June 29, 2015 - Short and Sweet

FAMILY

This week we had the opportunity to go to the temple with my zone and have training one last time with President and Sister Lindsay! They will be missed. We miss them already. I was able to sing one last time for them with my companions at the training meeting. Isreal Isreal God is Calling.. on the fourth verse everyone stood and sang. I loved hearing their final testimonies. They have influenced my life more than they could ever know. <3 

This week I also learned about Nephi, when Bishop spoke of His Psalm. 2 Nephi 4. I learned from him that yielding to Satan, or the adversary, means that we do not put our full or complete trust in Jesuis Christ, and allow Him to make us whole. Allowing Satan in our lives is more than just doing the wrong things, but not allowing ourselves to think or feel the right things. Not allowing God or others to help us, to lift us. Alma spoke of His conversion in Alma 36, and at the beginning briefly describes the horrible crimes he knew could not be compensated for by his personal right actions or personal worthiness,  but it could be made right through Christ's grace and mercy. We have to accept imperfection- but not let it overcome us. We have to trust God, do our best, accept Christ's atonement, and strive to live faithful to the promises we make when we are baptized and confirmed. THEN we are good enough. Nephi recognized this. Alma did. We can as well. 

This week we taught one of our new investigators the gospel of Jesus Christ and expressed the beautiful way we can be relieved of all our guilt and pain. You could almost feel her relief that there was something big enough to do that for her. That she could eventually feel right with God again. It was a beautiful thing to testify about it after the week I had and all I had learned. 

We did heaps of finding this week and I got to be with sister Tukuafu for a day as well!!

I have to go now. sorry it's so short. 

Miss and love you all

Siste Falter

June 22, 2015 - There is a fight going on outside the library in the mall!

You heard me. ALL I hear is a man hollering because there's two little ones on top and pinning down one big guy and all of the customers are just stopped watching it happen. Half of them are on the phone with the police and the other half are either laughing at how ridiculous it is, or anxiously looking up and down the mall for security. Nice. 

The police just arrived and everyone is still watching. I'm just very confused about the whole thing. 

Anyways, this week was so good. 

I went to the temple with Mya and Melissa for the first time. They LOVED it. They could not say enough about how beautiful it was inside, and how good it felt. Mya said it felt like she was in Heaven and Melissa couldn't stop smiling because of the spirit she felt. It was a blessing to be a part of that! All the youth were there and most of the leaders as well. Such a cool night. 

I learned this week about fasting. That is one of my new favourite commandments. 

Fasting is such a blessing. I am so excited to fast with greater faith and purpose for the rest of my life. (: We always teach people that fasting is an opportunity to be closer to the spirit as we focus more on the Spirit, and less on our own physical needs. As I fasted on Sunday I never felt fatigued or hungry, but all day I felt close to God. I felt the still small voice teach me and comfort me. Many questions I had were answered and I felt so loved. 

I read in one of my favourite talks of all time about how sometimes we feel like we're in spiritual prison, but in those times we can often create a refuge, a temple, a light that will penetrate the darkness and free us from the adversary. Joseph Smith was in his own Prison Temple in liberty jail, under the worst of conditions because of his willingness to seek the will of God, Listen to the Spirit, and have faith in His Saviour and Heavenly Father's promises to Him. I felt that way when I was fasting. I felt like I was close to God, even when the adversary was coming at us! What a blessing to feel that way. I recon most people don't have that blessing of knowing they can escape their own personal prison by seeking reverent guidance through the Holy Spirit as we make our ground sacred. 

My companions and I are having so much fun together, but part of the week was spent with other sisters. 

Sister Bisogno from NZ came to our area one day and I went with Sister DeVera in Melville one day. I LOVE these sisters. I've been on exchanges with both of them before and they teach me so much every time. We've all improved since last time, which was so good to see. Sister De Vera is from the Phillipines and she made me Pork Adobo and taught me how. I LOVE Adobo. Yummm. We had a pretty interesting day. Met some weird people and most people were VERY keen to talk but not very keen to listen.... Makes for an interesting day. Loved it though. We had so much fun! (: 

I'm learning so much and growing. 

It's very cold but so beautiful here in Australia. We live next to a beautiful fountain/lake and park and when we wake up, the sun Is JUST coming up. 

President and SIster Lindsey leave soon. Our goodbyes are on Wednesday. What will we do without them?! Probably work hard and do exactly what we're doing now... (: But the APM will miss them dearly. Especially President's Announcer voice and Sister Lindsay's tears when we sing. AND her cookies. (: I adore them. Cant' wait to meet president and Sister Fife!! 

Well the police came and everyone's cleared out so must be fine #likeitneverhappened

Lots of love, 

Sister Falter 

PS DAD IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY!

Merry Christmas (in the words of Austin) 

Jokes. 

Happy Fathers Day. ILY! 

June 16, 2015 - Sorry about last week.

I am such a failure sometimes but THE emailing is the most stressful part of the week. I'll tell you why: 

1. There is a time limit at MOST libraries incliding this one. 

2. You barely remember what you have planned for the day let alone what happened 24 hours ago. 

3. too much to say but you don't want your family falling asleep. 

4. IT'S ALL EQUALLY IMPORTANT 

There are more but those are the main ones. 

Don't judge my emails ok fam?! 

Right. Now. Let's get started... 

This week I learned so much. I learned about the love of our Saviour. He just loves us unconditionally. I don't fully comprehend how the Atonement works or how someone unclean can be washed clean of the sins and mistakes and distortions in our minds and hearts and become like Him. How? I don't know. But I KNOW he can heal our spirits. Especially as we make and keep sacred covenants and use our experiences in life to learn right from wrong. I can't explain how or what happened this week as I went to church and the temple, but my spirit felt healed because of the pure love of Christ and my Father in heaven. I learned that the love of my companions is so essential in progress and healing. and that when we covenant to remember Christ at baptism, not only do we 'Remember, Remember' to keep the commandments, but we 'Remember, Remember' His love, sacrifice, and mercy! 

God loves us. All of us. He took us by the hand almost literally, it felt like, and lead us to meet so many precious people this week who we have shared the gospel with. I love being a missionary and talking with everyone because we give them the opportunity to learn about the saviours grace and mercy, and not only that but to access the blessings of His atonement by living the principles and ordinances of His gospel, Baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. In a time I have never felt the adversity and satan so close to me, I have also experienced the most love and beauty from His opposite. 

I am just so grateful. So So grateful. 

Our prayers this week have been literally answered as we worked hard and followed the small voice of the spirit. 

My companionS are angels. We sing to EVERYONE and it is SO MUCH FUN. Sister Vea cut my hair yesterday ... and she's teaching us to HULA. She gave me her lava-lava (bless her <3) and sister Leakehe is the least trunky missionary in the APM and she leaves in 3 weeks. So much focus. 

The members are SO PRECIOUS. They take care of us. Give us people to teach, and love to hear us sing. 

We had a Mexican fiest as a ward activity so my taco cravings were satisfied. 

Last night we visited a member who fed us the BEST chop sui. 

I love every minute. 

It's not for Him that he sends missionaries, it's for Us. 

But our humble contribution is enough. 

Thank you for your undying love and support. I felt it this week as I received letters and cards from those I love dearly back home and in far away places.  I love getting letters from my cousins on missions, family and friends and members of my ward family back home. 

I'm probably not the missionary you all expect me to be just yet but I'm working hard to get there. Some days are better than others. Please pray for me. (: 

Love you all!

xoxo Sister Falter

June 9, 2015 - The Queen's Birthday = another Monday Holiday!

Sorry I don't have time to write much this week. Monday was a holiday celebrating the Queen's birthday so our preparation day is on Tuesday this week.

I also had the flu this week, just a bad cold, but that's over now and I feel fine. 

The baptism was one of the most beautiful experiences I've had. Melissa and Mya bore such strong testimonies. You will meet them some day, they are some of my favourite people ever. 

Thanks for all the birthday gifts and birthday wishes! I felt very loved. I love all the clothes, jackets, scarf, food, cards, pictures, prints, music, etc.

It was so fun to see my old companions at the transfer meeting. Sister Drew is going to train this transfer. <3 Sister Leleiciauo made everyone sing to me!

 We had to get a selfie with Sister Lindsay at transfer meeting too! <3 

From a member. They spoiled me with cake, balloons and nutmeat (healthy).  I LOVE THEM

We LOVE Sister Brittig!

I have to go now. My companion is going to cut my hair. I love being in a trio.

I am so thankful for prayer.

It helps me feel the spirit. I am constantly praying.

I love you all!

xoxox

Sister Brooklyn Falter

June 2, 2015 - Transfers, Trios, Opening New Areas and more!

It's been a great week. Pretty full-on. There were some very stressful moments. I try to remind myself not to stress out completely, but it's just in my nature. There have been lots of prayers said this week regarding our investigators and members. But it's been a very very busy and wonderful week. There were miracles every day. I think people are starting to get over the flu... That helped a lot! 

Melissa and Mya are so excited for their baptisms. Melissa been reading her Book of Mormon every single day and says "the more I read about what Lehi is telling his sons, the more I think I believe him. Almost like I fully believed before he even says anything and once I read it, I just accept it.." She's up to 2 Nephi 3  now and helps her kids read often as well. I love them, and am so happy we get to continue teaching them as recent converts in the ward. (: CAN'T WAIT FOR SATURDAY!! 

Reading the Book of Mormon has strengthened my testimony of it a hundred fold and helped me feel encouraged and strengthened. I love reading it, it's been the biggest source of personal edification for me this transfer. (:

I loved reading about Moroni today. He is such a defensive leader. The first time they fought, he lead his armies relying on merely their faith in the Lord and their armour. The next time they went to battle, Moroni was preparing. He knew his enemies outnumbered his people, and he knew the weaknesses of His. Instead of increasing their strength in number, he focused on the weaknesses and made them strengths, so that the Lamanites could not come against them, saving his people and encouraging peace in the land. 

There are so many weaknesses I can turn into strengths if I truly follow the Holy Spirit's guidance. We all need help to defend ourselves from our adversaries. The Lord will always strengthen us, but we also must put forth that effort to be smart and defend ourselves against those negative influences. 

Transfer news. 

Sister Tukuafu is leaving. Going to miss her - she taught me a lot about diligence and humility this transfer. So blessed to have been with her. She's off to train a new missionary, but staying in the zone! (yay) 

The Young Women in our ward fixed us dinner! <3 #personalprogress

Zone P-Day Activity!

I'm ..... staying, kinda..... So right now my ward has 2 sets of missionaries. I am opening a new area called Byford with TWO other companions (both tongan - one from America and one from NZ) and we are the STL's for Southern River Zone. Not sure if that made sense at all. Basically my area now that I'm moving out of will become an elder's area, and we will have 3 sets of missionaries in the zone. I've served around / know all the missionaries coming into the ward and they're all awesome so I am SOOOO excited. (: (: So I'm opening a new area, and flat, so that means NO COCKROACHES. Yayyy. 

My companions are AWESOME. 

Sister Leakehe and Sister Vea. I've gone on exchanges with Sister L this transfer. She taught me so much. This will be her last transfer. 

So excited for this coming week. We don't have much time for emails today because we have heaps of things to do to get the flat all ready but I will send some pictures. (: I lost my camera all week but there's a few on there. (don't worry I found it) 

Love love LOVE you.

Sister Falter

PS I had so much to say but I've forgotten it all. I'm just thankful for so many things this week and my testimony has been strengthened through trials and experiences. So grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. <3

May 25, 2015 - G'day Loves! (The roaches are going to die!)

THE EXTERMINATOR CAME AND WE WILL HAVE OUR KITCHEN BACK THIS WEEK! YAYYY! The man said it was a pretty bad infestation but the cockroaches are dying as we speak! YAY! 

 

My memory is horrible and I honestly cant remember what happened last week, but I'll do my best... haha 

Mya and Melissa Lee at church this week, and they are SO excited for their baptism.  So is the ward!! This week we were able to teach them three times and have a Family Home Evening for Melissa's Kids, Mya and Ashley, with some awesome members of the ward.  It's been absolutely amazing. They have been reading the scriptures together and watching Mormon messages. We taught all the commandments this week! Melissa gave up coffee the night we taught Word of Wisdom, and has been drinking heaps of milo instead (: Their prayers are so beautiful, and so humble. They truly understand the relationship they have with God and already see the joy that comes from membership in the church. They are just glowing. And so are we. (: It's been an amazing journey with these two. They are so prepared, and we are so grateful for the elders for finding them! 

We had a lot of extra time on our hands, since appointments fell through (it's flu season), so we have been knocking on doors, talking with everyone. It's definitely work, but it's fun work and we have met some awesome people with amazing stories.  I love hearing people's stories. Everyone is so unique and so different. Even the rude ones make us smile. It's so fun to communicate with people. One man showed us around his garden- he has banana trees, orange trees, mandarin trees, guava fruit trees, and heaps more. We had some guava's and oranges that were just delish! (: Such nice people here in Perth! 

We're lucky we got our shots last week at zone conference (flu shots HURT) because EVERYONE is sick these days. Except the missionaries. (:

We got to study in the morning with the sisters in Murdoch this week. Sister Allen and Sister Leakehe are amazing and so gorgeous. I just LOVE them! They taught me so much the atonement, and how to apply it to missionary work. Those sisters are so humble. They work tirelessly and are constantly improving, or striving to be more obedient and effective. They are very honest with us, and ask us for help, even though I have less experience than either of them on a mission. (: They motivate us in our own area because we hear their miracles, and see how many lives they are blessing and want to be just like them - serving and helping everyone!! 

I am so thankful for prayer this week! I have seen both immediate answers, and some that take a while longer, but seeing my prayers being answered gives me hope and so much gratitude. I don't think I've ever felt so much gratitude in my whole life as I did this week. I have just been blessed with so much!! Both in my missionary efforts, at home with my family, and personally. 

 

One story I loved reading about this week in the Book of Mormon was in Alma chapter 31. Alma is a missionary goes with some friends and family, to a wicked people to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. When he and his fellow missionaries arrive, they see wickedness all around them. They see the cherished doctrines of the gospel distorted and twisted, and the hearts of the people were selfish and cruel. His first response was to pray. He cried to the Lord, and told him how hard it was to see so much wickedness among the people, and how much he cared for this people, even though he did not know them personally. He recognized that they were his brothers. He truly loved these people, and wanted them to receive the same blessings he had from Christ. He prayed for each individual missionary that came with him, that they would bear their trials and that they would allow the spirit to direct them on how to help these people. Then they left one another, and began to preach the gospel. 

 "And after that they did separate themselves one from another, taking‍ no thought for themselves what they should eat, or what they should drink, or what they should put on. And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith."

I love you. I pray for you. I know you do the same for me, and I appreciate it with all my <3. 

Thanks for your letters and emails and love this week! It has been a blessing.

 

Love, Sister Falter

May 18, 2015 - I have 32 bug bites on my feet and legs!

THIRTY TWO......

My week has been:

​#doesntdoitjustice #heapsmoreontheothersides 

Other than the 32 bug bites I have on my feet, this week has been really good (: 

We had an amazing week, actually. We got to see our investigators Mya and Melissa and invite them to be baptized on the 6th of June (yay). On Tuesday we taught Melissa the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As we taught, she practically invited herself to be baptized. We read Mosiah:

"and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light. Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts."

 We asked her why she wanted to be baptized, and why it is important and she said to follow Christ and be closer to God. Her girls came to youth on Wednesday, and on Thursday we brought a youth girl with us to teach Mya. When we got into the home, she told us she wanted to be baptized like her mum. She hadn't been taught the Plan of Salvation yet, so we helped her understand the importance of our life here on earth, and why we must follow Jesus Christ now so we can be happy and live with him when we die. The questions she asked were amazing and so profound for a girl her age. We invited her to be baptized with her mum and she accepted! They are eager to learn about the commandments and were excited to go to church with us.
When Sunday rolled around they showed up, and sat with members for sacrament meeting! During Gospel Principles, the elders taught about final judgement. At the end, when they asked for comments, I was surprised when Melissa spoke up, because she is so quiet. She said she wants to make those changes to be ready for final judgement not only to please her Heavenly Father, but to be a good mum and role model for her children. Sunday was a beautiful day, even through the rain and storms. 

It poured the last couple of days. POURED. It was beautiful.  I LOVE the rain, so I was excited to go out in it. Sister Tukuafu put up with it pretty well (she HATES the rain) and during our time, we found a new family as well as a couple others to start teaching next week. (: We also found a less active man who needs to get his great grandchild blessed.(: It was so funny, his name is actually Bill, and after talking to him for several minutes, he noticed our badges and said "You're Mormons! So am I, come in!!" HAHA, Gotta love those kind of people. (: 

We also met another man named George who converted from Saudia Arabia, being brought up Islam and converted after fleeing the country when he was just married, and was baptized into the LDS church when he was a refugee in Jordan. After moving here, he has been producing television series about Christianity to his people in his language, and has helped convert thousands and bring people to Christ. He says he does not care what happens to him, or where the people  go from there, but he only cares about showing people the light of Christ he felt when he prayed to God in His name. He wants that for his people. His story inspired us. (: 

People are amazing. I love hearing their prayers and testimonies.

Sister Tukuafu is teaching me all about loving the people we teach. She loves everyone so much and is always thinking of them. I love that about my companion. It's amazing what love can do for people. (: 

This week was full of miracles. We see the hand of the Lord in the work. He is answering my prayers. I'm more exhausted than I have ever been but also VERY happy! (: 

I have felt your prayers this week. My back, especially, has felt your prayers and hasn't bothered me since Monday. I know it's because of the faith of my family, so THANK YOU! It is a miracle. 

I love you all so much. (: 

xxx

Sister Falter