March 30, 2015 - #BECAUSEHELIVES

First of all, thank you for your letters this week. I loved hearing from my family and friends. It seems they came at the perfect time. Your testimonies and encouragement mean so much to me. I truly appreciate every one. Also a special shoutout to those who took a minute to write me while on vacation in Cancun #yolifamily Thanks momma, for doing that for me. I love seeing pictures of my friends and cousins and family and hearing all about what's happening at home. I love you ALL!

This week was an adventure.
We had some ups and some downs but mostly we saw the Lord's hand in His work this week.

Sister Leleisiuao and I are singing in church next week, and teaching Sunday school and young women. (: YAY!  
(General Conference will be broadcast for us the following week. We didn't get to see the Women's Broadcast, but hopefully we will.)

We felt pretty down at the beginning of the week. The experience we had is very meaningful and special to me. We weren't sure what to do, where to go, who to see. People were not opening their doors to us and it was starting to get to us. It usually doesn't but this particular day, we were letting it get in our heads. We went home and started reading from one of the missionary handbooks, and it told us that when we feel upset or frustrated or self critical, to read the scriptures, pray, and set goals. So that's what we did. We read the scriptures it suggested and said very sincere prayers, asking for help and guidance. After an hour of prayerful study, and goal setting, we felt a thousand times better. We knew what we were thinking about ourselves was wring and that our Heavenly Father loves us. We were about to move on into our preparations and planning for the next day when I felt prompted to look at a certain scripture. It was not one suggested in the handbook, and I honestly didn't know what the scripture was specifically about, but I opened to Doctrine and Covenants section 88:1-3. (https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/88?lang=eng)

" Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you who have assembled yourselves together to receive his will concerning you: Behold, this is pleasing unto your Lord, and the angelsrejoice over you; the alms of your prayers have come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded in thebook of the names of the sanctified, even them of the celestial world. Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John." 

I know God loves all His children, including me. The relief and love I felt overwhelmed me and brought tears to my eyes. Jesus Christ knows me, and each of us individually. I know that, and it was confirmed to me through my feelings and thoughts as I read this scripture. I am thankful each and every day for Him in my life.

That testimony of Christ and our loving Father in Heaven helped a lot this week, because we are ALL about this Easter season!! The church came out with a website. It is SO inspiring. 

helives.mormon.org 

We have had access to the video shown on there all week, so we were proclaiming the good news to all the world. 

We went to a dinner appointment with the Candland family on Wednesday. Worlds cutest couple ever. They're American- from Utah, and fed us some Texas Taco's!! (: They boosted our spirits with their energy and excitement towards missionary work. We are SO blessed to have amazing people in the ward. They made a difference in our week. They were the first ones we showed the video to, and their enthusiasm made all the difference.

Many of the people in my area are from India, and have little knowledge in Jesus Christ. Sharing our testimonies and explaining who he is has been such a beautiful thing. Especially as we've been able to share the incredible video all about Easter with them! One family we shared this with absolutely loved the video, and when we invited them to church, they informed us that they have already been planning to come to church, they just didn't know where. They expressed an interest in all that we shared and in praying for answers. She also made us an Indian meal... My FIRST one. (: I'll send pictures. Net time, she's going to make me try on her Indian clothes... hahaha 

The more we share this video, the more exciting our day is. The more we feel God's love and His Holy Spirit in our lives. I hope you all get the chance to share it this week. (This is the one time I wish I could go on social media...............) 

I had the opportunity to share my testimony of Jesus Christ all week long. Of His life, and His death, and His Resurrection. To members, people I meet, and in testimony meeting on Sunday. It has been strengthened as I feel the spirit confirm the truth of the words I say.  

I was reading in 2 Nephi today. It describes my thoughts better than I could write them on this page, so I'll share them with you. 

 "Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise." 

I love you. Keep spreading good to everyone you see. 

<3 Sister Falter

http://www.mormon.org/easter #WATCH 

March 23, 2015 - Miracles in Sunday form

Where to even begin.

This week is hard to describe because it was so good and so hard all in one. I learned a lot, though. 

ENGLISH CLASS!! 

We teach english classes in this area, every week! Last week, we taught it for the first time with the Elders. It was SO MUCH FUN! All of the students, for now, are Chinese students from the University. They are so smart and funny! Sister Leleisiuao and I helped them learn vocabulary for baking and cooking, and we baked cookies. We taught them how to read cooking instructions and what all the words mean. Some students know a lot of english and others know little. One guy asked what the word "egghead" meant, because he heard a student call someone that during class. We were all laughing. It was so much fun, and I already love all those people. Can't wait for next class! (: 

We did lots of bike contacting this week. There was a flat tire and tightened brakes but through it all, we had lot's of fun. (: 

We were out contacting people and we decided to talk to the gardener of this complex. He had a hard time speaking english, so we offered to help him learn. We found out a little more of his background and had a lovely conversation with him, and agreed to come see him another time to help him learn english. While we were talking to him, a man pulled up and greeted the gardener, who he knew pretty well, then started talking to us. We found out his name was Sunday (he proved it with his license) and we told him what we did as missionaries. He said he had met with many different people to talk about religion and would love to learn more about Jesus Christ. We met up the next day, and we taught him about the restoration of the gospel. He absolutely loved learning about it. He was so interested to hear about Joseph Smith and when we asked him to pray about our message, he told us he would pray, because he wanted to get an answer just like Joseph Smith. He has a strong testimony of prayer, so we invited him to pray. It was his first ever vocal prayer in front of people but he did a beautiful job. He told Heavenly Father that he was thankful that the missionaries came, and that he knew the message we shared would change his life. I know what he spoke in his prayer is true. It will change his life. We are seeing him this week, several times because when we asked him to be baptized in April, he said he would love to prepare, so we're helping him with that. (: I LOVE the gospel. It truly does bring people closer to Christ. 

It's getting cold here. We don't use the fan anymore and I finally got out my big blanket. (: I had to borrow one of the sisters' sweatshirts for the mornings now and wear my wool socks. I don't think its even very cold, I'm just used to the HEAT of Australian summers. Excited for the fall though!!!

I love you all. I am so proud to be a missionary. On Sunday we had our Stake conference, and the missionaries surprised our beautiful mission family (president Lindsay, Sister Lindsay, and Robby) by getting up and singing called to serve. In their testimonies, they spoke about the importance of sharing the good news we have with everyone. It is through this work that we become like Christ, having all of His attributes and loving those around us. Many times we think we have to be perfect to share our testimonies, but it is the other way around. 

We met this man who is very old. He got baptized last year. He expressed to us his love for the Lord and what the gospel meant to him. He told us that he used to always fear death, and hated his life because he never did anything meaningful. Christ put meaning and growth back into his life, as an old man, and He does that same thing to each and every one of us when we let him. 

I know the church is true!

Have a wonderful week! 

I miss you!

xoxo Sister Falter

PS) Emmalee give Adam a great big birthday hug for me!

March 16, 2015 - My new companion sleep talks...

This. Week. Has. Been. So. Good.

Sister Leleisiuao is amazing. She is always saying something or doing something to make me laugh. First thing in the morning she's up and talking like it's not 6:30, and continues until the lights are out and I'm already just about gone for the night... hahah. She has the most amazing faith and diligence. We're always moving, always talking with someone. It's only been a few days, and I feel like we've talked to everyone on our street. (that's an exaggeration... we have a VERY long street). I just love her and her dedication to work hard and make things happen. She is one of the most loved and respected sisters in the mission, and I can see why. I am thankful to work with (try to keep up with) her this transfer. 

This week we had a miracle. It was our first day in the area, and we got to the flat late. In the city, it's very different from my last area. Everyone's out doing things, and the streets are always filled with people walking, running, biking, scootering... you name it. Before we went to the shops to get food (we had salt and pepper in the cupboards... that's it!), we went out on our street and started contacting people. We walked up and down the street talking to people. Lot's of super nice people. We heard many stories about how everyone came to Australia and what they grew up believing in. We got to share our testimonies with many people, but none of them wanted to learn more. We were about to go back when I saw a man walking behind us. He was quite a ways back when we decided we needed to talk to him, so we looked around and saw a sign, and became very intrigued with it for a few seconds before the man was close enough to call out to. We started asking where he was from, and found out that he had only been in Australia a short time. After a few minutes, we found out that he has been searching YouTube and internet sources for years, trying to find out where we go after we die. We were so excited to share with him about the Plan of Salvation, and he agreed to let us come over and share more the next day. 

The next day rolls around and we didn't know anyone in our ward who would come with us to the lesson, so we asked the elders to teach it for us (there has to be a woman present when we teach a single male). The elders called us with the exciting news that our friend want's to be baptized and is excited to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it is true!!! 

I'm so glad we met him. His questions are being answered and we have had the opportunity to share what we know to be true all in one. (: What a blessing! 

I had the opportunity to sing on Sunday Evening at a youth fireside in Dianella (the city). Savior, Redeemer of my Soul, with Elder Aiono. It's a beautiful song and he's one of the best singers on the mission. It was so fun! I'm thankful for all the opportunities I have to sing here. (:

As a mission, last transfer we read Preach my Gospel, and these next few months, we are reading the book of Mormon. I'm only a couple of chapters in, but I already have come to understand the importance of studying my scriptures every day. I've never loved reading the book of Mormon more than I did this morning, and my love and testimony of it seems to grow every single day. There is so much to learn from the prophets, and from Joseph Smith's testimony when you read with the spirit and ponder the messages. 

There is so much for me to work on, but my companion is so encouraging. (: 

We laugh at the awkward moments we have together. SPEAKING OF...

We were talking to this man yesterday. He was telling us all about his life and where he came from (some far away country I've never heard of). He had a strong accent, and we soon transitioned into telling him about who we are and what we do. As soon as we said the word "Jesus Christ", he told us that he couldn't understand English. "no understand, no understand". We were obviously very confused because we had just had a nice conversation with him seconds before. I went to pull out a picture of Christ to help him understand, and he regained his ability to speak English just long enough to tell us he was absolutely not interested. HAHA. People these days, forgetting how to speak English..... 

It was funny, but we hope next time he is more interested! 

The city of Perth is gorgeous. 

The people are too. 

I love going to church each Sunday, and worshiping my Heavenly Father,

showing my gratitude for Jesus Christ's sacrifice for us, 

and continuing to show that appreciation and respect throughout the week

by sharing the Glad Message of His Life and Teachings

with Everyone.

I know he puts people and things into our lives for a reason, and I pray

the people we teach, and the people you share your testimonies with every day

will be open minded to hearing what we know to be true. 

I know the church is true! (: 

I love you all! 

xoxo Sister Falter

PS it rained here this week. (:

March 9, 2015 - Drumroll please!

I know you're all dying to hear about transfers. (if you don't know what a transfer is, every 6 weeks the missionaries fin out if they get moved, where theyre going next, and who their with.... it's basically the most intense weekend ever, transfer weekend. So tense)

Anyways, on Sunday night, we were lying in bed, too tense to do anything, WAITING for the call to come. We called our district leader, no info. We called our zone leaders, still nothing. We called the sisters in our zone, and they were all freaking out. We told them we would call them with any news of transfers, because the zone leaders usually call the sister training leader first (my companion), and we spread the news to our sisters. 

Here we are, staring at the phone, sick in our tummies, when the phone rings. It's President Lindsay.... AHHHH. We answer and he starts making small talk (the nerve) and eventuyally it comes out. Sister Iosua-Fiu is staying in Kwinana, and is training SISTER POTTER, MY MTC COMPANION for her last transfer. Then he asks me to be a Sister Training leader. I accept and without hesitating, he ENDS THE CALL WITHOUT TELLING ME WHERE OR WHO I AM WITH. 

We didn't get a call the rest of the night, so I was still just freaking out, and I barely slept last night. We woke up and first thing texted to zone leaders. FINALLY they called us. 

I am going to the city, up north. I am in Dianella zone. I am getting doubled in to the area, and we are opening it back up (meaning there hasn't been any missionaries there in a couple months). My companion is .... SISTER LELEISIULO! (you say it like le-lacey-wow!) She is the most bubbly, happy, funniest sister ever. I absolutely love her and have since I met her at Christmas. She makes everyone feel beautiful and can talk to anyone. She makes everyone laugh. She comes from Melbourne (she was friends with sister Iosua-Fiu before the mission). She has been out for over a year. She is Samoan.
I feel SO BLESSED!!! (: (:

Sorry for the novel, I just want to express to everyone the DRAMA of transfer calls.... hahaha

I am going to miss Sister Iosua-Fiu, and Kwinana.

I have fallen in love with some of the Single Adult ladies in our ward, and all of my investigators. <33 Especially the two young boys we are teaching. We've been teaching them for weeks, and last week in particular it was amazing to see how excited their family was to download the scripture app and start reading it! They also are getting into all the children's primary songs, and we sing one before every lesson. Their mum is so excited to come back to church. I know that even though they are young boys, they notice a difference as they've been learning about the gospel and it will bless the rest of their lives more than anything else will. They love reading from their scriptures. They make us laugh as they tell us about school and all their activites. They just fit in with the boys their age at church. They say the sweetest prayers, and are so excited every time we come over. Last time they made us a gift, a little potted plant and planter box thing. They painted it and everything. Adorable. I'm going to miss them... I know Sister Iosua-Fiu and Sister Potter will take care of them. AND I'll get to come back to their baptisms, but it's still hard to leave. As for the members, they are the best! We got fed EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK. I have never been so stuffed in my life. HALF of them are islanders, so their philosophy is "eat until it hurts". I am not very good at that but I am trying. I think my stomach is starting to expand. I HATE when I can't finish the food, but slowly I'm getting better. (: The members just laugh at me and keep on dishing more... It helps, but I usually end up eating until I literally do hurt. hahaha.  

The food is always soo good!! They love to get fish and chips, taco's, potato salad, green salad with nuts and fruit in it, lots of chicken!! I'm loving it. There are very similar dishes and then very different ones as well. I've loved everything so far. (: 

Many of our investigators didn't respond to us, and we couldn't see them this week. I was feeling very discouraged and wanted to find someone to teach! On Sunday, we set a goal to find one after conference. Sister Iosua-Fiu decided to go to a house we had seen people at once before and they yelled that "we are going to church but come back". We went and met a lady there. She is a beautiful Filipino lady. She spoke of the contact she's had with missionaries up north once. She fed them and everything, but that she's never been taught about the Mormon church. She believes in Christ and God, but keeps an open mind to others' beliefs.  (: We shared our purpose as missionaries and a bit about the Plan of Salvation. We left her a pamphlet and told her we would come back next week!!! I'm excited for the sisters to teach her. 

She was my miracle. 

I'm thankful for Stake conference down in Bunbury. I saw lots of cows and horses and even some camels on the way there but NO KANGA'S! It was held at an arts centre because the chapel wasn't big enough. It's about an hour south of where we live. It was such a lift in my week. We heard from Elder and Sister Meurs of the area 70, President and Sister Lindsey, The temple president and his wife, the stake patriarch, and a few recents converts to the church as well as President Stanley (stake president). Amazing messages, and all about missionary work! Then, I got to spend the afternoon at president Stanley's  home with his wife and children. They are a beautiful family. Sister Iosua-Fiu's favourite area was that one, and that family has basically adopted her. (: 

(Brooklyn said her new companion is standing next to her on her left.)

I am so thankful for what I have learned this week. About having Faith, trusting in God, and letting Him take care of the rest. I have such a testimony of Christ. His example is for us to follow, and His sacrifice is for us to use. I'm thankful we can pray to our Father in Heaven for answers, and for comfort. I am thankful for the Spirit, that can teach me things and testify of truth. I love the gospel, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true.

Love you, and I pray for you.

Thanks for the letters. <3

Sister Falter

PS Shout out to my best friend Lindsey Woolf. #returnwithhonor

PSS HAPPY BIRHTDAY BROTHER <3

(Brooklyn went fishing with the missionaries in her area on her preparation day.)

 Pictured: Elders: Preston, Holyoak, Kalio, Christeson. Sister Iosua-Fiu

March 3, 2015 - Im going to be famous

Remember that news article I was interviewed for?? YEAH well it's out for the world (of the Rockingham area of Western Australia) to see!! Except it is not what we expected. So I hope none of you lay your eyes on it. The actual article is in a magazine and it looks pretty nice, but it's kind of embarrassing. WE thought it would be about our purpose as missionaries, but most of the quotes she used to create the article were about what we DON'T do as missionaries. The rules and such. It seems as though we are all super homesick and we make a short sacrifice just to turn around and jump right back into life as normal when we get home. Like our missions are killing us. We said all the things she quoted us as saying but it is very misguided and out of context. She was so kind and the intention was good, but I am a bit embarrassed. Probably because the quote she put in there by me literally does not make sense and dad would shudder to know that it was even printed. I am a high school graduate, I should at least know how to put a sentence together. 

We all laughed about it though, and really do hope it triggers people's interest to talk to us and ask us who we are and what we do.

FAMILY THIS WEEK WAS AMAZING. 

Let me tell you briefly why. 

Firstly, I got the valentines package. I've already worn the shirt and eaten the candy. Sister Iosua-Fiu says thank you so much for the valentines. xoxox to all of you. The music was the best, though! EFY music is the bom! 

On Wednesday I got to go out with Sister Tamefuna all day for exchanges!! I'm happy to say her "backing" skills have improved immensely and there were NO major accidents recorded........There were no minor ones either (; She is so funny and we were laughing all day. I absolutely love her. We taught several lessons and in one particular lesson, we taught about the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our unique message about how Christ's church was taken from the earth after the death of Christ himself and his apostles, and was restored once again to the earth through a Prophet of God through the power of God. She loved the lesson, and when we testified of the importance of following Christ's example of being baptised by His authority and power, she accepted the invitation. Because of the example of her friends who are members, she has been really open and excited to get her family to church. So on sunday she came! She had a fabulous experience meeting everyone. 

One of the apostles of the church, David A Bednar was in Melbourne, and had a broadcast that afternoon for parents specifically relating to families. We were able to watch that with her, and although it had been a long day for her, with lots of new stuff, she brightened when we asked how it was. She loved it. I can already see the light of Christ changing her. (: I love this gospel. 

We had a training meeting on Saturday. It was amazing.  President Lindsay was able to give training about being personally converted to the gospel. We were reminded to not change for the mission but allow the mission to change us. That hit me pretty hard. Am I changing for the mission, and just adapting to the schedule or am I truly allowing these experiences, people, and time to change me. I think this weekend it did! 

I could feel the Holy Ghost testify to me that what he said was true. That I was called by a prophet to represent Christ in proclaiming the gospel because I came to know was true for myself. I am thankful for the training we received, and for all I learned in the mission home. 

Saturday night was the activity that took us all week to prepare for. Baldivis Got Talent. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! Best night on the mission so far because the chapel hall was PACKED with people in the church, out of the church, people who haven't been in a long time and families and friends. The talents were amazing and so different. Drums, cultural dances, skits, fashion shows, and all sorts of singing. Elder Holyoak rode the unicycle and jumped over the bishop on it. SIster Iosua-fiu joined in one of the dances. IT WAS AMAZING. I think it really helped unify the ward. 

On Sunday, a friend of ours, Koen is leaving for his mission, so he was able to bear his testimony to all of us, and in response, people from the congregation came and bore theirs to him. It was beautiful. The spirit was so strong and I could feel Elder White's excitement and love for the gospel as he sat there on the stand! He's called to Las Vegas!! (:

We also were able to watch the broadcast I talked about earlier. Although many of the topics were related to how to deal with spouses and families, I was able to relate it to how to deal with my missionary companions so it was pretty cool. (: hahaha

One thing I LOVE that he said is that 

We can not come unto Christ unless we are facing Him, first. 

This morning in personal study, I was reading about God's plan of happiness. Because God loves us he sent us to earth to gain a body, and be cleansed of sin through Christ so that we can return to Him again, perfected and glorified.

 Remember when Dad went to the movies to see Lord of the Rings? How he cried his eyes out (I might be exaggerating a tiny bit) because the movie was exactly like he pictured it as a child. He grew up with certain images of what middle earth looked like, and who Pippen was. When he watched the movie and say what he had always imagined come to life it was like the best thing ever for him. He was so happy he cried. 

That's the story mom told me, and Iw as thinking about it this morning.

I've grown up with a hope, and expectation of being with my family after I die. Being together with God and Christ, being happy like them. I think of the same happiness that Dad felt and can only imagine we will feel that way too, when we see what God has in store for our lives. Our lives, which are just like the stories dad read as a child. It's hard to imagine anything could be more fantastic and exciting as Lord of the Rings extended addition, especially with all the Hobbit's tacked on (No, I haven't seen the last hobbit don't rub it in), BUT I think that this will top it. That's why we have to prepare now to meet God, so that we can truly belong to His family in His home, partaking of His Grace and Happiness, forever.

I LOVE YOU. 

SOrry the email was so long and personal, but

My testimony was strengthened this week. I hope yours was too! 

Love, Sister Falter

Feb. 22, 2015 - Mosquito Bites

I had 6 of them on my legs. SIX mosquito bites. 

I survived but Wednesday was not fun.

(actually it was the best day of the week but you get my point)

To all my loved ones, 

I miss you all, how are you. Thank you for your letters this week. I've said it before but everyone is jealous of me because all the mail comes to 9/21 Edwards St. (; 

My zone leader told me that you'd all forget about me come June. HAHA 

But really, thank you. I love hearing how the gospel is blessing each of your lives, the amazing examples you are, and what everyone is up to.

Guess what?N and J (the boys getting baptized in March, 9 & 11 years old) came to church this week with there Mum who hasn't been in 10 years!!! It was fantastic. We barely even saw them the whole time because the members just completely took over the minute they arrived. Sister F the relief society president got her all squared away (: We were planning on 5 coming to church (praying for 5 to come to church). But all does not go according to plan. (: We're so excited for the boys! 

This week I went on exchanges with sweet Sister F. She's amazing. I absolutely love her, and the way she does missionary work in her area. She is from Southern California and is absolutely gorgeous. She's been out for 6 months and has only been in that area for 3 weeks. She was so bold and loving to her investigators, even the ones she only met once before. You can tell she cares about them and want's the best for everyone. One goal I had, going into exchanges, was to learn how to "talk with everyone" about the gospel of Jesus Christ. One thing my brother Luke taught me before my mission was to testify of Christ to everyone you meet, because He is central to our message. That's one of her strengths and I knew I could learn lots from her. And I did. It didn't work with EVERYONE, but most of the people we talked to we were able to share simple, short truths about the restored gospel, that families can be together forever. It was such a great experience, and people seemed more receptive than usual. I was nervous to be out of my area for the first time, but I grew so much and have tried to incorporate all I learned into our area.

This week has been so crazy. We taught the most lessons I've ever taught and have been able to find LOTS of new people to teach. It's amazing the success that comes after long periods of hard  work. The blessings are always around the corner. I don't even know how or when it all happened, but it's been an amazing feeling. 

The training we got on Tuesday at District Meeting was perfect. (that was probably part of it). One of the assistants to the president was there on exchanges, and gave a brief training. It really touched me. The assistants have always helped me. It's like they know exactly what to say. You can tell the spirit is with them when they teach and that they love all the missionaries sincerely, and can relate to exactly what we are going through. They are put into that leadership position because of the kind of people they are. I've received lots of help and comfort from them, specifically from their  portions at missionary leadership councils, zone conferences and other trainings. They are amazing Elders, and were blessed them. Elder M talked about setting baptismal dates, and that has been my focus. Even when appointments fall through or things happen where we can't extend the invitation, the whole focus of the week changed and our purpose (inviting others to come unto Christ) was established with each person. We're more focused, I guess you could say.

This has been the hardest and best week so far. During, it seemed like the hardest. Looking back it seems like the best. (: 

On the hardest moments, my favourite thing to do now is to turn to the scriptures. This week I had an experience with a sweet sister who ha not come to church in quite some time. She has had one of the worst years of her life, and has needed help. Sad and lonely. Feelings we always feel. I was able to share a scripture with her from St John 16:32-33 

"Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world"

It was not at all what we had planned to teach and testify of, but it was something that I felt prompted to share. She immediately started crying and the lesson changed from closed off and private to open and humble. We taught her the importance of CPR, to revive our spirits.

Church Pray Read.

I hope she'll come back someday. She knows it's right, she's just hesitant. 

It's amazing how many people don't believe God loves them, or that Jesus Christ knows them. It's amazing to me how many people hope to be rescued from sadness and lonely feelings, hurt and guilt, but don't know where to turn for relief.

Today in Companionship study, Sister Iosua-Fiu and I sang

Where Can I Turn For Peace?

Where can I turn for peace?
Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?

He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind,
Love without end.

I love you all. The church is true. 

I know it, I live it, I love it!!

XOXO Sister Falter

Feb. 8, 2015 - Humble Pie

This week was something else. I'm not even sure where it went...

Shoutout to Yanni for the package and Mom for the shampoo! I ate all sorts of American food this week (cheese-it's and mac&cheese) and I don't regret it at all! 

We had lots of meetings. Which means lots of driving to and from Perth, but we had another set of Sisters in the car, so it wasn't bad. Elder Halleck from the Area Presidency was touring the mission. He is an amazing man and I adore His wife. You can feel the love he has for the little part of the world he is responsible for. He loves his missionaries. He is very wise and together with his wife, they gave us training and counsel about how to improve and missionaries and as people. Sister Iosua-Fiu and I sang together on his behalf at the conference and he shook our hands with so muh energy afterwards, thanking us and praising us. He told me my Samoan was very good (he had to say that). I'm so thankful for opportunities I have to sing!! <3

Despite the crazy traveling and long trainings, we had a plethora of lessons scheduled and lots to do! We got a call from Brother and Sister Allen from Sydney who run the mormonnewsroom.org.au website who told us of an opportunity to be interviewed by a news reporter who is doing a story on Mormon Missionaries. We got permission from President Lindsay and our companionship along with the zone leaders met this lady at a park to tell her all about what we're about! We were a little bit nervous but the member who knew the reporter gave us a very nice report (pun) of the kind of person the interviewer was so we weren't too worried. 

She asked us our purpose as missionaries, rules, and our schedule. She didn't know much about what we believed, and why we share it with others so we were able to tell her about our belief in our Savior, Jesus Christ. We told her about His role in our lives, and what he has done for each of us. She asked about the Book of Mormon and we were able to tell her about how it came to be, and that it testifies of Christ, just as the Bible does. She was so kind and made us feel very comfortable. 

My favourite question she asked was how we combat people's false accusations or opinions about Mormonism. We explained that our purpose as missionaries is to teach, and most importantly INVITE people to come unto Christ. That when people question our beliefs, all we can do is invite them to pray to our maker, the one who knows the answers to every question, and ask God what is true. She asked if that actually resolves conflict. We told her not always, but the people really seeking to find an answer, the ones who were humble, always came to a resolution in time. We shared experiences of people we have taught and their experiences. 

It was quite fun, really. She took pictures of us and promised us a great article. (: Check the website in a couple of weeks, it'll be up!! 

We scheduled a dinner appointment with a sweet sister whom we love. She recently had 4 deaths in her immediate friends and family, within the last month, so things have been hard. She's recently been coming back to church and we just love her. We didn't think much of the dinner until she called to remind us Thursday morning. Usually those calls are people cancelling, so we were a bit surprised, but soon moved on to other thoughts of the people we were seeing that day. We rocked up a few minutes late, and she was standing outside her house. We gave her a hug and noticed she was smiling bigger than usual. "You are just GLOWING today, what happened?!"

"I've had a miracle, sisters! I was at the shops to get food to cook for tonight and I didn't have enough money to get what I wanted for the meal. I was praying to the Lord, saying that the missionaries are coming over and I needed to provide a good meal for them. Every time I looked in my wallet to pay for the food, there was more bills in there! I got it all, with the money I had!"

The minute I saw the table, I knew I had completely taken for granted the meals that people provide for us. She had set the table with a table cloth and place mats. She had made us potato salad, green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers and purple onions and peppers, and had a platter of cold cut meat. She had juice, and for Dessert, she gave us ice cream with fresh strawberries, mangos and bananas on top. 

It was the best meal I had on my mission. I am so thankful for all the Lord provides for us, for the humility and sacrifice of this sweet sister, and for the beautiful meal we shared. 

I don't think we realize the sacrifice, the prayers, and the diligence of Jesus Christ's Atonement in our lives. It's always there at the end of the day for us to partake of, but so often I forget exactly what He went through to provide for me. Without Him, and his sacrifice, his example and life, we would be nothing. 

I am thankful for what I have learned this week. For my Saviour, Jesus Christ. For my Father in Heaven, and for missionary work.

I love Australia. 

I miss you all!!

xoxo Sister Falter

Feb 15th - A Spider the size of my hand...

You know the feeling when you walk into a spider web?

It's the worst feeling ever. It's all sticky and you don't know where it came from... 

That's not how it felt. It felt like I was walking into a piece of thread. A small but very firm piece of thread, strung tight. So tight and strong that it didn't break. I had to literally move it with my hands and duck under it. 

It wasn't until I turned around that I realized it indeed was a spider web. But how, you might ask, did the web stay intact? Why did the thread not snap?

Because the spider who created it WAS THE SIZE OF MY HAND.

I couldn't shake the feeling all day. 

FALTER FAMBAM AND FRIENDS 

On Tuesday we had a dinner appointment with some members. When we got there, the house was a mess and the kids were running all over the place. It was so hot because AC costs a lot of money and the poor mom was trying to prepare the food, but has to take breaks because she's pregnant and her back is hurting. While she was finishing up preparing the food, we cleaned the living room and dining room and kitchen. We swept the floor and washed the benches and table. After dinner we did the dishes. It felt so good to serve.

A member called us on Monday and asked if we would help her move on Thursday, so we went over and cleaned walls, packed toys, carried out beds and tables (I did some heavy lifting but my companion did the heavier lifting...)

We had a great time helping them pack up and sending them off to a different area of the ward. 

On Friday we promised an old lady in our ward (she's 83) that we would clean the tin ceiling outside her back door for her because SHE was planning on doing it herself. She's trying to sell her house and move to Queensland with her son. We got there and cleaned for a couple of hours, and got absolutely drenched. Soaked to the bone. It was so much fun though, and it did look quite good after we had finished. 

On Saturday we got a call from a member who was frantically trying to find people to come and help their friend move as well. Move in, though. We didn't have set appointments in the morning so we ran over there and did as much as we could in the time we had. We were the only ones there, besides him and his wife and the lady who was moving, so we did do a lot of heavy lifting at that house! (: 

I was excited to do so much service for others this week. Members and people we'd never met. I was a bit worried that we would not have enough time to see everyone, however, because we were spending so much time with that, but at the end of the week, we counted the amount of lessons we taught, and it was far above any other week before! (: No wonder I'm exhausted haha. 

The cute family we teach, the kids that are getting baptized, they didn't come to church this week! :( We were pretty sad about it because they'll have to get baptized later. We went to their house the night before to see what they were all going to wear and tell them who was going to sit by them in class, and they were so excited. The only problem was there is these giant puppets in Perth and hundreds of thousands of people were going to see them, so they decided to go last minute. They're all set for next week, though. I can't wait for these boys (11&9) to experience church for the first time!!!

We're studying preach my gospel as a mission, and this week we went through the Christ-like attributes. It was pretty humbling to study about Christ's qualities and what they mean and how we can apply them in our own lives. There's a song that Sister Iosua-Fiu has on her USB about missionaries. One of the lines of the song is pretty amazing to me. 

"The hardest thing I've ever longed to see

was the Man down on His knees in agony.

As a drop of blood falls down on autumn leaves

and for a moment, He suffers there for me."

At church we sang Hymn 192, which also impressed me.

"Come saints and drop a tear or two for Him who groaned beneath your load. He shed a thousand drops for you, a thousand drops of precious blood"

I am so thankful for the person that Jesus Christ was. He is someone I look up to and aspire to be like. He cared so much for every individual on earth and willingly served those around Him. Whether they be friends, enemy's or otherwise. The kind of love and charity he had for me and my friends and the member of the ward I'm serving in is the same kind of love and charity I want to show them. He was patient, kind, and humble. He was perfect in every way and loved His Father in Heaven! 

I know part of the reason I came on my mission is so that I could become a little bit more like Christ, and know him better. I feel like I know my Father in Heaven better than ever before, or at least that he knows me. I feel closer to Him, and to Christ. And I think it's because I'm learning about Him, trying to do the things He would do if he were here, and I'm dedicated. There's a lot less distracting me on the other side of the world. Only a kanga or two (just kidding - I still haven't seen one up close) I love serve others, and spreading Heavenly Father's word with everyone! 

The letters I received this week were so uplifting - thank you for the updates and messages you share with me. I love you all. Couldn't have asked for better people in my life. 

We have a game plan to see the Kangas and Koala's as well. Involving sisters' P-day and a pretty discrete park we just found out about. If not next week, the week after!! (: 

Love you!!
xoxo

Sister Falter