Happy Halloween!

I LOVE HAWAII!!🌴

Aloha Ohana! Happy Halloween!

I reached a milestone this week. On Sunday we had a wonderFULL schedule. When I say full, I mean FULL. It was busy!! Because of that, we didn't have much time to eat haha. Soooo I got to the end of the day and I realized that I didn't eat a single vegetable that day. TRAGIC, huh?! That may have been the first day in my life that I didn't eat a single veggie. As weird as it sounds, I can feel a difference the days I eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies vs the days I don't eat as much (or ANY... yikes!). 🥕🍅🥒

A huge highlight this week was meeting Odett and Zoltan from Hungary. They live in the states now. They came on our tram tour from the PCC. We showed them the Christus narration in Hungarian, and it really touched them to hear it in their own language. Then I got to share my testimony about the power and truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I told them how special it is, and how it's blessed my family. I told them they can know if what I said is true or not by reading and praying about the Book of Mormon. During our entire interaction, the Spirit was nearly tangible. I know they felt something very very special here. I pointed out the feeling that they were feeling, and promised that they can have it with them more as they continue learning about the message of Jesus Christ's restored gospel. I offered them the Hungarian Book of Mormon as a gift, and as I did so, Odett turned to Zoltan, said something in Hungarian, and then began to cry. Her husband gave her a quick side hug, and then she immediately reached out to me and embraced me. Without hesitation, they then accepted my invitation to learn more from missionaries near them. On the tram ride back to the PCC, I was reflecting on the experience we had with Odett, Zoltan, and their young daughter. IT was in those reflective moments that the Spirit whispered to my heart that Odett was one of the people I was specifically sent here to Hawaii to help. She came all the way from Hungary to the USA, then to the PCC on vacation, and I came all the way from Minnesota... and we crossed paths here in the middle of the ocean. As they departed from our tram tour, Odett looked back at me and said "I hope to see you again!" I knew she meant it. I believe she'll be someone that I'll keep in touch with. It's hard to describe an experience like this one in an email, but just know that it was one of the most meaningful interactions I've had on my mission so far.💗💗💗

I love learning from other people's perspectives. For example, this week I talked with Sandra from New York on the phone. We were talking about the Book of Mormon. She said she's not too familiar with it, but she's very interested to learn more about it because she has heard that it's a "lost book about Jesus" and how it testifies of Jesus Christ. When I asked her what her thoughts were about the things I shared concerning the Book of Mormon, she said it makes complete sense that we have the Book of Mormon. She said "it's impossible for someone as important as Jesus Christ (the most important person to walk this Earth) to only have one record written about Him." SO TRUE. The Book of Mormon is another record written about Christ, from a different group of people in the world. I have since used that perspective several times this week, and it's really helped people to see that concept that we have the Book of Mormon is not strange, but actually quite logical! 

Yesterday I saw a double rainbow, and you could see both sides of the arch from where I was standing. I tried to snap a pic, but pictures just don't do nature's artwork justice. It was SO vibrant! Hawaii is one of a kind. I love it here. There's always a rainbow after rain--whenever you have a hard day, week, month, etc, just remember that there is hope! You'll see a beautiful rainbow soon if you just move forward with faith a little bit further😊

 

Well, can you believe it's already transfers again? My pday will most likely still be on Wednesday next transfer. 

Sorry to be kind of short this week, but I love you all!

Love the pace of life God's given you this week! Keep smiling!😃

Love, Sister Flake

 

Tram Scouts

(a.k.a. Iron Man and Captain America!! Happy Halloween!)

Halloween Party!🎃🍬

Couples donut contest😁💋

Which one of these is not like the other? #darthvader

Inside Out Umbrellas

Just another beautiful sunset in Laie😊 This is through the car window, forgive the raindrops

Aloha Ohana!

Funny highlight: Sister Taufa insists on using her umbrella like 24/7 outside because she "doesn't want to get dark". She cracks me up... anyways, her umbrella flips inside out probably 2 or 3 times a day because of the wind, but it doesn't even phase her (okay I lied, it phases her, but the picture shows otherwise😉. Anyways, being companions with Sister Taufa is a hoot. She has so much love in her heart, and she is HILARIOUS. She makes sure that I have a good laugh every day!

I can't remember if I already told you this, but Ciara (a sweet college-age young woman who submitted a Book of Mormon request, and I connected with local missionaries several weeks ago) is getting baptized on November 3!!! Woohooo! I'm soooo excited for her. I still remember our first phone call. It's her first semester of college, and I know that the Book of Mormon--and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ--will be such a blessing for her entire life now! It all started with being on her friend's email list while he was serving a mission. She got curious about the Book of Mormon, requested a copy, and now her life is forever changed for good because of this testimony and conviction of Jesus Christ and His restored church. So don't hesitate to share the good news with others! Anyone can request a free copy of the Book of Mormon on https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/book-of-mormon and missionaries like me will contact about delivery (I'm always delighted to reach out to anyone as well! Technology is the best).

This week Sister Taufa and I met Almie and Carlos. They just moved to Hawaii for the Navy. They were super neat! They both grew up religious, and we had a wonderful discussion about faith in Christ. We each talked about our experiences with baptism, and Almie expressed a desire to be baptized again! We kept the conversation mostly centered on the doctrine of Christ, and it made a difference. They were willing to keep in touch, and they took a copy of the Book of Mormon bookmarked 2 Nephi 31. It was actually Carlos' birthday, so we told him happy birthday, and that we know he'll love that chapter because it talks more about Christ's doctrine. Anyways, it was a great reminder to keep centered on the right things. There are a lot of good things out there, but only a few "best" things. Choose to focus on the "best"s😊

This week we went back and visited Roger, a nice Catholic fellow, in our area again. This time he actually seemed semi-happy to see us😃 He expressed that he's looking for a job and he's a carpenter. We invited him to the ward trunk or treat and had a wonderful chat. The tender mercy came as we later walked to a dinner appointment with Sister Tyler. Throughout the course of our time with her, she expressed such a sincere desire to serve and help in any way she possibly can. I just felt so loved by her! She asked us lots of questions about all of the people we talked to that day, so we told her about Roger. She said her husband is a general contractor, and offered to have Roger over for dinner with us sometime soon. She had such an amazing how-can-I-help attitude for a guy she's never even met before! Now that's charity. It was fun to see such a clear example of someone filled with the love of Christ❤

Here is Sister Tyler. She is so awesome!

I just love getting to wear a nametag! While I was at the PCC yesterday, I felt like there were an unusual number of people who stared at my nametag as they walked by. I even had one darling Korean lady stop and read my nametag, then say "Jesus Christ? I Christian too! God bless you!!" It just made my heart happy. What a special time of life this is where I get to wear the Savior's name right beside mine on a nametag. Missionaries really are called by the Lord's prophet to be special representatives of Him. I'm doing all I can to soak soak soak it in!

We drove down to Honolulu today for Sister Mondejar's passport and did our grocery shopping at target (so much cheaper than Foodland and Tamuras). We're getting all ready for Halloween next week😎 We decided to eat lunch at Chili's. We were all super hungry, and trying to find where Chili's actually was (google maps troubles). Sister Preslar looked out the window and saw the restaurant California Pizza Kitchen, but for some reason excitedly shouted out "California Pizza Chicken!!!" Someone was extra hungry... anyways, that probably sounds super NOT funny to all of you, but in the moment we were all cracking up in the car. 😂

We went to Chili's for lunch down in Honolulu! It was delish! I sure love these STLs

I love getting to teach kids because it forces me to keep things simple. This week our lesson with the girls was about prayer and scripture study. I was reminded of what a simple, yet powerful, protection prayer and scripture study are for us spiritually. It seems like such little things, but "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6).

Looking forward...
-We've got our ward trunk or treat tonight, which I'm super excited for! We invited a lot of people to come over the past several weeks. We're especially hopeful that Roger will come!
-We found out that on November 17 Elder Quentin L. Cook will be here in Hawaii! He's going to do a mission-wide meeting in Honolulu, so we'll get to drive down for that. I'm pumped! There are six of us VC sisters that will be doing the special musical number at that meeting. More to come!

Keep smiling! Love the pace of life God has given you today😊❤
Sister Flake

These two are from Minnesota! They are actually Kylie Kubas' grandparents (she was a year older and sang in choir at AVHS with me). Small world!

Put it all in the Lord's hands

Aloha Ohana! 

Today we got to hike to Laie Falls. It's the longest hike we're approved to do around here, and I can already tell I am going to be SO SORE tomorrow... but it was totally worth it! In total I think we went about 8 miles. It took us almost 5 hours (you know girls... lots of picture stops😉). All of the pday sisters went together, so there were 12 of us all together. As I've said before, Hawaii is just so darn beautiful! Laie Falls is known to be a muddy hike, and I can now second that it most definitely is a very muddy hike. Thankfully I was wearing my trusty chacos. Nothing a little water can't fix😊 The most eventful happening of the hike was probably when my pants ripped. Yep, my pants ripped. On the way down from the falls, we were waiting for some of the other sisters to catch up. I was feeling a little sore, so I decided to just to a few simple stretches while I waited. I did a little sumo squat type stretch, and *riiiipppp* my pants totally split right down the middle of where the two legs connect. I just about died laughing. Last time my pants ripped was when I did a toe touch after a youth activity at church in middle school... oh the memories. Thankfully Sister Yamaji had a jacket I could tie around my waist for the remainder of the hike!

Trusty chacos. Thanks Julie! Nothin a little water can't clean😉

live love Hawaii

All of the pdayers for Wednesday came!

Laie Falls! With Sister Permann from Idaho! She came last week😀

-We had a little "Sister Flake mixup" this week. At church, someone saw that my name was Sister Flake, and she got soooo excited because she told me we were related, and she had been told to meet me. She snapped a selfie and sent it to her uncle proclaiming that she'd found Sister Flake! ...then her uncle replied that he didn't know who I was, and we realized it was the wrong Sister Flake HAHA. There's another Sister Flake from Idaho who is coming to Hawaii next month, and she thought I was her! I did find a few more distant relatives though!

-Sister Taufa and I knocked some doors in our area on Monday and invited people to come to the Halloween party in a week. We met some interesting people, saw beautiful ocean views, and had a blast getting to know our area! We stopped at one house with the apartment number of "B1", so of course we had to take a picture! D&C 38:27 "Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine."  As disciples of Christ, we need to be unified, especially with our Savior Himself. 

B1... and if ye are not one ye are not mine... hahaha😉 missionary humor

Area day! And tracting! #missionarymilestones

-I felt repeatedly reminded this week that I need to rely on God more. During Zone Conference, President Bekker shared with us an excerpt from a missionary's weekly email to him. He talked about how it all depends on whose hands something is in. A basketball in my hands is worth $20, but in Michael Jordan's hands is worth $33 million. A few loaves and fishes in my hands makes a few good fish sandwiches, but a few loaves and fishes in the Lord's hands feeds thousands. A few nails in my hands can build a birdhouse, but a few nails in the Lord's hands brings salvation to the entire world. It's all about whose hands it's in. SO, are you putting it all in His hands??

-I also had the opportunity to go on an exchange with Sister Yamaji from Japan (Yamaji means "mountain ground" in Japanese by the way, so Sister Yamaji was soooo excited to go on the hike today to feel connected to her name😃). She is such a great example of someone who relies on the Lord in everything. Sometimes we get too confident in our own abilities or talents and think that we can do everything on our own. BUT life gets so much better (happier, less stressful, more fulfilling) when we decide to involve the Lord in ALL that we do❤

Exchanges with Sister Yamaji!

-A sweet Senior couple in my ward here told Sister Taufa and I that President Hinckley said Laie is the closest place you'll find on earth to Zion. I believe it! We have the temple, BYU, the PCC, and the community members really are one big family. The people here share what they have, and love each other so much. Man I'm grateful to get to live in this little piece of heaven for 18 months. 

Well, have a fabulous week! Involve the Lord in ALL you do, and love the pace of life He's given you. 

Love you!

Sister Flake

Beautiful hike!

I love this pic... candid shot of Sister Preslar and I. She's the best💕

Such cute trees!

It reminded me of the 1000 steps down to Leguna Chicobal in Guatemala

Laie Falls!!! It was a tiny bit anticlimactic, but still super rad! Life's about the journey anyway😊

The wild orchid made me think of Julie😊

Here's the new Kahuku pad! 8 sisters will live here. #vacationhouse😍

Man, visiting the pad made me want to live in this pad at least one transfer!! Ocean sunsets every night?? Sign me up! (I guess we get incredible sunsets at the temple already haha...)🌅

I love my fellow STL's!💗

Goodbye Walkers! They serve in the mission office and go home soon😢💜

Try Try Try!

💗family

Aloha Ohana!
Wow, what a week! Guess what??! Chas has a baptismal date for the end of October!! Woohoooo!!! I'm so so so excited for her and her family. I know that this covenant of baptism will provide needed strength as she raises her kids in today's world.

This week I talked to Joseph, who requested a copy of the Bible on mormon.org. I called him and had a wonderful conversation. He said he hasn't been particularly religious throughout his life, but recently he's had several conversations with a friend of his who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He said whenever he talks to her about God, something inside him seems to compel him to learn more. I was able to teach him about how we lived with God before our life on Earth, the purpose of life, and why gospel truths have felt familiar to him as he's conversed with his friend. He'll be meeting with missionaries soon to help him learn more beautifully simple, and simply beautiful, restored gospel truths! Yipee! Another man we met in the VC, Robin, mentioned to us that he hadn't talked this much about religion in 10 years. He said it with a twinge of peaceful relief/content in his voice, and I know the conversation we had is something he'll remember for a long time. This temple here is a place of healing and refuge for all.

I got to see the Widmers this week! It was special to feel love from home through them. Colleen reminds me so much of my grandma Morgan, so I just felt extra loved and special. Damon received his endowment at the Laie temple, so I got to see much of the Widmer crew that all went to the temple together! Man, I sure love my family. We got to visit for a few minutes, and then back to work I went, and off to play they went!

Their muumuus match ours!!

It was so fun to see the Widmers!!!!!

This week on exchanges with Sister Lee, I was reminded of how unifying it is to focus on someone's strengths and express gratitude to them for the good things they DO do. Everyone has weaknesses, and most of the time we are TOO aware of our own individual weaknesses, and let ourselves get discouraged. The Savior doesn't want us to feel discouraged though, He wants us to rely on Him for strength!

Lunch with Sister Lee, Sister Flake style! #salad

The one and only Sister Lee from Korea!

Sunghee Lee... whata cutie. Arms open wide!

Yesterday I had a solid, several-minute long conversation with a group of Chinese-speakers. While I couldn't understand everything, I was able to understand and speak enough to have a great introductory conversation until other Chinese-speaking sisters could be found. I told Sister Wu about it and she was so proud of me😉

General Conference was a HUGE highlight (find the messages here: https://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng). I noticed several themes. I felt that we were reminded on multiple occasions to "fear not", but move forward with faith. Things will turn out alright as you trust in the Savior and strive to do your best. The key is to try try try! Never give up. I also felt impressed to purify my intentions/heart. Sometimes I still do things out of "duty" or because of selfish desires. Heavenly Father knows we'll be happiest, and become like His Son, if we have a sincere desire to help people, spurred by the love we have for Him. We must do things from our heart! I'm reminded of Helaman 3:35 "35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God." I also am so excited for all of the temples that were announced. The Lord knows we need the strength that comes from temple covenants and worship to survive spiritually in today's world.
I'm looking forward to rereading the conference messages over and over and over again. How blessed we are to have direction from the Lord through a living Prophet and Apostles today! This is Christ's church, preparatory for His second coming. This home-centered, church-supported philosophy is inspired! 2 hour church will be an adjustment, but a good one I believe😃

I am just in awe at the faith of the people here. This morning a kind woman paid for our groceries. She told us with tears in her eyes that she "needs the blessings". I felt so much love and gratitude for her, and I know that Heavenly Father will care for her, just as she cared for us missionaries. 

We've got Zone conference this week. I'm super excited for it! We've been preparing a training with the Zone leaders about doing things from your heart. Stay tuned next week for more!

Keep smiling, and love the pace of life God's given you this week! Appreciate the little things😊
Love you all!
Sister Flake

This was at a members house while we waited for dinner.

hehe...Happy October!🎃

Thanks for the card Bryson!

Yummy Polynesian meal of fish, chicken, and beef!

Hamano Shimai thought it was so funny that she saw 'this' Sister Flake... I just woke up form a nap so I had sleep lines and a messy bun... so un-Sister-Flake-like I guess! 😂