Sister Ashli Nicole Stringer

Aloha ;) I have been eating SO much in the Tongan ward and I'm starting to get sick haha. The other day we were eating at a member's house and it's their culture to put all the food out and then watch and wait for the guests to eat. So, they just kept watching us and kept telling us to eat more. I really really really didn't want to eat more and I felt so sick, but we had to keep eating because they believe that the more we eat, the more blessings they get. I'm usually a pretty big eater, but wow I was so full and ready to go.




We've been trying to teach lessons this week but there were 2 weddings and a funeral this week and so EVERYONE in the ward has been partying it up. They sure know how to party here...I've never seen so much food in my life. Nobody goes to work or does anything for days. When someone gets married in Tongan culture they celebrate for a week or so...eating, dancing, and talking stories. Its so funny but they are so laid back that it makes it hard to get anything done.



We're still not sure when the temple will be reopening but we are sure that there will be an open house. We were thinking July sometime but now it sounds like it might not be until September or so. I can't wait for the temple to reopen!! I love serving in the Visitors Center though, its so great.



I love you all so much and I can't wait to hear from you again!

Sister Stringer



PS- I'm so excited for Jessica to come to this mission in the next few weeks. PG Represent!!

Well, I've been in Hawaii for one whole transfer...only eleven more transfers left. If they all go by as fast as this first one has, my mission is not going to be long enough.

So, we had two baptisms on Sunday! Charlie and Rolly are both from the Phillipines and have been taking the lessons for quite a while. I have truly been blessed to be in Kahuku at this particular time and to watch them change their lives and go into the waters of baptism. Their families and friends have definitely been touched by their conviction to do what's right, as have I! Words can't even describe how good it feels to watch people allow Jesus Christ to change them and to see how much joy and peace they feel as they do what's right.

I've been thinking a lot about faith lately, specifically faith in Jesus Christ. Sometimes I have a hard time believing that He can really help me and so I try to do things on my own. But never in my life have I seen the strength and power that comes from having faith and putting my trust in Him as I have during these past couple of weeks. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, anything is possible. I always thought that "faith to move mountains" was a little far-fetched, but now I'm beginning to understand how faith can bring about miracles. If you pray to Heavenly Father with sincerity and faith, you will see miracles and you will receive answers. But you have to BELIEVE that you will!! A prayer given in faith will open the doors to heaven. Its up to you to have the faith necessary to produce results. My faith has grown so much as I allow myself to believe in the capabilities and power of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father to help me.

This gospel is true and it will help you be who you want to be...but more importantly it will help you be who God wants you to be!

Aloha,
Sister Stringer