooo happy! We are really great friends already and we work very well together. It's crazy that we are companions again but very exciting.


For the next fortunate event, we are moving away from the rest of the sisters to a place that has a better internet connection so that we can work from home. That place of residence just so happens to be a brand new condo right on the beach! Haha its so crazy. Our bedroom window looks right out into the ocean. We have a backyard of grass that drops down onto the sand (not that we can touch the sand LOL), a hammock and an outside table and chairs. I will send pictures next week when we are all moved in.


I was talking to Elder Eubank (the VC Director) about everything yesterday and just saying how grateful I am and that is seems to good to be true. He just told me that there aren't very many missionaries that could be trusted with this calling or location of living and so the blessings I have received at this time are directly associated with my obedience. I don't feel like I deserve it but the Lord just asks us to be obedient in all things and He promises to bless us. I think it will be the same when we go to the Celestial Kingdom. All of the blessings we receive will be so overwhelming that we'll ask "Lord, what did I do to deserve this?" In truth, nothing we do will ever be enough to deserve the blessings that the Lord has in store for us. The only thing that is truly ours to give Him is our agency and so as we offer up a broken heart, contrite spirit, and strive to be as obedient as we can, we will see the blessings. Through Jesus Christ and His Atonement, our efforts will become perfected so that we can receive all that the Father has in store for His children.


Serving a mission in Hawaii has been a great blessing and I look forward to many great days ahead! I love you all so much and Aloha,

Sister Stringer
|

Lots of Letters!

July 27th

Aloha family how are you this week? Transfers are tomorrow and I can't believe how fast its gone by. Reflecting on this past transfer makes me truly feel loved and blessed. My companion is the sweetest person I've ever met and carries the spirit with her always. She has taught me so much and has helped me in all aspects of my life. She started in Temple Square but her mission call was changed so she will finish out her mission here. Because of that, she has so many wonderful insights into how we can enhance our work here at the Visitors' Center and we've seen many miracles. This transfer we were the lead companionship in referrals (sending the missionaries into people's homes) and it's been absolutely amazing to see the hand of the Lord in all we do and say. I will always look back on this transfer with a grateful heart! On a purely selfish note, I am so grateful to be on a mission because of all of the amazing friends that I've made since I've been here. They will be lifelong friends in the gospel. It's amazing how the gospel can bring so many different types of people together in unity. That truly is the definition of Zion...one heart and one mind...no matter who you are or where you come from. What a great blessing!


We had a great pioneer day barbecue with the Sr. Couples on Saturday and it was awesome. I think we all appreciated some time to goof around, take pictures, eat a lot, and just have some girl time! I look forward to this next transfer, whatever it might hold. I know that I am making a difference. I know that I am needed here. There is no greater gift that I could ask for at this point in time. Love you so much!

Sister Stringer
 
 
 
 
August 6th
 
Aloha! Can you believe how fast the summer has gone? School has already started back up over here so things have slowed down a little bit already. It's been a really interesting week. For the past 4 days Sister Watanabe and I have been in Honolulu for Leadership Training with President and Sister Dalton. The First Presidency has been inspired as to how to push the work forward even more by changing the way we teach. We have been trained so that we now can teach the rest of the sisters. It's been really great and I look forward to seeing the way things change as we apply the training. The Brethren have not replaced Preach My Gospel, just added some additional training information. They will start teaching the new program in the MTC starting next May but they want all of the missions around the world to be up to speed by the time they start training and sending out all of the new missionaries.

Sister Watanabe and I had the opportunity to apply some of the training already in the VC and it was wonderful. Missionaries in every mission are soon going to turn into the best gospel teachers in the world! I'm excited to be a part of it. It's such a blessing to have a living Prophet and apostles to bless us with specific revelation from God at exactly the time we need it. Missionary work is definitely led by the hand of the Lord and we are so blessed to have modern day revelation. The new training specifically focuses more on asking for and recognizing the promptings of the spirit. It allows the people to be taught by the spirit rather than being taught by the missionaries if that makes sense. We don't focus so much on what we want to say, but on what the Lord wants us to say as directed by the spirit. Really that's how missionary work should always be done, but the training really helps to enhance our abilities to teach by the spirit and meet their needs individually.


On a different note, there have been rumors flying around that they are filming Pirates of the Caribbean 4 here in Hawaii this summer. Well, on the way from Honolulu I took a wrong turn so we ended up going home a different way than I had planned. As we were driving down by Kaneohe Bay, we ended up driving right past where they were filming. We saw where the cast and crew were staying and then we looked out into the ocean and saw The Black Pearl in the water!!! Woohoo! We were pretty excited.


Well I love you so much and am grateful to be a missionary. Thanks for all of your love and support!

Sister Stringer

 
 
 
August 13th
 
 
Hi!!!! First off I have to say thank you so much for all of the birthday wishes! Wow I just keep getting things in the mail and its nice to know that you all haven't forgotten about me yet! Things have been wonderful. We celebrated my birthday today actually because tomorrow I have to do some more training and its way more fun to celebrate my birthday on my pday. So...guess what I got to do today?!?! For the first time in my mission, I was able to go HIKING!!! Yay it made me so happy. It was a little strange to be up high in a pine forest and look down below and see the ocean, but wow it was so beautiful.


I think that I'm serving in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I'm even in one of the prettiest areas of Oahu which is great, and I'm so close to the temple. It reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures. "Yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." Alma 30:44. I've always loved being out in the great outdoors and I know that its because I can feel so close to God. There is a certain peace and serenity that comes from being surrounded by God's beautiful creations and taking the time to pay attention to all the tiny miracles in my life.


On another note, I've also began to better understand just how much God loves His supreme creations...His spirit sons and daughters. The more I pray for charity, the more I feel I just can't contain or even begin to express to the guests I meet just how much they are loved by their Savior and their God. The best part? When I feel His love for them, I can also feel His love for me. I've never felt so loved in all my life!!


Thank you for all of the strength and support that you give to me. I look forward to many more opportunities ahead :)
Love,

Sister Stringer

 
 
August 20th
 
Aloha! It's been a great week here on the islands. The weather is getting nicer by the day (which I didn't think was possible) and the blessings just keep rolling in. One of my favorite parts of being in the Visitors' Center is the opportunity that we have to be in the Referral Center. In the RC we are able to call people from all over the world and invite them to receive a free DVD from the Church and to learn more from the missionaries. Most of the people that we call are people that left their phone numbers with us while they were taking a Tram Tour from the Polynesian Cultural Center. When we give member tours here at the VC, we always ask the members if they have any friends or family members that they would like to invite to learn more about the Church and receive the blessings of the gospel. You've probably experienced this before at a Visitors' Center. The next time a sister missionary asks you for a name of someone you know, please give her one! Some of the most amazing experiences of my mission have been from calling member referrals.


For example, the other day I was able to call Misty, a friend of a girl named Kie who lives here in Hawaii. As I talked with her friend Misty, the Spirit really touched her heart and after bearing my testimony to her and promising her many blessings that the gospel has in store for her, she was really excited to meet with the missionaries and learn more. Yay!! One of the coolest parts of calling member referrals is when you get to call the member back and tell them what happened. When I called Kie back and told her that Misty wanted to learn more, Kie just started crying and expressing so much gratitude. Missionary work just brings so much happiness!!


Well, my time is up. It always goes by too fast! I just want to leave one little thought. Each and every day we have to exercise our faith in Jesus Christ, even in all the little things we do. Sometimes its hard, but it's always worth it because God never fails us. Elder Neal L. Anderson said that "faith is not only a feeling, it is a decision. We need to choose faith." I love that. We choose to have faith and as we act on the faith that we have, we gain more. I love watching that process take place in the people I teach and in myself. Keep choosing to have faith!! I love you so much.
Aloha,

Sister Stringer

 
 
August 27th
 
It's been a great week! The Visitors Center has slowed down a lot actually because school has started back up again. I hope you all have a great year at school :)


Well, Sister Brown and I have been so fortunate to start teaching a wonderful family that desperately needs the gospel right now. It's mom, dad, a son who's 17, a son who's 15, and a daughter who's 12. They had us over for dinner and we were able to teach them about Joseph Smith and the First Vision. The spirit is always so strong when we teach the First Vision but crazy things often happen as well. I've had some really interesting experiences. While we were teaching this family, their pet bird started going crazy and making a lot of noise right when we were reciting the Vision and then their dog started jumping around. What I have noticed is that there is definitely opposition to us teaching that lesson. It's so interesting because even Joseph Smith himself faced so much opposition when he told people about his experience, whereas normally if a 14 year old boy said he saw a vision, people wouldn't go to so much trouble to disprove him or to persecute him. Having experiences like this is such a testimony builder to me of the Prophet Joseph Smith. The adversary was definitely aware of the plan God had to restore the gospel to the earth and he continues to do all he can to keep people from knowing the truth. However, God's power is so much stronger than Satan's power and as hard as Satan tries, God will always prevail. The spirit was so strong during the lesson and we will be teaching their family again soon.


As I go through my own personal trials, it's such a blessing to know that God is an all-powerful being who loves me infinitely and eternally and that if I put my trust in him, I will see his power and glory manifested in my life. Satan cannot have power if I'm on God's side of the line and I have definitely felt the blessings of being obedient and faithful. Just like with the Prophet Joseph Smith, the work of God cannot be stopped or frustrated. It continues to move forward within the church and within my life personally as I make the decisions that keep me close to Him. I'm a varsity player for God's team!! We all can be! That's why I'm so happy :)


I love you!

Sister Stringer

 
 
September 3rd
 
 
This week has been extra fun...I'm not quite sure why because I'm still working hard but yeah, it's been good. By the way, one of the funniest things about being a missionary is when people don't really tell you what's going on at home but then you hear bits and pieces of news when people think you already know. So....congrats Annie, I had no idea you were having a baby but apparently you look pretty pregnant haha. Oh yeah, and congrats to you too Jared :)


The people here are so wonderful and they really take care of us missionaries. They are always giving us food. Last week, Sister Brown and I had some extra money to spend and so we wanted to go to the Kahuku Grill. We got there and ordered our food and then when we tried to pay, they told us that it was free because they need the blessings. Wow, thanks! So then this week we thought, okay lets go eat at the Hukilau Cafe for breakfast and use that money that we have. We got the yummiest breakfast (Hawaiian style french toast) and then as we went to pay, they said that it was on the house. Polynesian people are some of the most self-less and Christlike people I have ever met and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to learn from them.

This week I was able to do some things that I've been wanting to do since I got here. Sister Brown and I went and got Hawaiian Shave Ice, lilikoi and mango flavored with ice cream, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped cream. WOOHOO! Then we tried to climb a coconut tree. It was hard work, but we did it :) I will attach some pics for you to see.

Just so that you can know that I did do some missionary work this week, I want to share a cool experience with you. Last minute on Wednesday night, I went to teach a lesson with Sister DeArton because her companion was sick. We were teaching Rebecca, who is here on vacation and is staying with members and she agreed to meet with missionaries so that we could answer some of her questions. She is married to a member but he doesn't practice but she said that all of his brothers have been trying to get her to read the Book of Mormon and go to church for many many years. She had lots of questions about many different things, but the spirit prompted both of us to focus on the Book of Mormon and helping her find the desire to read it. After teaching her for nearly an hour, she looked at us with tears in her eyes and said, "for the first time in my life, I get it. I am really excited to start reading the Book of Mormon and I want to meet with the missionaries when I get back home." The spirit was so strong! There is such power and strength in the Book of Mormon and any objections or questions can be resolved by reading those pages...by careful study and by prayer. How fortunate we are to have such a complete record of the truth. I think that is the biggest thing that has changed me since I've been on my mission....my own testimony has been solidified so much because of the amount of time I get to read the Book of Mormon. Reading it everyday, more than anything else, has truly converted me to the gospel.


I look forward to the many adventures I will have in the upcoming week!

Love,

Sister Stringer



PS- The other pic is from my birthday party with all my sisters.
 
|
I don't have much time to write but I just wanted to say that it has been another wonderful week and I feel so blessed to be here.  Transfers are coming up again next week and so my companion and I have been trying to do all sorts of things in case we are not companions again.  It was awesome because we were able to have a sushi party!! Yes!! We made 5 rolls of sushi and ate them all!!  Its a welcome change from the Tongan food that I've been eating and I'm finally getting good at eating with chopsticks.  It's so cool to have the opportunity to learn about so many different cultures and to eat so many different kinds of food.  My favorite new thing that I've tried is Banana Lumpia from the Phillipines and my least favorite is KimChee from Korea (so gross...its the smell that gets to me more than anything haha). This morning one of the Sr. Couples made us breakfast so I was able to have waffles for the first time in nearly 8 months...with realmaple syrup yes!  I think that my body is a little confused with so many different kinds of food but I'm enjoying the experience.  Life should be an adventure!
 
I met a family the other day that reminded me so much of ours.  Mom, dad, two girls, and then two boys.  The dad told me that they had been on vacation for about 3 weeks and that all the kids were sick of being with each other and they were fighting all the time.  Looking at them brought flashbacks to our family and our vacations together.  I was always the annoying older sister and the youngest boy was so cute and innocent ;)  Anyway, I was able to spend quite a bit of time with them and help them recognize the blessings that they have as a family.  I won't lie, I got a little teary-eyed as I told them about my own family, how much I miss you, and how you are my best friends.  I love you all so much!
 
Love, Sister Stringer
|

Another forever family...

Hi family!  How has your week been?  Mine has been wonderful and the work is going great.  I had an awesome experience in the Visitors Center this week.  The Hawaii Temple Visitors Center is different than any other VC mission in the world.  First off, we get to wear awesome muumuus and slippers which is fantastic!  Secondly, we get to give Tram Tours from the Polynesian Cultural Center to the Temple.  Its a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world and to share the history of Laie with them, including the importance of the temple and forever families.  The tour consists of 3 parts....we drive them around the BYU-H campus, through the residential area, and then to the Temple VC.  That takes about 10 minutes.  While at the VC, we show them a short presentation about the history of the area and then give them about 10 minutes to walk around and learn more about the church.  It's amazing how many lives can change in a matter of 10 minutes!!
 
So I was blessed to meet a family from New York on the tram tour this week.  As we were walking around the Visitors Center together, I was asking them about their family.  Come to find out, their grandfather had just died the day before and they were all really sad because they weren't at home with him or with the rest of their family.  I asked them if I could share something with them and promised that it would bring peace and comfort to them at this difficult time.  They were more than willing to listen as I showed them a picture of the Hawaii Temple Sealing Room and told them that through the blessings of the temple, they can be with their grandfather again.  They agreed to meet with the missionaries to learn more about eternal families.  On the comment card, the mom of the family wrote "Thank you Sister Stringer, thank you for loving us enough to share this message.  It brought so much peace to our family."  Miracles happen each and everyday and I'm so grateful to be a part of it.  That family had no idea why they were coming to the temple that day, and yet God knew that they needed the message of the gospel at this time and provided a way for them to find peace.  I know that families can be together forever and every day I am able to tell people how grateful I am that my parents were willing to make sacrifices so that they could be sealed in the temple.  What a blessing it has been in my life!
 
You know, it's hard being in a Visitors Center because you say hello and goodbye to people so quickly without knowing what becomes of them.  I always imagine the best case scenarios as they walk out of the doors and back into the world, with the firm hope that one day I will see them again and that they will have found the true happiness that comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I don't really see the fruits of my labors, but I have faith that the Lord is preparing a way for them to receive the gospel and all of the blessings that come with it.
 
Summer is in full swing...the sky is blue, the sun is bright, and life is good.  I love Hawaii :)

Much love and Aloha,
Sister Stringer
|

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July everyone! I love the 4th of July but we didn't really celebrate it unfortunately. The extent of the celebration was eating banana splits and making Sister Watanabe sing the Star Spangled Banner and America the Beautiful with me over and over again. Haha good times....we both got a good laugh.


Well I am anxiously awaiting the Temple Open House and Rededication that will be in October and November. President Monson will be coming to the Temple as long as he and his wife are in good health which is exciting and of course there is going to be a huge festival with dancing and singing by the natives. It's a great time to be here and I feel so very blessed!


I still haven't met our new mission president, President Dalton. He will be in Laie tomorrow and we will get to meet him then. The Zone Leaders said that he is "the bomb" and I have no doubts so I look forward to interviews tomorrow. I'll be sure to ask him about Bishop Condie and hopefully he doesn't already know too much about me and doesn't have too high of expectations :)


I think that I'm going to have permanent dark circles under my eyes from now on. I'm exhausted! Sister Smith and I have truly been inspired as we've trained the sisters and I know that the Lord is helping us turn the Visitors Center around before the Open House. It needs a lot of work but things are coming along nicely. We've changed so many things this transfer....I love change!! I probably drive people crazy because I'm not afraid to change and try something new. So far so good. Yesterday we trained on using the Book of Mormon as the main source for teaching the Restored Gospel. I've seen so many miracles from using the Book of Mormon to help people. I love reading it and I will forever treasure the many things that I have learned since being able to devote my time to effective study of its teachings. I honestly can't imagine not going on my mission and taking the time to truly learn the gospel. Day by day my foundation is strengthened...a foundation that will support and sustain me forever in all that I do. Please study the Book of Mormon and experience strengthening and converting power of its words. I love the promise in Helaman 5:12 that the Devil will have no power to drag you down if you build your foundation on Jesus Christ. Its so true!!!


Glad to hear that Kayci made it safely to Belize. Sounds like things are going well at home but please don't have too much fun without me. I love you so much!


Sister Stringer


PS- my companion is making me Japanese food today. She wants me to try Natto which apparently are really stinky beans but they taste really good. I'm not sure....I have tried so many interesting things since being here though so it will be fun!
|

Aloha Oe

 Well, I'm officially exhausted! So much responsibility is definitely helping me understand how crucial it is to rely on the Lord in every aspect of my life right now and forever. I wish that I could express in words just how happy I am at this time....there really aren't words for the happiness that I feel in my life. There is no where I would rather be and nothing I would rather be doing! The Lord walks with me everyday as I strive to fulfill my purpose here in Hawaii and I have gained so much insight and understanding that has become so valuable to me.


We had to say Aloha Oe to President and Sister Peterson this week but look forward to welcoming in President and Sister Dalton. Many changes are taking place and its sad to see them go. I love the Peterson's beyond what words can say and I look forward to seeing them again soon. They have changed my life and I just feel so much love for them. Aloha Oe's are always sad but like the song says, it's "until we meet again", not goodbye. Often times I wonder why such good things have to end and why things must continually change. As I was talking to another missionary about that, she told me that she had been wondering the same thing but she received an answer to that question as she was praying one night. The answer she received was "That's why Eternal Life is such a gift!" The good things never have to end. All the happiness, love, peace, fulfillment, opportunities, and relationships will continue forever and ever. I had never thought of it that way but I am now, more that ever, determined to obtain Eternal Life and Exaltation. I am now, more than ever, determined to make sure that I am doing all that I can to ensure that my family and friends know how to receive those blessings. Also, now more than ever I look forward to the rest of my missionary service so that each and every one of the hundreds of people I talk to each week will know that it is only through the gospel of Jesus Christ that they can find happiness!!! I love being a missionary and pray that you are being missionaries as well and making a difference in someone's life each and everyday. The gospel is true!
Aloha,

Sister Stringer
|
MORE PICTS!!!!

My favorite ladies in the Tongan ward


Sister Han, Larsen, Me, Lu at the beach park


My favorite Tongan family EVER doing the actions to our favorite song

Sister Watanabe and I with Robert (we are teaching him right now)
|

I wish I could adopt the "lazy day" attitude of the Polynesians!‏

Wow what a week! I'm so exhausted but still working hard :) Before this transfer I was thinking that I really don't get much time for myself, you know, for journal writing, organizing, cooking, cleaning, etc. but now I really don't have anytime to do those things. This calling has brought new meaning to the phrase "forget yourself and go to work." I'm trying not to be so selfish haha.

My new companion is great and we are having a wonderful time. I'm also excited to visit her in Japan after our missions. You know me, I'm always scheming about something. We work together well though and we are seeing lots of success already. I've been thinking a lot about the definition of success and I've learned that as long as I can account for my efforts with the Lord every night and feel like I did all I could that day, then it was a success. The beautiful thing is that Jesus Christ will make up for the shortcomings and weaknesses that I have if I allow him to, so everyday can become a PERFECT effort with Him by my side. The Atonement of Christ encompasses all things and I love discovering new ways to more fully use it in my life.

I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be obedient, not only as a missionary but as a person in general. In the Bible, Christ says "If ye love me, keep my commandments" and most often in the Book of Mormon is the promise "keep my commandments and ye shall prosper in the land". I've never been someone that loves rules and regulations haha, but lately I have found myself just wanting to be obedient to everything. In fact, I was thinking the other day that it would be awesome if there could be more rules so that I could be obedient to those ones too. I've realized how many blessings I've received as I've been exercising my faith and striving to be perfectly obedient. My testimony of the commandments has blossomed and I know that the promise in the Book of Mormon is true. As you strive to do all you can to stay on the path to eternal life, the Lord will walk next to you through all the good and bad times and bless you in ways you can't even comprehend.
I love you all so much and hope that you are enjoying the sunny weather :)

Sister Stringer

PS- ASHLEY SWENSON!!! I can't believe you are engaged already and I'm super excited for you! Sorry I won't be able to make it to the wedding. Take pictures with my parents :) Love ya girl!

Pics- Sister Han and I, Sister Lu and I at our "6 month tie burning extravaganza" (the Elders gave us a tie to burn for our 6 month mark), Veni and I (he just got baptized into the Tongan ward!)
|

Preaching the Gospel to the WHOLE World!

It's been quite the eventful week and amazingly enough transfers are on Wednesday. I found out this morning that my new companion will be Sister Watanabe from Japan. She doesn't speak much English so that will be interesting but she is a sweetheart and I'm very excited. I will continue to serve in the Tongan area so I'm beginning to think that I should've been more diligent in learning Tongan. Tell the Clarke's thank you so much for saying that it looks like I've lost weight, I really appreciate that comment. It was really good to see them although it is a little weird to see people I know. I'm actually pretty shocked that I've been in this area for so long but I look forward to a great transfer.

This transfer I have also been called to serve as a Sister Trainer here at the Visitors Center! That means that I now have stewardship over 16 sisters and will do one-on-one training with each sister plus weekly group training with Elder Eubank and the other Sister Trainer, Sister Smith. It's a huge responsibility but I'm excited to be trusted with so much. We are all a little surprised though because I haven't been out very long at all to be serving in such a capacity. I'm happy to invite in this new opportunity to learn and grow.


I had some really great experiences in the Visitors Center this week. One experience in particular that sticks out to me was a tour I was able to give to a man from Malaysia, a man from Nepal, and a man from Pakistan. They all 3 wanted to learn more which is really exciting but because there are no missionaries in Pakistan, I could only leave that man with a copy of the Book of Mormon. The spirit was really strong and I just feel so blessed everyday to be here sharing the gospel with people from all around the world. What a blessed and divine calling I have!


Good news, we have finally received official word that the Temple will be reopening in November. Woohoo!! There will be an open house and it will surely be an amazing time to be here in Laie. Love you so much!

Sister Stringer
|

Aloha!

Aloha! 

This week has been kind of blah if you know what I mean.  Oh the ups and downs of missionary work.  I was on an exchange with one of the Sister Trainers a couple of days ago so I got to knock on some doors in the Kahuku ward I served in when I first got to Hawaii.  We were able to find a new investigator which was awesome!  Man, I miss that ward sometimes but it was fun to be there again for a day. 

Work at the Visitors Center has picked up a lot these past few weeks.  It must be summer time because all of sudden everyone is scantily dressed and its harder to tell the difference between the members of the church and those that are not members.  I think that the Lord sends some of his strongest Elders to this mission because of the lack of modesty, I really do.  Last week Monday we were able to go to the Beach Park and play frisbee and sit by the ocean for a couple of hours.  I was really impressed by the Elders and their focus.  The work of the Lord here in Hawaii is in good hands.

Life is really good and we are all anticipating the opening of the temple and preparing ourselves for when that time comes.  I've been learning so much about the gospel and about temples...studying the symbolism and the purpose more fully...and I honestly can't wait until it opens.  I think that I'll be blown away by how much more I learn the next time I go.  Please take advantage of having so many temples nearby and go as often as you can.  I'm jealous!

Lots of Love :)

Sister Stringer
|

Memorial Day

Aloha my wonderful family,

Happy Memorial Day! I hope that you really enjoy being with the whole family today. I'll admit, I'm kind of jealous. This week has been a week of ups and downs. The biggest news, one of our investigators passed away a couple of days ago. She was invited to be baptized but kept procrastinating the repentance process and just kept saying, "One day I'll do it, I'm just not sure I want to make the changes in my life yet." So, you can imagine our sadness. I keep thinking about how many times in the Book of Mormon it says not to procrastinate the day of your repentance. We were able to see the reality of that in our lives this week and it's devastating.

There are so many thoughts that are going through my mind right now. I wonder how often we assume that we have unlimited tomorrows to do the things we know we need to do or change. Life is so fragile and we are not guaranteed to have the time to do the things in the future that we've been putting off at this time. I mean, you know me, when I want to do something I find a way to do it. Many of my shallow life goals have been achieved at my old age of 21, such as living in England, working for the Park Service, serving a mission :) But as I reflect on the death of our investigator this week, all of a sudden my priorities have shifted. What about my spiritual life goals? What about my salvation and the salvation of those I love? What about my relationship with my Savior and with those that I love the most? Am I repenting everyday? Would I be ready to stand before the Savior at this point in my life with clean hands and a pure heart? The thought is a little daunting....

In sacrament meeting on Sunday, one of the speakers presented these 4 questions that I've been thinking a lot about.

1- Am I what I want to be?
2- Am I closer to the Savior today that I was yesterday?
3- Am I willing to make the changes necessary and do I have the courage to change for the better?
4- Will I be a better person tomorrow?

I love you so much and I'm so grateful for the plan of salvation, which is the plan of happiness! What a blessing to know that my family is sealed in the temple and will be together for eternity. I'm eternally grateful to my Savior for loosing the bands of death that bind his people. I will try to be a better person tomorrow than I was today. I love you and am praying for you!

Sister Stringer
|

Woohoo Summer!

Good news! Sister Han is doing a lot better, although she still continues to get pretty bad headaches so we've been taking it easy still. I am so glad that she is improving so quickly and that we've continued to see miracles and blessings.


Mom, I thought of you the other day as I was giving a tour. Here at the VC we play this History of Laie video that's about 5 minutes long. As I was playing it for some people a couple of days ago, I realized that I completely zone out whenever I watch it it now because I've seen it so many times. I started to laugh because I thought about you and how much you dislike watching movies over again and I thought, "wow, she would hate this!" I figured out that I've probably seen it close to 500 times since I've been on my mission haha and I'm to the point where I have it memorized word for word and could probably recite it in my sleep.


There have been a lot more people on the north shore these past couple of weeks and it will only continue to get busier these next few months. The sun is getting a lot stronger too and I can tell that my skin isn't too happy. The nice gradual tan I've been working on has now turned into sunburn I'm afraid :( Oh well, it was only a matter of time. The kids are out of school now and a lot more families are coming on vacation. That can only mean one thing....SUMMER!!! I love you all and I'm so happy to be here at this time. The Lord is changing me into who He needs me to be and it's a wonderful feeling! Talk to you soon.


Love,

Sister Stringer
|
Subscribe to: Comments (Atom)