I’ve Decided. I Need to Come Home. 

October 20, 2014

Hi mom. okay sorry but i dont have much time to write but this is what ive decided.  after i talked to you guys and heard especially what you mom told me about what was going on..i knew what i needed to do.  so i prayed and ive decided that i need to come home.  i talked with the president about my decision and he respects it.  hes going to help me as much as possible. He said hes going to try talking with the mission department sometime today and we will see from there.  right now i feel at peace with my decision. im happy and i know all is going to be well...but now that i know that i need to come home..im a little anxious to see all of you.  i just really hope that everything will work our fast and i can come home as soon as possible cuz thats what i want.  i dont know if you should tell stake president that this is what ive decided. but i think the mission department will be talking with him about all this.  

Please pray that everything will work out and that i can come home. I know its all of course in the lords timing when i come and what will happen....just im a little anxious..but this is what is happening.  thank you for the email. i really appreciate it. i loved talking to you all in skype it was so fun to see you all.  Im really trying my hardest to focus now and really do my best.  i dont know how fast this process will go but we will see.  but this is what ive decided and i hope you guys understand.  I really appreciate all your help but i know this is what i need to do :)  

I love you guys soo soo soo much.  please tell josh to pray for me cuz i really need his prayers.  I will talk to you later when i can.  i dont know when that will be but LOVE YOUUUU!!!!

Hermana Pukahi

This Week Was Full Of Emotions...A Miracle Happend!

October 13, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

This week was full of emotions.  It's been hard, but a miracle happened, and I had my first baptism!!!!  This is a picture of little Ezequiel. His sisters are all members of the church, but his parents are not.  We've been teaching him for a long time. Every time we talk about baptism, he runs away or says no, no, no!! He's been to church many times and to the activities, but every time we asked him to be baptized, he would say, NO WAY.  

On Wednesday, the assistants came, and we talked as a zone about the goals we want for our areas--about baptism and our purpose here as missionaries. They really got us excited and pumped up.

So... later walking down the street, we ran into one of the sisters of Ezekiel.  We said, "Hey, Mica! Are you excited for the baptism of Ezekiel this weekend?"  We don't know where it came from, but we had confidence and faith that he'd be baptized.  Mica, of course, has been wanting him to be baptized for awhile and said, "This weekend??" And we said, "Yeah!" and of course, she got super excited.  Later that night, we ran over to their house and Mica said, "Hey, Ezekiel are you ready for your baptism this weekend?" Ezekiel looked at us super confused, and we just said, "Yeah, Ezekiel, we have everything ready for you! The clothes, the cake, don't worry.  Do you wanna be baptized this weekend?" and then he said, "Okay!"  ha, ha! awww! It was the best!!

It was a special day...not easy...but a wonderful experience to be apart of.  It made me so so happy! :)  I love this family very much and I am so proud of little Ezekiel and his decision to be baptized. 

This week was a really hard week for me, but I can see through miracles like this that Heavenly Father truly loves me.  He truly loves his children and is always there.  Thank you all for the support of me and especially for the prayers of my family.  I love you!!

Love,

Hermana Pukahi

Little Ezekiel

Ezequiel Y Alberto

Ezequiel's family at his baptism.

Well...I'm Tired. I'm Happy!

September 29, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Hola! Well...I'm tired. I'M HAPPY! :)  But, I'm tired.  I don't know if I'm getting sick or what, but every night this week I came home with my voice almost gone. Basically in the night, I sound like a man. ha,ha!  We also live 45 minutes away from our area so we are walking a ton.  I LOVE coming home every night exhausted because that means we are really working hard. (Also, the members are wonderful so they ALWAYS feed us...so we eat a lot. Sooo the walking helps!  :)

This week was, of course, different.  Always with a new companion, it takes some time to adjust.  My new companion, Hermana Nuñez, is from Peru.  She's super nice, understanding, and smart. The two of us are similar in many ways, but for the most part we are very different.  It was funny. We were asking each other questions -- getting to know one another -- and we came to realize that the answers she said were almost opposite from mine. I'll be honest; sometimes it's kind of hard.  BUT, I think we work really well together.  We balance each other out. ha,ha 

Yesterday, we were supposed to have a baptism -- My first.  Working hard this week our investigator finally said YES! I was so so excited, but a lot of things happened where it became difficult.  My companion and I were worried. We fasted and prayed that things would work out.  In the end, she decided not to be baptized yesterday. Everything was happening all at once for her, and it all was very stressful. It was stressful for Hermana Nuñez and I, but after she came to the conclusion, we were honestly at peace. We were happy.  We knew that it would all be okay and that yesterday just wasn’t the time.  She knows that this gospel and the Church are true! She wants to be baptized :) so we are planning for this week! ahhh!! 

On Friday, we were visiting a family in the branch.  We got to meet their daughter who is very less active.  We all had fun and enjoyed ourselves.  The next day, the family told me that their daughter felt like she got along really well with me. She said that I had a light and spirit about me. That she was impressed. She looked at me and felt like there was something more.  Because of that she wanted to come to the conference.  (We had a conference this weekend as a district with our president) AND she came! When I heard that she had said that about me, it made me so happy -- I wanted to cry!  She also brought her friend, and now we are teaching her, too!! 

This week was full of all kinds of emotions, but this experience reminded me of that time we sang the "We can be a light" (Hope of America) song for the Young Women's program. When we acted it all out with flashlights! ha, ha so cheesy...but seriously, it really reminds me of how we can truly be a light to others. This experience made me so happy and I know it's true.  I know that each of you can be a light to others, because you have the light of Christ.  You have the knowledge of the gospel. The gospel is THE light, and the truth.  Honestly, I have been kind of discouraged.  I haven't had a baptism, and because of that, it can be hard, hard to feel like I am making a difference.  But now I know that hey -- I'm doing my best. And I am helping others because I'm sharing this light each day.  Woot woot! I really love being here.  I'm learning so much. :)  I love each of you! Thank you for all you do for me! 

CON MUCHO AMOR!!

Hermana Pukahi

Ahhhh, I'm 20!!

September 22, 2014

Ahhhh, I'm 20!! I can't believe it's my birthday. I feel soo old...ha, ha!!  AND I'm now 4 months in the mission...AND I'm starting my 4th transfer today here in Argentina.  Lots and lots of changes! I now have a new compañera, Hermana Nuñez, from Peru.  She's my fifth companion already!  wut, wut!

I had to say goodbye to Hermana Valenzuela yesterday.  :(  We were only together for 3 weeks, but it felt like we had been friends for years.  And now she's done with her mission and heading home!  With the help of the branch and the elders, we threw her a surprise farewell party this week.  Let me say...throwing a SURPRISE party for your companion is super hard--because she of course, she was always with me!  But I had a lot of help and it worked. She was totally surprised.

The Branch here is AWESOME! I love every single member.  They have really helped me to feel loved and feel like Necochea really is like my home.  Yesterday I gave a talk in Sacrament. I got up and said, "Hermanos y Hermanas...ALOHA!"  Only a few people that I previously told before hand to repeat after me, said "Aloha" back. At first I think that the members thought it was super weird. But I explained to them how at home I felt here and how much true "aloha" I have felt from them.  Afterwards, ALL day yesterday, everybody kept saying..."Hermana Pukahi, ALOHHAA!!" and then they started hula dancing! Ha, ha!!

My talk was on the Restoration. Giving it made me realize how important it is to understand the restoration.  It is everything we believe. Because of the restoration...because of Joseph Smith...we have the gospel.  We have the light and the truth with us today. I am so grateful to have this knowledge of the gospel.  AND to be preaching it here in Argentina.  I love all of you!!! MUCHAS GRACIAS for all the birthday wishes!! I wish you all a great week!!

Con Amor,

Hermana Pukahi

Another Week Has Already Passed

September 15, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Hola!! Another week has already passed. They seem to go faster and faster... crazy!  Well, this week was a lot of fun.  Monday after I wrote to ya´ll, we went to the beach. We got to see the sea lions again and this time in the light! (We also got to smell them....ha, ha.) I took a ton of pictures. I hope I will eventually get them sent to be put on the blog.

I love Necochea. It is so pretty here, and I'm starting to find my way around. The only problem is the wind here...which is a problem with skirts..ha ha! But it's okay because I got to change into my sweats on Saturday for a service project - woot, woot! It was one of the "Mormon helping hands" things.  Well, the whole district got together in a town near Necochea, and we worked on a school for little kids.  We cleaned up the school and the garden behind.  It was so much fun and a cool sight to see.  All of these members--members from the Rama (branch) that I knew, as well as others--with all of these missionaries--and we were all painting, digging, and weeding.  It was great!!

This week for zone conference, my companion and I sang the "How can I be?" song (the one from my farewell). It’s funny how much I’ve sang that song already. It’s really cool and honestly a really special song for me.  I want to be like each of those prophets that the song talks about. I want to be like Nephi, and Moroni.  I mean, how cool will that be?  But truly I'm so grateful for them and their examples. I'm so grateful for the Book of Mormon, and this gospel that I have. 

Yesterday, we were at a member's house. We were talking with her about being a member and what a blessing the gospel is in our lives. As we were talking, I realized how much of a blessing this knowledge is in my life now and every day.  I don't think I truly understood this great blessing that I had before being here on my mission.  I get the opportunity to see how it changes lives.  Not only the people around me, but how it's changing me.  I love being a missionary and serving the Lord and I'm happy--It's not easy--but I'm so happy! :)      

Love you all so much!!

Hermana Pukahi 

Today Is A Beautiful Day!

September 8, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Hollaa!! Today is a beautiful day! Finally we are seeing the sun. yaayy! Which is great because I am so white.  I need a tan. haha It has been raining all week so you know what that means? More blessings! Hermana Nelson told me that when we work in the rain, it brings more blessings for our husbands.  So I guess that's good.  haha Also, people freak out here when it's raining..so which is of course great because they ask...what are you doing out here?? Most of the time they think we are crazy, but allot of other times they are impressed. Which is great cuz then we get to talk to them about the gospel! wut wut.  Most of the streets here in our area are all dirt.  The rains came down and the floods came up..yeah so the streets are all flooded and now its all muddy. Our boots are always getting stuck so now they are super stinky and dirty.  Mom I'm getting the real mission experience! haha

I had some a few special experiences this week.  Friday was a little farewell party for one of the members in the branch leaving on a mission.  With some of the missionaries in our zone, we surprised her with a little song.  We sang ¨the army of Helaman ¨ song, a mixture of Spanish and English, while I played the ukulele.  I thought it went really well.  It was super sweet and awesome to sing this song as a missionary.  Everyday I look at my plaque and get goose bumps. It is wonderful to be able to have these experiences of sharing the gospel. I love it being a missionary!

Yesterday we went and visited the Albarengo Family.  They are investigators and have been investigating for a while now and are known by so many missionaries that pass by their house--because of their love.  Last night we had a little lesson about charity.  The mom bore to us her testimony on love and service and also, about the missionaries and missionary work. It was a special moment and it made me so happy. So grateful that I get the opportunity to meet people like her. 

Afterwards, they were taking us home, but then my companion and I realized we had no idea where we were.  We parked and they told us, do you want to get out and take pictures, we are at the beach! haha we told them that we were sad on Monday cuz we couldn't go and see the sea lions, so they surprised us last night by taking us! It was so fun and so cool! It was dark but you could still see them and for sure hear them.  I hope you can kind of see in the pictures.  Today we are going on another adventure with them! I'm so excited! I'll tell you about it next week! I love you all!!

Have a GREAT week!!! Love you!!!

Hermana Pukahi

An Emergency Transfer...I'm Now in Neocochea

September 1, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Hola! It's September!? wwuutt? I cannot believe it! A BIG hug and kiss to Joshua and Carlton for there birthdays tomorrow!! FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS!! :)

Well...an emergency transfer happened and I'm now in a place called Necochea. I had to say goodbye to Balcarce :´(  My new companion, Hermana Valenzuela hadn't had a companion for these 3 weeks of the transfer -- so she was super happy that I arrived. Haha But oh boy -- it was hard to find out that I had to leave what felt like home.  We got the call Thursday night.  I packed through out the night and then Hermana Nelson & I had our last day to work together on Friday.  I had only 3 weeks with Hermana Nelson, BUT we were so close.  We had alot of fun...and sometimes I swear she could read my mind sometimes. Haha 

I said goodbye to as many of my investigators I could.  Hermana Dianne Iannone (one of the members), and the other Hermanas threw me a little farewell party.  Where we ate our sadness away...Haha but don't worry, cuz we then literally ran to our ward activity.  It was a big fiesta for the welcoming of a member back from his mission.  All four of us Hermanas sang the "How Can I Be" song for him.  It turned out real cool cuz we sang it in both Spanish and English...if that makes sense. Haha 

Weelll it was like the sound of music.  We sang the song, I rushed around saying goodbye to everyone, then we booked it on over to the terminal.  The next morning I had to say good-bye to Hermana Nelson and Hermana Tovar.  Oh boy oh boy I hated saying goodbye! Balcarce was truly my home, butt I know that there is a reason I am here in Necochea.  For some reason I'm having all of these different companions, and this new area.  I know it's helping me grow alot. 

Hermana Valenzuela only has 3 weeks left in the mission...(so yep I'll be getting another new companion soon, wowsa.) She only speaks Spanish, including the other Hermanas in the house.  So my Spanish will be top notch, haha.  Just wait, I'll be coming home with an accent! wut wut. Haha She is from Chile and super fun! I know we are gonna work great here and I've loved everything so far. 

I got to see a baptism for the first time here on the mission from the Elders here in our area.  I played with puppies (so you know how happy that made me) and I laughed a ton.  The members here in the branch are very loving.  They welcomed me with open arms and I am so grateful! ALSO, we are right next to the playa...so guess what?? We are going to go see the ocean today!! I'm so excited.  The Hermanas told me that there are sea lions! wuuutttt yaaahhh! 

I love you all so so so much!! Much aloha and mahalos for everything you do for me! 

Con Amor,

Hermana Pukahi

This Week Was Full Of Adventures

August 25, 2014

Hermana Pukahi, Hermana Nelson,
Hermana Hadley, Hermana Burgos.
All of us with our plaques.
It was a beautiful day and so fun.

Holllaaa!! This week was full of adventures. I took another trip to Bahía Blanca, but this time for my Visa!  At first I was kind of mad because we had a lot of appointments set and its a crazy long trip, buutt it was a lot of fun.  Hermana Nelson and I went together, but I took care of all the papers and stuff with a bunch of other missionaries, as she went and worked there in Bahía.  As all of us were all waiting in the visa office place-- talking about are lives, some sleeping, and then I realized...I brought my cards! I took out those bible cards that Jerm and Kristen gave to me and we all started playing Gold Fish and Old Maid. It was a lot of fun! Especially since we were all super tired, and competitive.  The ladies at that worked in the office LOVED the cards and they were like, wow where can I buy some for us? So I guess these cards are a craze down here haha.  

Well finally that got all taken care of and after a super long trip back home on the collectivo with some crazy Elders, we made it back safely...and very tired.  BUT the highlight of the week was this last pday!! It was a beautiful day and we went to this park/hill with one of my favorite Hermanas from the ward.  

At the park sign.

It was a lot of fun because everyone was outside and enjoying almost a Summer’s day in the middle of winter.  We had a little picnic and -- of course-- took tons of pictures. We got to do a little exploring in the hill and (I will show you a picture next week but I became mulan and sat on a pole!!)

Oh and I almost forgot, we had a big Zone Conference in Mar del Plata where Presidente, his wife, and the assistants came and talked to us.  Everything I learned was just what I needed to hear.  I know he is truly a man called of God.  

Hermana Nelson is awesome! 

I'm so grateful for her.  

She is an example to me in everyway   

AND she laughs at my jokes. haha 

I forgot my journal, so I can't remember a whole lot of what he said, but my favorite part was when we talked about our purpose here as a missionary.  It helped me to truly realize my purpose here, why I am here on a mission.  It made me think of you guys, my family.  Always remember your purpose here on the earth.  You are sons and daughters of God.  Remember you are here to learn and grow. Don't Forget. :)

I love you all so much!! Please tell me what's been going on with everyone! 

Hermana Pukahi

P.S.  I'm 3 now!!! It's already been 3 months!

I Got To Eat Peanut Butter!!!

August 18, 2014

Hermana Pukahi & Nelson

Hola Family & Friends,

I´ll start out with the highlight of my week.  I got to eat peanut butter!!! I know it's only been a couple months but that is just way too long.  The members are wonderful and they shared with us because they knew we'd go crazy over it. Haha US North Americans have our peanut butter and they have their dulce de leche (caramel).

Well this last week started out kind of hard.  My new companion came and I had to show her the ropes of Balcarce...but that's the problem. I'm new here too, so I don't know much! Also, our investigators were dropping, so it was hard at the beginning.  But we finally found some people to teach and the people here in Balcarce are awesome! Haha and then Sometimes that's the problem.  They are super nice and love talking with us.  Argentines LOVE to talk.  They tell us EVERYTHING. Then when we ask them if we can visit them later there like, no thanks chicas (girls). Haha...boy oh boy.  Solo quiero bautizarte!! (I just want to baptize.) 

I really understand the language. It’s really great. I finally feel like I can actually help my investigators and the people here.  The only problem is when they do talk to us a lot; it's hard for me to translate everything that fast. One day I'll get there. I know I just got to stay positive :)  

Although the work this week was a little difficult, I knew I was in the Lord's hands. I've learned to follow the spirit and truly let the spirit be my guide. It's such a wonderful experience to be a servant for the Lord.  I love it! 

I love you all! Kisses and Hugs to you all!  

Hermana Pukahi 

My First Transfer Flew By

August 11, 2014

Holaaa!!!

I can't believe it! My first transfer flew by!! Ahhh craazzyy! Well, my mom left me..... Hermana Tovar got transferred :( to be the sister missionary training leader....buuttt she's still in my Zone! So I get to see her every week.... BUT we are not compañeras :( So I'm super sad about that. Ohhh está, todo bien! Because my new mom came today. Her name is Hermana Nelson from Connecticut and she's super awesome. Though this also means I have to put my big girl skirt on now and show my new mom around Balcarce...so basically...we are gonna get lost. But hey hey it's okay! That means we are gonna use the spirit as our guide :)  

Well this week was...like Tony...GRRREAAT!  Haha so I bought an ukulele! It's been fun playing it and Hermana Tovar and I made up some great songs. (Once I figure out how to send videos, I'll send you them!) Well, we had a little Kumbayah saying goodbye to some of the missionaries finishing the mission in our zone.  My companion and I decided to sing Aloha Oe' for those missionaries, but we changed the second verse to Spanish.  It sounded really cool.  We practiced a little bit and got all ready... then we had to perform.  We got up in front, and EVERY SINGLE missionary got their camera out to record.  At first I was like, woowww we are like super stars right now...uhh but then we got super nervous.  Oh booyyy it was a disaster!! Hhaha I know after we finished, for sure everyone erased that recording… Haha.

Yesterday we had 7 of our investigators in the capilla!! Oh my there are great things here in Balcarce!  The members here are awesome and I'm really feeling at home here.  It's so good to hear from all of you!! I love you! I feel so grateful for all the support :).  I hope you all have a wonderful week!! 

Hermana Pukahi 

It Was Great To Talk With You On Thursday

Celebrating Christmas!!!
July 25... Christmas in July

August 4, 2014

Hollaa Familia & Friends,

Well after I got to talk to you all on Thursday we headed to Bahía Blanca because my compañera had to take care of some visa stuff.  We rode all through the night and got to the mission office the next morning.  We did a companionship exchange with another Hermana as my companion went to take care of her visa.  I worked with Hermana Mancuello, from Paraguay, there in Bahía for most of the day.  I had a blast working in a different area, talking with different people and learning how to work with someone else.  In just the little time we were with each other, I learned so much from her.  She didn't know any English...soooo hey what a wonderful kind of day!

I was surprised of how much energy I had. I was like a little kid on Halloween night. Haha I just loved talking to everyone and meeting all these new missionaries and people.  But now that I think of it--it was truly a blessing from my Heavenly Father.  I could just be happy and focus on the work. 

I wanna be honest though. When my companion and I returned to Balcarce, it was hard.  It has been hard to think about Josh and to think about home.  But I truly know my companion and I were called together for a reason.  She has been through a lot and truly understands.  She is a true blessing and has helped me focus and work hard.  We also were in charge of an YSA activity on Saturday and taught in Relief Society yesterday, which helped and was a lot of fun!

For the YSA we did a FHE.  We taught a little bit of a lesson, then played ping-pong and this Spanish board game.  I wanna share a little bit of what we taught. Based off of a talk of Elder Christofferson, (it's in Spanish...so I don't know remember the title) "It is necessary that my people are tested in all things, so that they are prepared to receive the glory...the glory of Zion.... Celestial Glory."  To enter the celestial Kingdom is not easy.  Every part of us is tested and we knew this in the pre-mortal life.  Life surely is not easy, but I know that it is worth it.  I know that God has perfect timing, and what better way can I bless all of you than be on a mission. 

It was great to hear all of your voices and finally know what is going on. Each of you are in my prayers.  Please continue to keep me updated on EVERYTHING, cuz I don't wanna miss a thing.  

Love you!!

Hermana Pukahi

I Can't Believe It, I am 2 Now!

July 28, 2014

Dear Family & Friends,

Hollaa!! I can't believe it, I am 2 now! It's already been two months...well only one month in Argentina.  But already another p-day.

This week I thought it was starting to get warm and then all of a sudden rain, and then back to sun, and then rain again.  Basically the weather here is bi-polar.  Exactly like Utah so hey! I'm not too far from home! Haha

There are some things here and there that remind me of Utah -- like how there are dogs EVERYWHERE, it's like I'm back at the animal shelter.  Except that these dogs are crazy.  They all love to go right up to the tires of cars and bark at them.  They love it, but it’s dangerous business because Argentines are even crazier drivers, soooo we see a lot of dogs get run over.... so I hate that!  But all dogs go to heaven, right?

This week my mission president came and visited our zone.  While we were each interviewed, Hna Parreño (his wife) talked to us.  What I understood, was wonderful and I really appreciate what she said.  She talked to us based on the talk by Elder Christofferson, "The Perception of the Sacred."  This talk is incredible and talks about our perception and our regard to sacred things.  He says it, straight to the point, "if you don't regard the sacred things, you will lose."  (Something like that...cuz I received it in Spanish)  He goes on to talk about -- if we had the plates, the plates of Mormon and the scrolls of Moses, in our hands.  We would all be very careful with them.  Put them in a special place, protected and treat it with the utmost respect. Right? 

Of course, the major value of these objects isn't of themselves; it's in the words that these object contain like their content, the words of the prophets.  We don't have these original plates and scrolls in our actual hands, but we have the words.  The words of God.  This is very serious.  And these words, these books, are sacred. 

Hna Parreño also went on to talk about the sacredness of our bodies. The temples of God.  She was very direct on tattoos and our appearance and at first I was taken back on why she was going into such detail about these things.... but after planning lessons for our investigators specifically about this subject, I now understand.  I have Christ's name on me at all times.  I am a representative of Christ more than ever in my life.  But, I also have been a representative since I became a member of this church at age 8.  I took upon me His name.  How I act, how I look, how I treat others. Everything as being a member of the church of JESUS CHRIST is about Him.  What an honor, and how sacred is this knowledge.  Remember that you always represent Christ in everything you do.  Satan is real, but hold onto that iron rod!

Like mom always says to us...when I obey I am happy all day.  I really worked on obedience this week and God truly blesses the obedient.  We found 3 big, wonderful families this past week -- all over the age of 8!! And we had SEVEN investigators at church yesterday!! Wow! What a beautiful week with amazing experiences. I love, love, love it! So happy see ----> :D this is a big smile and hug for all of you. I love you so much...more than this dulce de leche stuff they have here. Haha

Much mahalos for all the support!!

Con amor,

Hermana Pukahi

She Is Kind Of Crazy!

July 20, 2014

(Sister Pukahi – Wrote home in a letter and here is a portion of it.)

Violeta, my crazy, fun investigator

"She is kind of crazy but she is seriously so awesome!  I can't describe it. She is one of our investigators---and she became one by coming to church...on her own by just showing up. Her brother is a member and currently on a mission in Spain. He has been telling her to go to church for a while, but she, of course, was like, "whatever" but then finally she went!  Which was the Sunday before I arrived here and now we are teaching her. She has two adorable kids and is sort of living with a 70-something year old man...but we are going to baptize her -- I KNOW!"

All My Roommates

My Zone