Wonders from the Land Down Under

Happy Halloween everybody!

Not many here like celebrating Halloween because they consider it a pagan holiday, haha. I've learned to just not bring it up with people. It is starting to become a thing here though. We had a Joint ward Trunk of Treat at the church with the Woden ward, which was really fun! Felt like I was in America again! There was a potential investigator saved in our phone who we texted about it (because we texted everyone about it) and she said she wanted to go. We had a hard time finding a ride for her though because so many from our ward were not going. Very different from back home!

Another funny story from us texting everyone in our contacts was last weekend when the sisters in Belconnen ward had a baptism. Sister Haretuku sent out a mass text saying "Hey, would you like to come to a baptism today?". It was so funny because so many people thought that we were asking if they wanted to be baptized that day! The funniest response was a potential Paul, who asked "Can I get my two babies done?". We died laughing in personal study when we read that! But hey, it made me realize that a lot of people do have that desire, they just don't understand the commitment that baptism is and they amazing promised blessing that come as we keep that commitment.

But anyway, this week we were not able to meet with all the investigators we wanted to, but I still have hope for them, even if they don't have much for themselves right now. Simone came to our joint ward Halloween activity which was a miracle, and she brought her kids, and a friend who is struggling, and her daughter as well. She is already a great missionary and she's not a member yet! Unfortunately, she is having some doubts and uncertainty, especially because her husband doesn't like us doing the lessons and doesn't want her kids involved at all. She knows it is all true though, so she will get there.

We have also been realizing that there is a lot of strengthening we need to do for the Tuggeranong Ward too right now, as it seems like many are struggling spiritually. We have a few ideas for that, so we will let you know how it goes.

We have a new investigator named Christian, an Italian guy with a young family, who seems pretty serious about the lessons as well so fingers crossed! I really want to focus on finding new investigators this week too who are really prepared for the gospel at this time.

Have a wonderful week everyone one, and a happy Halloween!

Love,

Sister Pace

pics:

Above: We are so used to seeing the signs that say "DO NOT KNOCK" on doors, so when we saw a broken doorbell with a "please knock" sign over it, I said "don't mind if I do!"

2- My new flat mate from Samoa, Sister Tupuola!