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

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

This Week Was Fun!

July 14, 2014

Holaa! Family & Friends,

This week was fun!  We had this ward party for Argentina’s Independence Day, which happened to be on the semifinal game day too.  Anyways, it was a lot of fun. We ate empanadas and a bunch of pastries.  yuumm.  I could talk with the members with the ward and actually have real conversations.  Everyone is so awesome and so welcoming.  They definitely have a lot of patience with me, but they love to try to talk English. It’s great.

Meeting the members in the ward has been really fun.  I’ve gotten to the point where I just say I’m from Hawaii.  I’d say I’m from Utah...and then they just are like, wait? Why do you look like that?  Then they just want to know where my family is from so it makes sense. So to make things easier...I just say Hawaii haha.  Well literally EVERY time I say Hawaii, they say -- ohhh Hawaii! How pretty! ohh like hula! --- Then they dance literally every time and I love it.

Street contacting is a different story.  I’m really good at approaching people and starting the conversations, but a lot of people talk way fast and have a thick accent. So, that’s when my companion finishes the rest.  I’ve gotten really good at posing and smiling.  You know like the wheel of fortune girl.  I laugh when they laugh, point at my tag when I need to, and I say "Si" a lot.  Hopefully I’ll be saying good-bye to that girl soon though because I really want to understand what people are saying!

Words of wisdom for this week:

Remember that we are all in this together.

Heavenly Father has a plan for us.

But you gotta getcha getcha head in the game.

Only with Jesus Christ can we bop bop to the top.

Then, we’ll be soaring, flying. There is not a star in heaven we cannot reach.

-- Always for you Jerm!!! -- haha

I love you all!! Read the section faith in Jesus Christ in the true to the faith week.

Mucho Amor,

Hermana Pukahi

Prayers for Josh!!!

Hola From ARGENTINA!!!! I Am In BALCARCE!!!

July 7, 2014

Balcarce!!
It's been raining but it's fun!

Dear Family & Friends,

Hola from ARGENTINA!!!! I am in BALCARCE!!!

I’m finally here!! wut wut.  Ahh crazzy. Okay so I still can't believe I'm here.  This past week has been quite a week.  I think. haha So I'm gonna give you all the low down of what's been happening since I talked to ya last.  So so so...

Our last Sunday together
with Branch President

I made leis for my MTC family
I love them all!

The volleyball crew!
Bump, Set, Spike

Basically Sunday was the last day that the good ole CCM.  We said goodbye to all the kids in our Zone and the other supes fun peoples there.  Weird.  I was kinda super sad after saying goodbye.  haha I mean.  I don't really even know much about them -- BUT I still care for them.  And it was like this:  Well we had GREAT times...good luck! See ya! (But honestly...probs not..) It was that type of thing. Wait, does that make sense?

Saying Goodbyes

Okay anyways...after that shindig and packing like crazy the rest of the night.  We woke up, had an adventure of trying to get 19 people to the airport on the Trax.  Then got there and I TALKED TO YOU GUYS ON THE PHONE.  Did you love hearing my weird voice? Did I sound normal? Cuz I loved hearing your voices!! It made me so happy x 50,000. Yep like Pharrell Williams happy.  So yeah.  Wait, JOSH HOW ARE YOU? Can you please write me. Pleassee. Are you at home now?

On the plane with my missionary crew

Okay but really I loved it muchisimo!  Okay so then we got on the plane to ATL, and I spilt my Cafe Rio sauce ALL over the Elder sitting next to me.....uhh..yeah.  hahaha, okay not funny.  Then we landed in the Georgia and had that layover.  Well I didn’t tell you this on the phone, but I gave out my first Book of Mormon there!!!!! Actually, un libro de mormon!!!  Okay here is the really fast story:

So we helped this lady go get some food. This older lady, who we found out was 91 (wait I think that's what she said), was going on the same flight as us. She was going to Argentina Buenos Aires where she lives.  So we talked with her in CASTELLANO!! Yeah...#prettycool.  Okay so she was in a wheel chair so we wheeled her over to the food places and we talked about our lives and what not.  Talked about our beliefs. Oh she is awesome!! Then she said reading books is her passion...so I was like; oh we have a book that we would love to give to you!! haha *hint hint*  She gave us all her contact info and stuff, and then we basically just hung out with her the whole time, buying perfume, and then she bought us ice cream! Yeah she rocks.  Then I gave her the LDM.  Then by that time it was time to board! Her name is Luly. Oh she is so lovely. I hope this story makes sense.

Okay after landing in Buenos Aires airport this is what happened:

• We went to the temple and stayed there for a little bit, ate empanadas, took naps.
• Then went to an airport to go to our separate missions.
• Had to say good bye to my compañera . :( :´(...supes sad!!! and goodbye to the rest of my family who weren’t going to my mission. :((( 

My CCM Districe

• Made it on the plane to Bahia Blanca, landed, and met our Mission Presidents!!
• Went to the church, ate, then went to the presidents house to spend the night. (Their house is beautiful).
• Woke up, went to the church for this orientation thing, said goodbye to the rest of the family, then went to this house just for the night again.  But when I got there it was only 4:00 PM so we went out and worked. I went with a Hermana contacting!! It was fun! I have no idea what the people are saying...but still fun!
• Woke up the next morning, rode 8 hours in a bus to Mar Del Plata, then got there and met the Zone Leaders.  Then they sent me on another bus for one hour to my area.  And now I am here!!!! Balcarce!!!!

Mi y mi companera
Hermana Tovar

Okay that was way too long of a story...basically I love the people here already!! Everyone is so nice and caring. Most of the time, I don’t know what there saying, but hey--I can feel their spirit and their love for me.  My companion’s name is Hermana Tovar.  She is awesome.  I love her! She is from El Salvador.  I have only been with her for 4 days, but she has already helped me with so much.  Sorry this letter was full of random things that probs don’t really make sense...but know that I’m doing great!! I’ll eventually understand what’s going on right? haha

I love you family!! Please tell me everything you’ve been up to!!

Hermana Pukahi