Week 39- Change is good!

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

Well, another week has come and gone. Transfers have passed and I'm starting to get the hang of things again. I miss Sister Challis, but she will do good over in Hilo, Hawaii. I like my new companion Sister Haws. She is a super hard worker. We have a lot of similarities but we have stuff to learn from each other which will be super good for me. 

We have been starting up a lot of after baptism lessons. So all the people that have already been baptized can keep learning and prepare themselves for the temple in the future and just keep building their testimonies. 

Then, we started teaching a Samoan, Ace. He is a typical Poly and loves to laugh at everything. It makes lessons a funny experience. We taught him for our second time this past week and were able to give him a Book of Mormon in Samoan. His eyes lit up when he started reading. There was no more giggling. We had him read Moroni 10:3-5 and he was so focused and was loving it. You could just see him understanding the bigger picture of what we have been trying to teach him. Sometimes I don't think he knows some of the English words we use and so he gets lost. I guess I'll just have to learn Samoan. At the end of the lesson Sister Haws invited him to be baptized and he said YES! He has a baptismal date for Oct 26. Sadly, he has decided to go to the Samoan ward in the area and so we have to hand over Ace to be taught by the Elders in that ward :( I'll still go to his baptism but I will miss teaching him. 

Also, we were able to have 2 lessons with Renuma this week. We talked a lot about prayer. We had a lesson and brought a girl in our ward that is her age and it was perfect. A lot of Renuma's hesitancy about joining the church is that the church she goes to has helped her so much already in her life that she doesn't feel ready to let it go. She is praying about baptism for the 26th and is going to read more to find her answer. Then she came to church on Sunday which was so nice since she hadn't come in a few weeks. 

Well, that is about it for here. I'm happy and love it. We have been working out everyday with a personal trainer. I'm sore but happy. Smiling because its a good sore. The Lord has been so good to me. I have so much to learn still and I can't believe that 9 months have already passed! Missionary work is the best work to be involved in. Just as my cousin said, it is the chance we have to lose ourselves in the Lord's work; yet, we find ourselves being filled by His love and grace. God is good always! I love you all! Poco poco yuk! Aishiteru! Alofa ia te oe! Ofa atu! Aloha wau ia oe!

Love Always,

    Sister Cassidy Lang

Week 38- Just Another Week!

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

     I feel like so much has happened this past week! Well to start off, I am staying another transfer here in Palehua. My companion Sister Challis is going to Hilo, Hawaii and my new companion is still pretty new to the mission. I have discovered that I am a nervous person... a lot of things make me nervous. Transfers are definitely one of them. Ok, on to my week:

 

      Most of the week was spent on getting Joe's baptism ready. We had lessons with him and his brother a few nights this week to help fully prepare him for his baptism. Then our Mission President ended up coming to our last lesson with Joe and then President Warner interviewed Joe for baptism. Add that to things that make me nervous, having to teach in front of your Mission President. Yep, it was super intimidating having him there with Joe and his brother; but, it ended up being really good. The Spirit was really strong and Joe was paying attention the whole time (he sometimes looses focus). After the interview everything was set for Joe's baptism on Saturday at 4:30 and Joe was really excited! He has changed his life around so much and is ready to make a different life for himself than the one that he had been following previously.

 

    We have started teaching a Samoan guy who is friends with a lot of LDS (Mormons) and is always at basketball and volleyball night. He is super funny and sometimes I'm not sure if he understands me (English is his second language and I'm sure that some of the gospel terms are foreign to him). He just giggles like all Polynesians and it is great. He loves the church and has thought about baptism, the only hold up is his grandma is not super supportive of him leaving her faith. We will keep working with him! 

 

      We also started teaching a less-active family that has been coming back. Then one of the daughter's boyfriend who is always at their house is going to start learning about the gospel too. The daughter told us that she has been trying to help him convert. We ended up teaching him/the family a huge lesson about different questions they have. We talked about the temple, blessings, read 1 Nephi 8 about Lehi's vision of the tree of life, and other topics. He has been going to Institute where he has been learning about the Book of Mormon and has really been liking it! Now we are going to start teaching him the lessons and then help him in his journey in coming closer to Jesus Christ! Being a missionary is great!

 

     As I'm sure many of you know General Conference was this week. (aka church on tv where we get to listen to the modern day Prophet Thomas S. Monson and the 12 Apostles speak to the world about the messages Jesus Christ has inspired them to tell us.) The conference was amazing! I felt so inspired after and realize how important we all are in this world and that we have to be strong to face the challenges that this world will give us.

 

     Well, Saturday was my favorite day! It started off with us watching conference and having a spur of the moment lesson right after. Then we had Joe's baptism which was great! Add it to the list: baptisms always make me nervous. At the start everything was going good; the room was set up, the font was filling, the programs were made; then the people start coming and we have a wardrobe mishap. There isn't the right size for the person who is going to baptize Joe and then Joe had wanted to wear a jumpsuit because he only had one white shirt to wear after the baptism. Well, after we found a new person to baptize Joe and Joe had to wear his only white shirt for the baptismal ordinance everything was smooth. Joe had a lot of nonmember family come and his biological mom and sister are investigationg the church! It was really beautiful and the Spirit was there. Yes, we started late but it all worked out in the end. I learned that sometimes I have to be patient and realized that I can't control everything. I just need to relax (if that is even possible for me) and trust God that things will all work out.

 

      After the baptism neither of us sisters had dinners so we ended up calling the Senior Sisters who had been trying to take us to dinner for a few weeks but we could never find a time. Well, we finally found a time and it was so much fun. I have found my grandmas here on my mission (Sister Erickson and Sister Blaser). We went out to dinner and were laughing the whole time and just enjoying being together and having the gospel in our lives and having this time to serve the Lord. The next morning for the Sunday morning session of conference at 6am we went over to the Senior Sisters' pad and watched conference in our pjs and ate breakfast. I felt at home again and it was so great. In the later session, we went to the church with Raymond who tried his best to listen but 2 hours is a long time. He listened to about an hour and then fell asleep or was distracted. I can't really blame him because I'm pretty sure that I was the same way at the age of 11. 

 

     This week has been great. We worked hard, had fun, were inspired by General Conferecne, and were blessed to witness a baptism! There is nothing better than that (ok maybe my family being here too). I love being a missionary and serving Jesus Christ and my Heavenly Father! I pray for you all and love you all! Ofa atu! Aishitiru! Aloha wau ia oe! 

 

Love Always, 

      Sister Cassidy Lang

Week 37- Unseen Work

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

Ok to start I feel like this week flew by and I can't even remember what really happened. We were able to see a good amount of less-active people and help them start to come back. We helped one lady start working on her coffee addiction. Little by little she is allowing Heavenly Father to help her with her goal. 

 

Also, this week we found out that we would be doing service for Pearl Harbor. So we get there and all we did was sweep a little bit and then they fed us lunch. I felt like we didn't really do much to deserve food but we gratefully accepted. Speaking of food... I am almost back to the same weight that I came out at! Yay serving on Oahu where its less local. My companion was sick for a few days but she is back to healthy! While she was sick I was able to go on exchanges with one of the other sisters that lives with us. We covered both hers and my area for a few hours. We went and visited some of her families and then we went and knocked doors and were able to find a super nice lady, Paula, who loved the prayer we left with her and wants to know more about the church... so I'll let you know more later of what happens. This Sunday, a lot of our investigators didn't come to church after they said that they would. The Spirit though made up the difference, yes I was sad that not too many people came but it was a really good day because I just kept feeling the Spirit. And we were able to see some people that we don't usually have time to see. 

 

As you can see not too much visible work was done this week. I learned that sometimes the work and success out here cannot be measured. Do I wish that we had taught more lessons, seen more people? Yes but sometimes it's not about all the numbers but about helping the one. This week I was able to help one. And that one makes all the difference. Like the saying goes, "One drop raises the ocean." 

This week I am blessed to see miracles. To be a part of miracles. To know that I am here for a purpose. I know that Heavenly Father knows me and loves me. Because I know this I will always have a reason to be happy. As Thomas S. Monson (our prophet today) said, "Heavenly Father simply loves us!" There is nothing we can do to have His love cease. Because I was first loved, I too love. I love you all! Aishitiru! Ofa atu! Mahal kita! Te amo! Nga lungse kom! Saleng he o! Ai eong ngonuk! Poku poku! Yokwe yuk! Alofa ia te oe! Aloha wau ia te oe!

 

Love Always, 

     Sister Cassidy Lang

 

P.S. by next week we will know transfer news. 

Week 36- His Work

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

      Once again last week started off good because we ate at a family's house that has recently started coming back to church and then their nephew who has been living with them told us that he wants to get baptized!!! SO... Joe is getting baptized on October 5!!! We are so excited for him :) Their family dynamic is a bit different with 3 high school aged boys and then 4 kids (3 boys and 1 girl) all under the age of 6. Well we were teaching about the Restoration and one of the little boys was being a bit rambunctious so I just grabbed him and held him while my companion was bearing her testimony and once I grabbed him, he immediately calmed down. Yep, I miss little kids! Plus, it was nice because I have never been the magical one with kids in my family- I hand that talent off to Katie or Jamie, but I'm slowly gaining that talent too... who would have thought that it would be on my mission. Well, after having dinner with them we went over to another member's house so we could teach a guy named, Ace. It was super good, he loves church and has been going to the Samoan ward for awhile now and is alreayd thinking about baptism! Hopefully we can keep teaching him... his grandma is not super supportive of him, which makes it tough :/ 

 

      Tuesday, we had zone conference which ended up taking the whole day. It was good to be able to learn from our Mission President and then the Assistant to the Presidents. They have us write talks about "Recognizing the Lord's Hand in Our Work". After writing my talk I realized that we cannot even attempt to do this work without His help. The successes of my mission are not earned but are blessings from Heavenly Father. It was a good spiritually uplifting day! It was also good to be able to see some old Elders and Sisters from the neighboring zone that we were combined with. 

 

    Later that week my companion got sick :( She is better now thankfully- I played doctor and gave her medicine, made her sleep lots, and had her drink lots of vitamin C, just like my mommy taught me ;) Thankfully, I was able to switch with the other Sister who wasn't feeling the best. We went and saw people in both of our areas and I can testify that Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways. Somehow, our stomachs were enlarged and we were able to eat 3 dinners back to back to back! It was crazy! We ate with investigators, then a family that is coming back to church with a nonmember boyfriend (potential... yes!), and then a family that has just moved here. All the food was good and somehow I managed to not feel too sick. What has Hawaii done to me? haha Then after our 3 dinners we went and saw one of Sister Clayson's investigators and was able to teach them about the Atonement. It was so good- this investigator is so good- he knows he is going to get baptized- he is just waiting to get married which he knows is going to happen too. White Baptism! It was really nice to be able to get out and plus, I love Sister Clayson. We aren't companions because we would have way too much fun together, but we would work super hard too... maybe before she goes home. 

 

      Then experience of the week... ELDER HOLLAND came to our mission and spoke to all the missionaries that are on Oahu! You can feel the Spirit so much just in his presence. He talked a lot on obedience and how we can all be better. This is His work and His glory and we must do it His way. Anyone that has the desire is called to the work. We are called to preach His gospel to all the world and invite every one to learn more. Yes people still have their agency to choose to learn more but if they are never asked they can never say yes. It was such a good experience to actually be in the same room as Elder Holland but still at times I felt like I was watching a tv and that this wasn't real. I realized that I have grown a lot on my mission but I still have so much further to go. Sometimes we need that extra little kick in the butt to realize it. Not that my enthusiasm for the work ever went out but this definately revamped it. 

 

      Sunday, was good/ interesting for me. We had the twins and Kaytlyn come to church with us this week but unfortuately, they were running late so we came after the sacrament. I was surprised because I was about to cry that I had not been able to partake of the sacrament this week. Yes, I know that the sacrament is important but I was taken off guard at how close it has come to my heart and how much I need it EVERY week. Also, a misconception that I would like to clear up: just because we are missionaries does not mean that we can teach at any moment and have it be good. We found out about an hour before church that we would be teaching and their comment, "You're missionaries you can do it." Uh... yes we can teach it but I would have prefered to actually know a bit before and be more prepared. Once again, the Lord blessed us and I think we did a pretty good job at teaching.

 

    I have learned so much. I can't go back and ever be the same. I only hope that others can see that I have changed for the better. This work is amazing; it is hard but rewarding. I am called to do His work and it is such a great opprotunity. I love the people here and the more people I meet the more people I love. It is amazing how much I can love. God is good always and sometimes we need a little push to do more. I love you all. Te amo (Spanish) Noka muna quiki (Quetchua) Alofa ia te oe (Samoan) Ofa atu (Tongan) Aloha wau ia oe (Hawaiian). 

Love Always,

    Sister Cassidy Lang

Week 35- God is Coincidence

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

Well we started off the week super great- we had a Family Home Evening at a member's house who then invited a less-active family and a part-member family to come and have dinner and then we were able to share a lesson with all of them. We were able to teach them about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and how no matter at what stage of our life we always need to be building our faith and taking steps to be closer to Jesus Christ. It went really well and then the less-active family was able to share their conversion story and then talk about how since they have started coming back they can feel the difference in their life again.

 

We are still working with a less-active family and this week we were able to help them out through service. They were selling lunch plates and we went over and helped put them together. Then while we were walitng for people to pick them up we were able to talk to the girls and find out that some times they feel left out of church because they don't know the stories so we were able to read a chapter of the Book of Mormon with them which was really good and now when we go over througout the week we are going to read with them and hopefully they will start coming to church more regurlarly.

 

Highlight of this week... Raymond was baptized on Saturday September 14! It was such a beautiful baptism. There wasn't a ton of people but there was enough and the ones who came were the ones that needed to be there. My heart broke when we went to pick him up and he told us that his parents didn't want to come. We went up and talked with them and they once again declined our invitation to come to their own son's baptism. They are fine with him being baptized but they didn't want to come support him. But Raymond was amazing and still wanted to get baptized. It was a spirit-filled program. A talk on baptism where she demonstrated our sins being washed away with food coloring and then bleach and then a young man that is friends with Raymond baptized him and then all 4 of us sisters sang a medley of 'Baptism' and 'When I am Baptized' and it was beautiful. Raymond felt the spirit and so did everyone else that came. There were so many leis, smiles, and hugs. Yes I am sad that Raymond's family did not come to his baptism but I also realized that he has a whole ward family who loves him and will take car of him when my time comes and I have to leave. I feel so blessed to have the example of a young man's strength in doing what is right even if it means doing it on your own. I truly have come to love Raymond and see him as a younger brother.

 

Then Sunday, I woke up to balloons being thrown at me and the sisters climbing on me to sing me happy birthday! It was the best birthday ever. We had a good missionary meeting and then we come home for lunch. Then the twins (Sierra and Shayanee) and Kaytlyn come up to our door and ask if they can have a lesson. We were able to teach them about the finding faith in Jesus Christ, repenting, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. Then after we were able to take all 3 of them to church with us and it was so good. They love coming to church. After church the twins told us that their family is looking for a church to all join and they said that they hope their family comes to our church. They are going to invite their parents to learn more about the church. Also, Church was great because Raymond was confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and received the Holy Ghost and given an amazing blessing by the Young Men's president. For Raymond everything is perfect he has so many people looking out for him and taking him under their wings. After church, one of my favorite families had us over for a birthday dinner. Prior to the dinner we were able to have a lesson with Renuma- she is still doing good but she is wavering a little. She loves church but chores come first. We are trying to figure out what she needs. But it was good for her because then she came to dinner with us with the Toilolo family which was a good way for her to get to know and become friends with members of the church. We ate dinner, had a little lesson with everyone and then had the best homemade cake ever with this super good peanut butter frosting! Yummy- I think I could have eaten the whole cake by myself but I refrained haha. After we played a few games that were super fun. I can't imagine a better day- being able to do the Lord's work, eat great food, play games, laugh, smile, and be surrounded by my families away from home. I just looked around the room and wanted to cry because I was so happy. Did I miss my family- of course! Did I wish they were there- of course! But if I can't have them then I'll make my own families where ever I go.

 

I love the Lord. I am a year older and wiser now. Weird 21... I'm so blessed to be on a mission and to see miracles every day. God is good always. And this week God gave me a family to be mine. I was able to see Raymond, another one of God's children come unto Him through baptism. I was humbled as I saw others love me in return. I know I am not perfect, but for some reason He continues to bless all of my efforts whether they are successful or not. I am nothing without my God. 2 Nephi 22:2 "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation." I pray for you all! I love this work. There is nowhere else I would rather be. God is good always. God is the coincidences in life. He makes all the pieces fit together and blesses me so much. I lived a charmed life. I love you! Ofa atu! Alofa ia te oe! Mahal kita! Aishitiru! Aloha ia te oe!

 

Love Always,

    Sister Cassidy Jean Lang

Week 34- The Best Birthday Present Ever!

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

Hopefully this week will make up for last week because we had some amazing stuff happen!

 

First, Raymond is getting baptized this Saturday! We stopped by his house and were able to teach him and read about the Stripling Warriors and then told him that he could be like these Warriors. Then we asked if he wanted to be baptized and he said yes and then we proposed this Saturday and he said yes! So now we are pulling it all together and he is telling all of his friends and the ward is super excited for him and so are we :) He is so good! Then, his school is on a track system so he is off right now. So, the next day he told us to come over in the morning so we could have a lesson and then play basketball... I think that is a fair trade. We read 3 Nephi 11 and then played basketball till it started raining and then we ended up playing soccer with the wet basketball. Also, Raymond has become really good friends with one of our recent converts that is his age, so they are always together and going to church activities with eachother, AND this recent convert is going to share his testimony at Raymond's baptism. Plus, we might start teaching his parents... we have a lesson with them tomorrow! I'm super excited for that because I already love his family and it would be so good for them to all support eachother in this decision to be baptized! I can't wait til Saturday... PLUS this is the BEST Birthday Present ever!

 

We are still working with Renuma. We were able to teach her on Sunday after church but she wasn't able to come to church :( She is going to 2 churches right now and is finding good in both, and doesn't know which to join because she feels like she will lose something by letting one go. We taught her again about how we can know Heavenly Father's will for us. When we are physcally sick we go to the hospital and see a doctor. When our spirits are sick we go to church to feel Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ's healing power. Just like we do CPR to revive someone to do CPR to spiritually revive ourselves. C- church P- pray everyday R- read the scriptures everyday.

 

We taught the twins and Kaytlynn again this week. We taught them about the Plan of Salvation and it was super good. Sierra and Shayanne are so good and have so many questions and want to share a story about everything. After we played soccer for about 15 minutes. Gotta get my exercise in. They still want to get baptized but the only hold up is the mom is kind of backtracking. We went to get them for church on Sunday and they want to come and so I ask if they need a ride or if their mom will take them. They go back and ask and then they come back and say that their mom already has stuff planned... We were really sad that they weren't able to come especially because they really wanted to come; they love church.

 

We are working with some less-active families, and part-member families and it is all going really well. I don't know if it is being a missionary or not but it is so easy to love people here even if they aren't exactly living the way they should be. Yes, I want them to be better but I love them either way. It is amazing being a missionary and like my sister, Hermana Lang, told me: being obedient brings blessings but being Perfectly Obedient brings miracles. In the mission field we need miracles and that is what we search for. Sometimes we don't realize the miracles we are given until later. Sometimes they aren't the miracles that we were expecting but they are there. it could be a person deciding to get baptized or it is the ability to continue to find patience and love in a trying situation. Either way, both are miracles where divine help was given. I love being a missionary. Yes it is hard work but it is the best work too. There is no greater work than the work of salvation. Jesus Christ is my Savior and I have this amazing time to be His representative and do the things that He would do. That means I talk to strangers, and love them instantly. I help wherever I can. I wave at everyone. And I help people find the hope that only Jesus Christ can provide. I love you. Alofa ia te oe! Ofa atu! Aishiteru! Mahal kita! Saranghae! (Korean) Aloha wau ia oe!

 

Love Always,

    Sister Cassidy Lang

Week 33

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

Not too much happened this week sadly :( We missed a lot of people and had a lot of people not be home for appointments and such. None of our keikis could come to church this week :( It was the first time that we sat by ourselves in a while and it made me really sad but at the same time, I was able to just go to church for me. 

We were able to teach Sierra, Shayanne, and Kaytlynn this week! We were able to teach them about the Restoration. They are the cutest because they ask so many questions, love everything, and get off topic so much. They love learning about Jesus Christ. It is hard because we have to be super basic but they are catching on. They all want to be baptized which is Amazing! We just have to keep working with them. 

Miracle of the week though: we had a family move into the ward and it is a part member family. So the sister's boyfriend is not a member but has been looking into the church and liking it and so we got a new investigator this week! We have a meeting with him this week! 

 

Hopefully, this week will better! I am growing so much and constantly learning. God is good always and sometimes He gives us trials so we can grow. I love you all! Alofa ia te oe! Ofa atu! Aisitiru! Aloha wau ia oe! 

 

Love Always, 

      Sister Cassidy Lang

Week 32- I Love My Keikis (Kids)

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

I feel like everything is a blur of memories that are all getting jumbled in my mind and I can't think straight to organize them. To start, transfers are this week and I am staying here! I prefer off island but I do like the people here and I still have so many people to keep working with. Speaking of people- updates:

 

Renuma- she is doing so well! She came with us to a baptism to see what it was like and loved it. Afterwards a few people asked her if she was going to get baptized and she said, every time, "yes but I am praying to know when." She loves learning about the gospel and talking about Jesus Christ and how He is always a part of our life. Every lesson we have with her is super great and she understands and has questions. It is so nice to have people that are honest with us so we don't have to guess what they are thinking. Then we had a Family Home Evening Activity and brought her and Raymond. They loved it. We had a short lesson and then we played basketball and dodgeball outside. She came to church as well and she is pretty much a member now! She comes in and sits with us for sacrament and then she goes off to class with her new friends and finds us after church. She is so perfect!

 

Raymond- is doing well as well. He is a normal 11 year old boy and has his up and down days depending on who he is with. Some days he is all for baptism and then other days he is hesitant and unsure. He likes coming to church and being with the members. He came to the baptism as well and loved it and seeing Elders. He loves to play basketball and is just so good. 

 

Sierra, Shayanne, and Kaytlyn- we made a deal with our Elders that if they would clean our car we would give them food. Well Kaytlyn came outside and ended up helping the Elders clean our cars. Then later that day one of our Elders is really good at hip hop and so he was putting on a workshop and he invited Kaytlyn to come. Well she did and brought her two best friends, Sierra and Shayanne. They love to dance and they are so great (they are 10 years old). Afterwards they asked, "What building is this because we really like it." We told them that it was a church and invited them to come on Sunday with us. Sierra and Shayanne came and loved it! They don't know too much about Jesus Christ but asked where they could get Bibles, we gave them one and also 2 Book of Mormons. We are slowly teaching them about Jesus Christ and His gospel. It is hard I realize to teach something that I have always known about to someone that doesn't know very much. They want to come to church with us again! 

Well, a lot of the Elders are leaving this transfer and I am really going to miss them because they keep me sane! It has been a different experience serving around other missionaries but I have loved it. Well, that's all I can think of for now. I love you. Aloha wau ia oe! 

Love Always,

    Sister Cassidy Lang

Week 31- One Miracle is Enough!

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

As I think of this past week the highlights that come to mind is Renuma! She is the sweetest girl ever. She is 14 and already knows so much. She has gone to many different churches and loves talking about God because she knows that He is always there for her. This past week we were walking back to our car (we borrowed it for the day) and then we see Renuma and start talking to her for a bit about how school was and then she asks what we are doing... nothing planned and so we ask if it would be okay if we teach her? She says yes and we taught about Jospeh Smith and the restoration of the church and the Book of Mormon. Before we started, she asked us, "Is it hard to be away from your family? Why do you do it?" We were able to tell here that it is because we love our families so much and that we know that the gospel has blessed our families so much and we want every other family to have these blessings too. Then as we started asking her about how the gospel has blessed her life she started tearing up. The lesson went so well! Then a few days later we were able to teach her about the Plan of Salvation and she loved it and knew so much already! She is already a part of the ward! She comes to Young Women's on Wednesday and then the pre-camp stuff on Saturday. Sunday she came to church and after sacrament meeting she just is like, "Bye, Sisters, I'll see you after class!" I feel so proud and happy that they have been so blessed and accepted already. Then after church we were able to have another lesson about the Doctrine of Jesus Christ or what are the things we must do in order to return to live with our Heavenly Father again. We invited her to be baptized this Saturday and she says she wants to but needs to pray to make sure that it is right! So a hesitant YES to a baptism this week!

 

We were also able to see a lot of less-actives which was really good. In our ward we have a very high inactive rate so we are trying to help out the ward through reactivating them! Renuma has been the highlight of this week and I love her so much and she is so good! Ah, God is a God of miracles and this week Renuma is a miracle. Also, I love Makakilo 1. it is a walking area 2. it is crazy hot and I sweat all the time 3. I lost 5 pounds!  Now I'm only at a net total of a 5 pound gain... not too bad even with all of this Hawaiian food. 

I'm sorry this letter is so short but, stuff is going well. I love being a missionary. I love to work and do the Lord's work! God is good Always. I love you all! Aloha wau ia oe! 

 

Love Always,

     Sister Cassidy Lang

Week 30- Temple Week!

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

Not too much happened this week because we were inside most of the week due to Sister Challis being sick but she is up and good to go as far as I can tell! The other 2 sisters that I live with were able to help us out so that I could make a few appointments and see some of our investigators.

We were able to teach Cisco and Raymond twice this week which was great! The first time Sister Henderson went with me and we went and found Raymond and Cisco and they tell us we should have our lesson outside under the tree. We agree so we go under the tree and then 3 of their friends walk by and so they invite them over too. We ended up teaching the Restoration to 5 kids that day and they were so amazing! I ask a question and they all want to answer, we talk about a scripture and they all wanted a turn reading so I had to quickly think of some more for them to read! We ask them when we can come back and they say everyday haha. Why cant everyone be as kind and accepting as little kids? ... We went back a few days later, though this time we were in the middle of one of their games and they were a bit reluctant when we asked if we could share a short lesson with them. We read a chapter from the Book of Mormon to help them understand it and start reading it on their own. The lesson was once again outside, though this time there were many distractions which made it really hard to keep the Spirit there. No more lessons outside...

Sunday, Raymond and Renuma (Raymond's sister) came to church and they were my little miracle that day. I was frustrated with things and we weren't sure if they were going to be able to come to church that day but when they said they could it was an instant feel good moment. Heavenly Father wasn't done there He continued to bless me as Renuma sat quietly and partook of the sacrament and then opened up the Book of Mormon that I had given her and started reading. Then the talks were just what I needed to hear. 2 less active families made it to church. The little girl and boy in front of me drew me a picture that said, "I love missions." (meaning missionaries). When after sacrament meeting Raymond takes off and finds his teacher and is off to class. Renuma finds the friend she made last week and tells us that she will see us after church. When church ends we walk them home and talk about church- tender mercy- "Why do you guys like coming to church?" Renuma "I just feel like as soon as I walk in all of my worries are gone and I just feel peace." Yes I teared up because that is exactly how I feel when I go to church! We asked them about baptism and they both said they would but they need to learn more. 

My question of the week is "Why does God love me so much?" I feel incredibly blessed, spoiled, and I don't know why. Why was I called to Hawaii where the people are nice, where the food is not only edible its enjoyable, where I drive a car, I'm surrounded by beauty, I have a fan for when it is too hot, where I don't have a language barrier, I'm not eating bugs, and where I find family all around. I know that I am here for the people I am meeting and bringing hope to; still, the question, why me? What makes me different from anyone else? I don't have an answer but I continue to be humbled at how much the Lord loves me and cares for my little problems when so many others have greater needs than I. 

Monday- we had interviews with our mission president and it was an amazing spiritual recharge. On a mission there are not many people you can be completely honest with- but he is one of them and I am so grateful that I was just able to talk about concerns I have. He is my presiding priesthood and thus has the authority to receive revelation for me. As a result I was able to find the added strength that I needed and that I was wearing thin on. He shared a scripture found in D&C 123:12-13 and I loved it especially the part about wasting our life and wearing it out. I think of a super hard work out and how afterwards you are completely worn out. That is how my mission should be and how my life should be. I need to wear myself out in the service of my God and thus, in the service of His children/my brothers and sisters. 

Tuesday- TEMPLE DAY!!! Oh my, I have missed the temple and I am so blessed, once again, to be in a mission that allows us to attend the temple! It was my first time going to Laie and it was beautiful! Here I go again, a spiritual recharge! I can just feel the Spirit as soon as I see the temple! A unique aspect of the Laie temple is the Maternity fountain. It depicts a woman holding a shell that pours out water into this fountain that steps down making it look like it is going to the ocean. The shell is wisdom and the water is love that flows from generation to generation and throughout eternity (the ocean). A mothers love does not stop ever and the more I see my mom I realize that. And another tender mercy: sitting in the temple and feeling incredibly close to my family knowing we are sealed for eternity but yet I am miles and oceans apart from them. Why am I here? So I can bring this happiness to other families. 

I am so grateful for small things, children, temples and sealing ordinances. I love this work, I love being outside, I love breezes. I love seeing how many people will say, "I love you," back to me.  God is good always! I love you! Ofa atu! Aloha wau ia oe! 

 Love Always, 

       Sister Cassidy Jean Lang

Week 29- Heavenly Father Records Hard Work!

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

This week started out really hard with no real investigators and we would knock doors and not be able to talk to many people. I was getting frustrated to be honest, but Heavenly Father sees hard work and blesses those who work hard. The miracle came when we did a District Flood (we are placed into districts that contain a few different companionships and then as a district we decide on one persons area and all go there for an hour and help that companionship out with knocking doors). Well we did that and we were able to find 2 new investigators!

 

First, Ramon is 11 years old and is the kindest little kid ever. He said that he wants to be baptized so we are starting to teach him. We stopped by his apartment and invited him to our ward picnic and he came! Then, we invited him and his sister to come to church and they came again! They want to both get involved with Cub Scouts for Ramon and Young Women's for Renuma (the sister). They really enjoyed coming to church and we talked to the parents and we can teach them! Yay we are so excited for them.  

 

Second, Cisco is 10 and we were able to teach him and his brother the next day. They are so good and want us to keep coming back. The sad part is that on the weekends they are with their dad... so they don't get to come to church with us.

 

Third, a few days after we did the District Flood we went to knock on doors and our last door after doing a whole street of no one home or "no thank you's" and then we met Quinton. He is 16 and we asked if we could pray with him and if there was something that he would like to be included in the prayer and immediately he said his family. We asked him if he wanted to learn more and he said yes. We are going to try and see him this week!

 

Saturday: we had a ward picnic and it was super fun! We got there a little bit late and we brought a lot of the little kids by one of our member's houses. We ate and Ramon came and was so kind and got the Sisters their plates and napkins. I played kick ball with all the boys and then football. Yes I made a touch down and they all thought I was half Samoan... best compliment ever!! (seriously) I was the only girl that was playing with everyone, plus I was in a skirt and it was great!  haha I love being able to be with people and just having fun. I miss being active and being able to play all day long haha.

Sorry I feel like this email is super scatter-brained I just can't focus right now. I love working here. My tan is getting better everyday. More and more people are thinking that I am a local girl. Once again, those are the best compliments. My English is getting worse and my pigeon is mo'e betta! I love the islanders! I am so blessed to be here in Hawaii. I love you! Mahal kita! Aloha wau ia oe!

 

Love Always,

   Sister Cassidy Jean Lang

Week 28- Another week!

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

Well, this week was a pretty normal week, with little miracles, times of frustration that are outweighed by the tender mercies where the Lord helps you learn to laugh. To start off, it is weird to be surrounded by so many other missionaries all the time. We seriously see other missionaries every day... from seeing them a total of 3 times prior to Makakilo and now every day. It's a little much but there are some benefits too.

 

Now for the most important part: the people.

 

We have been working with Brother Autele who is a less active member that is trying to come back to church. He is perfect, we have lessons with him every week and he basically teaches himself. Then I'm about to invite him to read the scriptures everyday as a family and he starts to tell us his daily routine of waking up at 3:30 and taking his kids running and then after their hour run they all grab their scriptures and read them together and discuss them as a family. Wow, ok can you keep doing that? He knows that he needs to be the leader in his family to help them all come back to church. Then he has talked with the Bishop about how he needs a calling. Why is he meeting with us? I love him though he is so happy and positive and just a joy to my day!

 

On Thursday, our District all went over to our Elders area and helped them knock doors for an hour. We ended up knocking on a door, the dogs were barking so she came outside, into this super sweet girl. Her name was Rizel and she said she would really like it if we could pay with her. We talk with her a bit and pray for her. At the end we invite her to learn more and be baptized. She said that she would! Amazing! We introduce her to the Book of Mormon, she loves to read and says she would read it. Then she asks where the church is. She is so great! We didn't see her at church but we gave her number to the Elders who live near her so that they can stay in touch with her!

 

Toilolo Ohana: they are a miracle to me because I feel homesick for Lanai a lot. And the Toilolos make me feel at home all the time. They truly care about the missionaries, they always welcome you in. Unfortunately, I'm still a guest so they won't let me help cook, serve, or clean the dishes. (I will have to break that barrier soon) They had us over for dinner again on Sunday and I love just sitting and playing with the kids. Then, their daughter-in-law, Virgina, taught me the basics of using a fire knife!!!! (how the fire dancers dance) It was so cool. Then, every Sunday, before we eat they all sit down and have a spiritual message. This week, we watched 2 mormon messages and yep I cried at the end of the 2nd (I think it was Mountains to Climb by Elder Erying). Then they had a mini testimony meeting where people could just share their thoughts. They have such a strong family and I love being with their family.

 

Saturday we had been invited to the Samoan Ward picnic and so we were there for the 2nd half of our day. Oh my, it was so much fun. Of course there was so much food and then all of the auxilararies performed some sort of talent. Mainly dancing or some sort of haka! Wow, I love hula and I'm going to learn more of it when I come home.

 

Prayer has been really helpful this week. Prayer has the amaizing ability to just calm me down, to remind me of the greater perspective. I continually have to pray for patience and I know that it has helped because there are situations where I have been able to hold my tongue (which is something I don't always do.) Prayer is my only option when I don't know what to do because I am never alone and I will always have Heavenly Father who will always listen and will always answer.

 

This week I'm grateful for cold showers, for fans, Advil, and my Samoan lava lava. I'm grateful for prayers, for families centered on Jesus Christ, and for hope that Jesus Christ provides. I'm grateful that sometimes things dont turn out the way we think they are supposed to. I'm grateful for eternal families and for the blessings of the temple. Especially as my brother is getting married for time and all eternity to his beautiful fiance. Be strong and carry on. Keep your chin up and when life gets too hard to stand, fall to your knees. I love you all! Te amor! Afa atu! Ete au mai! Aishiteru! Aloha wau ia oe!

 

Love Always,

     Sister Cassidy Jean Lang

Week 27- Change is Hard

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

      Well I have been transfered to the Makakilo Zone on Oahu and am in the Pale Hua Ward. It's really good here but a lot different. I miss Lanai but I know that I have growing here to do but Lanai will always be home for me. 

 

     For the most part Monday and Tuesday I was teaching, packing, and saying goodbye to so many people that I have come to love. I had talked to my District Leader and he told me that I would be leaving Wednesday morning and then I find out from my Zone Leaders that I am leaving Tuesday night. WHAT! Im mad- first they are taking me away and then I think I am the only missionary that is traveling on Tuesday instead of the normal Wednesday. Tuesday night, oh man it was really hard and I cried a lot. I didn't feel the best because of nerves but they made me eat, in other words they were like Sister Lang we are waiting for you to eat first and then we will eat, so I grabbed a little bit of food and then made them eat. Then Brother Seiuli had me stand in front of everyone and anyone that wanted to say anything to me could. There were a lot of people and it made me cry again because I didn't want to leave my new family. Well, I realize that I should be leaving but a few more people wanted to say something so what am I to do... tell them I have no time to hear them? No... so they finish and I hug a few last people and run to the car... speed to the airport and they tell me I can't get on the plane. I'm late by 3 minutes... I can see the plane and the engine has not started or anything... Man I just about broke. The plane left 10 minutes early. All I wanted to do was sit on the curb and cry. I had to catch the first plane out in the morning. I felt so awful. On the bright side I got to see one last sunset in Lanai and have the chance to say goodbye to the island.

 

    Wednesday I flew in to Oahu and was able to see a few of the people I actually have met while on Lanai. I saw Sister Duke and then both my companions from the MTC (Sister Nethercott and Sister Curtis). It was really fun to see people and see how they were doing. Then I met my new companion, Sister Challis from Bountiful, Utah. She is super sweet and humble. 

 

    So my time in Pale Hua has been good. It is super hot here and I am still walking. Though this time it is really hilly and we get to walk up and down all of them and get super sweaty which is super fun and everyday I come home exhausted and only wanting a cool shower. I'm starting to meet a lot of the people, names are still hard but with time I know they will come. To be honest I was a little home sick for Lanai when: 1. there are more cars that pass by in 10 minutes than are even on Lanai and only 2 people wave at you 2. nobody knows who I am 3. we don't get fed as often and we don't have a house that tells us to just come whenever 4. at church all the kids aren't sitting with me asking to see my pictures of Jesus and draw in my journal. At church I wanted to cry because I missed being needed. This ward had it all under countrol everything was in order and routine. Well, Heavenly Father answers even the unspoken prayers because that night we were invited to a dinner (we didn't have a dinner appointment) with the Toilolo family. We were in a tiny apartment and so many kids running around and different families cooking and bringing what they made too (potluck style). The kids were super cute and they all started calling me Auntie (apparently they dont really talk too much to strangers). I loved the choas and the noise and the modge podge of everything and I felt at home again. So for this week, I learned that Heavenly Father answers every prayer!

 

      Im getting to know the people and love everyone that I have met so far. Yes, it is different here but it is also good. Yes, very good. I'll have more stories next week with people. Olofa atu. Mahal kita. Aishiteru (Japanese). I love you. Te amor. Ete au mai. (Tahitian) Aloha wae ia oe.

 

Love Always

    Sister Cassidy Jean Lang

Week 26- The Positive Outlook: When One Door Closes Another One Opens

Sis. Bonrostro, Aaron Fernandez, and I.  (He is our coolest
member, he taught me how to box and play the ukulele.)

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

Well, this week the work was really slow. And up in the air with schedules trying to make everything work out. Oh my last Monday- we found out that Shaun (Big Easy) was released from work. We went over to his house to see how he was and he was pretty beaten down and sad. We shared scriptures with him and jammed on the ukelele. Then we discovered that he has to leave within 48 hours so we had a little goodbye dinner with him and a few people from the branch on Tuesday. Man, I hated having to say goodbye to him.
 

 



Starting my goodbyes with the Bradfords

Tuesday- We were able to have a lesson with James who is super cool and just loves to talk to us and ask questions and never thinks anything is out of his reach. We helped him start reading the Book of Mormon and when we started reading he said that he feels like he can just understand this book and that he can see it all playing out for him like a movie in his mind. The miracle of the Book of Mormon- Heavenly Father will always help those who have the desire to understand it. After our lesson we went to the Bradfords' because they are leaving for a month to go to the mainland and I might not be here when they come back so I went to say goodbye. When I told them... oh man, everyone had some tears. Brett was the first to give me a hug and man, when he started crying I couldn't help it... it was down hill from there. It's so hard to have to leave people that have become my family. As a missionary we leave our families behind and come to different places to find a new one that welcomes you in as your own. Shoot- goodbyes even for a time are the worst! Later that night at Relief Society Enrichment Night I made my first haku ( those hair pieces that either have flowers or leaves in it ) and it turned out really good I was proud of myself and have decided that I will make one for my wedding in the distant future haha.  Afterwards we went over to our member's house and had our last dinner with Shaun. Maybe I will be able to see him if I ever go to big island. It is hard to say goodbye to people.
 

Wednesday- Ben Samonte calls us (the less active), he had left the day before. He tells us that while he was on the plane he read 25 chapters of the Book of Mormon and was loving it. Once again the Book of Mormon pulls through and brings forth another miracle! He loves it and I am trying to figure out exactly where in San Diego he is so he can go to church and meet the missionaries there! It amazes me how much people love the missionaries because we were the first people Ben called when he found out he was a grandpa, he came to say goodbye to me, he told us about the Book of Mormon, and he texts us every so often to see how we are! Wow, I can't believe or understand why so many people love us. We are just normal people walking around a foreign town, with frilly skirts smiling at everyone; but, people really do love the missionaries. 

 



Wow, it's beautiful
(the bruising and my tape job haha)

Thursday- Some people know this about me but I love bruises, no I don't do things just to obtain one but when I do get one- wow are they beautiful... I was playing basketball and no cool story and I was chasing a ball (also I run on my toes), get the ball, go to turn, and whoops out goes my ankle. Yep it hurt, yep I rolled it, yep its fat and swollen, and yep its bruising and it is beautiful! (Then the stupid things my pride makes me do- I walk it off, lace up my laces even tighter, and keep playing for a bit then I notice it is swelling pretty bad so I call it quits) Thanks to my mom who sent me a bunch of athletic tape just for this moment so I could tape my ankle and walk the rest of the day with a slight limp. It is still swollen a bit and the bruise is still there, and yep my companion thinks I'm crazy because I will just look at it and say, "Wow, its beautiful"

 

Friday- we helped Alberta farm. Then we went down to Manele because the Branch was having a potluck for the Makawo Boy Scouts who came to Lanai for the camp out... Wow, dad we should have lived in Hawaii so that when you did camp outs they were in places like this... It was really fun to spend the evening with the boy scouts and with our branch! I also tried venison (deer) in a new way and it was super good, so far I haven't had venison I haven't liked.
 

Saturday- we finally were able to meet our mission president! President Warner, Sister Warner and 2 of the Assistants to the President came and we had an unofficial interview/ getting to know each other. He talked about how he thinks it is really important that the missionaries gain the trust of the people in their areas and that he thinks it is best that people stay in their areas for longer periods of time. Then he asks me, "Hypothetically, how would you feel about serving your whole mission here?" me- "That would be a dream come true. I never want to leave Lanai!" He laughs and goes on making it sound that I will be staying. We go down to Manele and see our baptismal pond then on the way back up he is still talking about how it is so good that we know so many people and building it up that I will be staying. Then, I ask if we can find out for sure if we are going to be staying? because if I'm not then I need to let the branch know because they will want me to bear my testimony one last time. He starts to thumb through his papers and says that I'm not on the lists he brought and turns to the Assistants and ask if they remember what is going on. They do and as I am driving they say, "Sister Bonrostro you are staying" whoo, and claps... "Sister Lang... (in a quiet voice) you're leaving." Silence- if the tears weren't already in my eyes maybe I could have mustered a cricket noise - but no, as soon as I heard those words my heart dropped and my face fell. I knew this was coming, I could feel it, but that doesn't mean I want it or that it is easy. Ever since, tears well up pretty often and everything just is kinda numb. 

 



Yep that is my first haku.  I'm kinda proud of it- not gonna lie!

On a happier note, that night we went to dinner at Koele (one of the hotels) and it was super nice and super yummy. Wow, when you eat really good food you cant help but smile and boy we were all smiling. We went with our Branch President's family 

 

Sunday- I played the piano for the opening song for Sacrament! I was so nervous, I messed up a lot, my hands were shaking, and I never want to do it again. 1. I haven't played the piano in years 2. I don't play in front of people 3. Never in my life have people sung along with me. Wow, I didn't like it! I did realize that it is an amazing talent to be able to play the piano, one that I will try harder to develop when I go home. Then I had the last testimony and yep I cried. I feel like crying is just going to be a norm for the next few days. Taught my last lesson for Sunday School. Helped out in the Primary, once again playing the piano (right hand only so it is easier) plus I feel like kids are more forgiving, so they don't make me as nervous. Then, the rest of the day was spent visiting people and telling them that I am leaving and sharing messages with them. We were able to see Sister Alconsel a less active, and every time we go over and share a message she tears up. She knows it is true but she has a hard time being a leader in her family. We talked about Lehi's dream and how he had to go first and then beckon to his family to follow his example and how she might have to be the example for her family to follow. Oh man, I cried at her house too when I thought about the first time I gutted and cleaned fish with her, supporting her sons in their basketball games, and experiencing my first imu at her house. So many people that I love so much! 

 

That night I found out that I am leaving Tuesday night! What! Sister Duke left Wednesday morning! I hate goodbyes and I hate having to leave. I know I will be back but life moves forward and the past can never be replicated. 

 



The first time that I have seen the turkeys in town.

Sometimes I wish life could just be paused. I think of the bus ride in Jerusalem when we were coming home and just crying because an amazing chapter in my life was closing and I didn't want it to. That is how I feel about Lanai, though I know that coming to Hawaii is a bit easier than going back to Israel. All I know is that I am so incredibly blessed to have been here for so long. I don't know why God loves me so much, but I know that He loves me. I know that a part of my heart will always be here on Lanai (to be honest I am kinda possessive over this island). It's amazing how one little heart can love so much. I'm sad to leave but life moves forward and I know that God is Good Always and so right now I need to trust and walk forward to whatever He has in store for my next chapter of life. I love the people of Lanai, I love the people back home, I love my family, I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love the gospel and I live a charmed life and am so grateful for that. I love you. Te amor, Mahal kita. Aloha uwau ia oe! (my last from Lanai)

 

Love Always,

   Sister Cassidy Jean Lang

P.S. A local has told me that I am no longer a haole! Biggest compliment ever :)




 

Week 25- Pineapple Festival Fun!

Pineapple Festival Parade

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

Well this week was crazy! not because it was July 4th but because it was the Pineapple Festival this Friday and Saturday. On Lanai it is a bit different- for this festival all of the classes have their class reunions during this festival so there were a lot of faces that I didn't recognize but it was super fun. I'll talk about it more in a bit. 

 

Ben - he has been inactive since he was 9 and he is now in his 60s and absolutely loves us! We have asked about him to some of our members and they all say that he is the last person that they expect to walk through our chapel doors. Well, guess who has come the past 2 weeks... YEP Ben!!! Oh my he is amazing! We were able to introduce him to the Book of Mormon because he didn't really know too much about it before he stopped coming to church. He loves having us over for dinner and talking story with us. He has so many stories. Sadly he is going to San Diego tomorrow because his daughter just had his first granddaughter; so, we won't be able to see him but we will be keeping in contact with him while he is gone and maybe he will be able to go to church on the mainland. 

 



My favorite float.  I want a car like that!

On Wednesday, the Sisters from Lahaina came and we did splits and were able to get a lot done which was nice. We saw some miracles from it as well. We were able to see a less active family and share a message and they admitted that they feel like they are ready to come back to church. Now, we just have to help them put their desire into action. Then we also were able to meet with a girl that has been coming to church for a few weeks now and she is interested in learning more about the church. 

 




Fireworks!

July 4th- well because of the Pineapple Festival there were no fire works here. Also July 4th isn't very big in Hawaii. We did however drive up to the mountain and looked out across the channel to see Lahaina's fireworks. They were super small the size of my nail from how far away we were. Also, Shauna and Michael Kawasaki who I had to say goodbye to in March are back!!! We had a welcome back dinner with them and it was so much fun to see them again. After dinner, a young boy that has been here with his grandparents for the past month lit off his little fireworks and it was really fun! Different but fun. And I remembered that last year I was in Provo watching the fireworks and saying goodbye to Carly (Hermana Lang) as she went into the Missionary Training Center for her own mission. Wow, she is making a year this week and I am making 6 months next week... time is going by way too quick! 

 



Yep, I love hula dancing and I am going
to continue learning how to do it!

Friday started the some of the Festivities. We were able to get in contact with an investigator who we hadn't seen in awhile, Lucky. We were able to have a lesson with him and he has so many questions and is so amazing. Ever time we teach him he is so open and willing to listen! He is going to try and get work off for next week Sunday. 

 

Then we were also able to see Trisha, she has been coming to church for a while now. She admitted that she is noticing a difference when she goes to church and when she doesn't. She is a super sweet girl and is really open to keep learning. 

 



Brother Samonte and I.  He came and
said goodbye to us and gave us leis.

Basically, Lanai has so much potential and it is so exciting to see the work picking up here. So for the Pineapple Festival we watched the parade in the morning with the Seiuli family. The parade consisted of each class designing a float.  Some of them were super cool! Then later that night we went back for dinner and different people had little shops that they had set up selling different trinkets like shirts, jewlery, or hair flowers. The cool part is I knew all the people working so I could just go talk to everyone. Then there was also a booth for the Houkuleia, which is a boat that is made in the old fashion style and it is going to sail around the whole world promoting giving back to the earth. They wont have any electronics all of their navigating is done by the stars. It is so interesting! I wish we were able to go onto it when it was harbored in Manele Bay. Then we ate at Ben Samonte's booth because he had given us tickets to eat his food. There was music and fun stuff that we walked around and did. Then the fireworks began and they were super good. We saw so many people and were able to spend time with a lot of the members. It truly was a blast!


 

Sis. Bonrostro, Elaine, and I.  The sunset was beautiful!

Well, I think that is it for my week here. I'm so blessed to be here on Lanai and to have a family on this island! I hope that I can stay longer... I'll find out this coming week. Aloha uwau ia oe.

 

Love Always, 

Sister Cassidy Jean Lang





 

Week 24- Oh me of little faith

Even little kids plank



Golfing

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

 

All the guys before we go UTV

     Ok from last week a bit of catch up. Our mission president, President Dalton, Sister Dalton and the 4 assistants to the president came over to Lanai to spend our day off with us. Well it was super fun! We picked them up from the airport with a member's borrowed car because we don't have one. Grabbed a quick breakfast at the gas station because that is the only place that is quick. Then we headed down to golf. Yes at the Challenge at Manelle! Every time, it sweeps me off my feet and it is so beautiful. My golfing skills have gotten better. A member is super good and she has been helping Sister Bonrostro and I learn how to drive so we could be decent when President came. Well, we did pretty well for my second time in my life golfing. Highlights: chasing turkeys in our golf carts, almost falling out because I was trying to pick up a golf ball, Sister Bonrostro hit her golf ball and got in the Elders' cart as they were driving away, and President Dalton pranking the Elders by loosening up the straps that keep the cadies attached to the carts. After golfing we had lunch at Blue Gingers and then went on UTVs (aka golf carts on steroids) up at the stables. We shot bow and arrows and it was super fun! Come back to find out that we have lost track of time and should have already left for the airport. Whoops! Don't worry we made it there on time (and I kept mission rules by not speeding) It was sad to see them go but I realized how lucky I am to be on the Mission President's favorite island and to spend his last hurrah before he went home. He is now back home in California and I will miss him; but, I am excited to get to know President Warner and his wife. 

 

The best pic ever because we all did funny faces :)

 

 

 

        We had some really good lessons with James. We were able to catch him at home and he loves meeting with us but struggles with the feeling the importance of coming to church. But he wants us to keep coming back because he says he loves learning all he can about religions so he can know which one to join.

 

 

 

        On Sunday, we had about 75 which is super good for sacrament meeting. A lot of less actives came to church and it was so good. I only pray that they will keep coming and understand that the Atonement is for everyone and can help them with everything. Alberta was confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost and then welcomed into the ward. We taught our class, I'm not really sure what to call it because it includes the youth, and then the recent converts too. Sister Bonrostro has decided that we are going to teach them about the Book of Mormon so this week was about 1 Nephi 1-7 and it was really good because they are now learning from the scriptures themselves and not just having to listen to me go on and on about stuff. Then we also taught Primary and it was so much fun! We taught them about missionary work. Sister Bonrostro and I had to get a bit creative and we made them little "Future Missionary" name tags out of note cards, black marker, white out and packing tape. They were super cute and then we gave one for each of the kids to wear. We taught them how they too could be missionaries now and they were angels (hyper angels but angels haha) We taught them "I Hope They Call Me On a Mission" and I played the piano... God helps you out a lot when you have a righteous desire because I am not very good at the piano and I have NEVER in my life played with people singing along. Plus I only played the right hand to make it easier for me. I still messed up but the kids are forgiving thankfully. After we played Missionary Tag. Afterwards a few of the kids came up and asked if they could take an extra tag for their sibling or for their friends. Wow kids are so amazing and I love them so much!



 

        Alberta's baptism was the cherry on top of a Christ filled week. Oh my there are just not words to describe. I wish we could have videoed her baptism because it belongs in a movie, no joke. Ok, I'll try my best to paint the scene for you. Wake up and get everything ready for the baptism program at 8. We start a little late (normal Hawaiian time) and the program goes smoothly. We have a song, prayer, a talk on baptism, a talk on the Holy Ghost and then we invite everyone to come with us down to the beach for the baptism ordinance. We caravan down and we do it early-ish to avoid tourists and generally the waves are calmer. It looks like a beautiful day, a bit overcast, with a slight breeze. We get closer, park the car and start to walk towards our pond/ tide pool where we baptize. The ocean comes into view and lo and behold the waves are CRAZY! The tide pool is gone and flooding, and being crashed on by 8 foot waves. I'm freaking out on the inside but trying to have a dignified calm expression on the outside. I'm sure I did an awful job at trying to remain calm. All these thoughts of, "What if Alberta is scared and postpones her baptism?" Oh dear what can be done? I see our Branch President ( a certified lifeguard) rolling up his pants, taking off his tie, shoes, phone and glasses just incase he has to jump in and save someone. Another member is rolling up his pants so he can be of quick assistance. I find our High Counselor and ask, "Is there a blessing that can be given on the water?" He replies, "I just gave it." Alberta is handling this loads better than me and walks down the steps to the tide pool, waits for a wave to crash and dives in. Wow- nothing is stopping her. Wow- Sister Lang where is you faith? Alberta stole it but hey if anyone was going to have it, I'm glad it was her. Johnny Seiuli (the one who was going to baptize Alberta) sees Alberta's faith and jumps in after. From up top a person yells swim to the right and back its shallower over there. Wait until after these 2 waves and then it should be calmer. They wait for the 2 waves and then it is a lot calmer, still a bit chaotic, and President Seiuli is practically yelling the baptismal prayer. Alberta is baptized and it was so beautiful and she looks so beautiful! Some pictures were taken, we closed with a song and a prayer and then a potluck of course! (the reason I'm gaining weight haha). We ended up staying down at the beach for awhile visiting with our members and just enjoying their love and being a part of their families! 





I want a Samoan baby!!!  TAMA
I want to take him with me so bad!

Typical potluck and the bbq lunch

      Some firsts: I was officially told that I was fat :( I went home and ate chocolate. Exact words, "Ya, Sister Lang came here and she was so skinny and now look at what Lanai has done to her." Don't worry I laugh about it and then cry :P (I'll lose it later) I can play the ukulele now! (just a few songs like 'You are my sunshine', a Hawaiian song I don't know the name but if I play it someone will start to sing to it.)

 

       Hawaiian Words: Good morning- Aloha kakahiaka.

 

The branch

    Well, I think that is all for me! I love this work. I love Lanai. I love the people! I love being a missionary. I love backwards hats! Surprisingly, I love getting up early! I love having my own island. I love being welcomed into the culture here and becoming a part of the families here. I love the Lord and Jesus Christ. I love after baptism smiles because they are glowing. I love the scriptures. I love crying because the Holy Ghost is there. I love learning how to play 'Be Still My Soul' on the ukulele. I love my family. I love tender mercies. I love love! AND I love you! Mahal kita! Aloha wau ia oe! 

A member made those hair pieces for us... they are beautiful!

Love Always, 

    Sister Cassidy Lang

 

 

Week 23

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,

    This week has been good. Alberta is so amazing! She is so excited for her baptism and we are so happy for her. When the difficult times came this week and I started to count my blessings she was definitely the blessing that I kept counting.

    As far as missionary work this week- all of scheduled lessons were canceled. We taught Alberta 3 times down at the beach. It was amazing! We read from the Book of Mormon and she is loving it.

   Today we had P-day with President Dalton and the Assistant to the Presidents and it was super fun! I wish that every p-day was like this! Well, Ill talk more about it next week. But now I'm super tired and have to go. I love the work, and I am so blessed to be here. I have my weaknesses but I know that the Lord will provide for my weaknesses. Aloha wau ia oe!

Love Always,

    Sister Cassidy Lang

Week 22- Happy Father's Day!!!

Aloha Ohana and Haoaloha,


A piece of Heaven

    Well this week has been really really good that I don't even know where to start. I just feel so happy and blessed to be here on a mission because it is so amazing and fulfilling even though it is really hard and exhausting at the same time. I can definitely say now that a mission is the hardest thing I have ever done yet it is the best decision I have ever made so far in my life. 

 

So, why has this week been so good? We got a super awesome/ golden investigator. AND Alberta is getting baptized!!!

 

Ok our golden investigator. Last week I mentioned how we met a guy named James, he is still awesome. We tried to see James a few times this week but he was never home but his niece Sousianna was always there and loved seeing us. She would run up to the gate and talk to us and be sad when we had to leave. On Saturday, we were walking down to James and called to see if he was home- he was having a Fathers Day bbq thing and told us we could come. We did and it was super fun. James asks a lot of questions about our church and what it is like to be a missionary and stuff. We invited him to come to church and he said he would try. Then, Sousisanna says, "Can I come to church with you too?" Sousianna is 8 so we have to go talk with her mom and make sure that she has permission to go to church with us. We go talk to her mom and she says that it is fine if Sousianna comes to church with us the next day. The bbq continues and we talk, play games with the kids and eat our 2nd lunch for the day (Hawaiians love to feed us ALL The Time!) The kids loved us and loved playing so many games with us and climbing on us too...

 

Sunday comes and James cant come to church with us but Sousianna is waiting by the gate for us. We take her to church and she is honestly an angel! She loves to sing and was singing to all the hymns and was really good too. Plus she already knows some of the kids in Primary her age so she was excited to go to class with some of the other kids (I was a bit nervous about having to leave her without us ). Also, thanks mom for the pictures of Christ they are great for kids to look at during Sacrament. We pick up Sousianna after her class and walk her home. She loved church and wants to come with us again. We are going to ask Sousianna and her mom if it would be okay if she came to church with us every week. Sousianna is truly an angel and hopefully she will be able to start coming with her uncle too!

 

Zone Conference- Sister Bonrostro and I
with Lanai in the background

Alberta- Oh dear I am so excited! A little bit of back story for those of you who have forgotten who Alberta is. Every Friday we have gone down to her farm and helped her out. My first week here in Lanai (5 months ago) she asked about our church services and then told us that we had committed her to come to church. A few weeks later (she has come to church every week) she calls us up and wants to learn about the Book of Mormon. Invites herself to take the lessons - great! Then she gets super busy and we still see her but aren't really teaching her and she is still coming to church every week. A few weeks ago she gets up in testimony meeting and says that this is the church of God and asks a member how she can become a member. The member tells her that she needs to meet with the missionaries and get baptized. A week goes by and she tells other people about her wanting to get baptized but doesn't tell us... I keep wondering why and so finally I conclude that we are going to have to talk to her about it. So on Tuesday we are down at the beach with her and her grandson helping Alberta stamp envelopes. I tell her that we baptize down here in the ocean. She says, "Oh really, I have been thinking about baptism but I can't get baptized here. I'm allergic to the jellyfish in the water." Well, I'm dumbfounded because I have never had to face that kind of concern before. I mention that I think someone in town has a pool that maybe we could use. Alberta is like, "Ya, I know them. They are gone for the summer so I'll get baptized when they come home." I was a little sad because she is ready right now and I don't know if I will still be on Lanai until the end of summer... I was a little disheartened.

 

My last Zone Conference with President and Sister Dalton

Wednesday, we go over to Maui for Zone Conference and it was so much fun. Wow, I love being around other missionaries. It is hard to be the only ones over her but it is okay because I still love it here :) It was super nice to actually meet people in person and not over skype... This was President and Sister Dalton's last Zone Conference before the new mission president comes in. The conference was really good. It was all on obedience and how we can't only be obedient to the big rules but we have to remember the small details too. Then we talked about our goal for the month of June as a mission. Our goal is 200 baptized in the month of June as a whole mission (the state of Hawaii). The only way we can achieve this is if everyone is working extra hard and being perfectly obedient. It's important that the off islanders do their part- when they told me that I knew that Alberta shouldn't wait until the end of summer to be baptized. We came home Thursday night and knew that we were going to have a busy week ahead of us. 

 

One of my favorite Elders that I will probably never see again
cause I'm on Lanai and he is going home soon

Friday, all of our appointments get canceled. We have a super spiritual lesson with Flora (the lady who has been coming to church for longer than I have been alive but has not been baptized). The spirit was so strong in that lesson and we invited Flora to be baptized twice and she said no both times. I was so sad.  The lesson had been led by the Spirit and tears were shed as He touched our hearts. I had truly given my very best and even that was not enough. It all comes down to their agency because this is their choice and I cannot force them to do anything. I prayed to keep a positive outlook even though I felt like the day hadn't been going the best; then, off to the farm. This Sunday Alberta is hosting a charity event at the farm and so she was off the whole time we were there setting stuff up- so no time to at least talk to her about baptism. Then we are driving home and we keep trying to bring up the topic of baptism but everything keeps getting off topic. We arrive home she gets out of the car and hands us our bags of lettuce and bananas. I feel hopeless but not defeated, I know I need to do something and so I ask, "Alberta before you go, can we leave you with a question to think about?" She says sure so I start, "We have been thinking and praying a lot about the other day when we were talking about baptism and we want to extend..." I'm cut off and she says, "I have been thinking about that too and I'm ready to be baptized now. I want to be baptized at Manele (in the ocean)" My heart becomes as light as a feather. I feel completely exhausted but so happy and calm at the same time. I don't know how to describe how happy I was but it wasn't the jumping for joy kind it was immense peace, oh I don't like when I cant find the words to describe something, but I hope you get the idea of how happy I was. Kinda like in Alma 27:17 "Now the joy of Ammon was so great even that he was full; yea, he was swallowed up in the joy of his God, even to the exhausting of his strength; and he fell again to the earth." No I didn't faint but I did feel so tired and had so much joy in the miracles my God does for me. I truly had done nothing, Heavenly Father has done it all. Once again, Alberta invited herself to be baptized, and God loves me enough that I got to witness yet another miracle. Alberta continued to tell us that she wanted me to be present at her baptism and since we never know when we are leaving she wants to do it soon- so on June 28th Alberta will be baptized in the Pacific ocean at Manele beach on Lanai. My heart is so full just thinking about that. I am truly blessed and my life is charmed every day. 

 

Saturday night we had a Fathers Day dinner and they had asked Sister Bonrosto and I to do something performance wise. Well, singing and piano is not my strong hold by any means and swimming is not really something you can perform on stage let alone be allowed to do on a mission. So I shared a poem that my little sister Katie and I wrote last year for Fathers Day. I hope you all like it. 

My district- I'm not the only one that sticks my tongue out
haha ;-P

     Daddy Taught Me How

 

Hand in hand I stand

First steps wobbly, then I run

Daddy taught me how.

 

On a bike I yell, "Don't let go!"

Ten feet behind, you pray I don't fall.

Daddy taught me how.

 

To kick, to throw, to hit, 

To score- as my coach

Daddy taught me how.

 

Recitals, concerts, or games

You never miss, supporting the family

Daddy taught me how.

 

To serve, to anoint, to bless

To baptize and to teach

Daddy taught me how.

 

When distressed or ill, your hands you lay

Communing with the Father

Daddy taught me how

 

Tears you dry while in your arms, speaking

A good one of our district

A simple phrase, "They're not worth the time."

Daddy taught me how.

 

Wronged and hurt, but told to forgive

Letting go of the bad

Daddy taught me how.

 

With smiles and laughs at the dinner table

We gather as a family, united.

Daddy taught me how.

 

Now I stand and rise on my own

Chin up I face my road

Daddy taught me how. 

 

I want to end with a few things that I truly know: God is all powerful. He commands oceans and winds and yet makes time to show me He loves little ole me. Why? Because we are His literal children. He doesn't need me to come on a mission to bring me closer to Him. He could do it all Himself. He loves me enough that He wants me to experience a piece of the joy He feels when He sees one of His children find His gospel. I'm humbled to learn that this mission is all for me. Here I thought that I was going to give back to Heavenly Father and show my gratitude by serving Him (which is good and I'm still showing my gratitude by being here); but, He is giving me so much more than I can ever give back to Him. He isn't the kind of friend where you buy a lunch and then they buy the next; He is the friend that loves to give, He loves to see us smile, and He loves to see us happy and so He blesses us as much as He can. This Fathers Day I have been shown how many Fathers I have. So many people care for me. I have my earthly and biological Dad and I am so grateful to have him in my life. He loves and supports me in all of my decisions from sports to play, to studying abroad in Jerusalem, to deciding to serve a mission. My Dad is always there for me and I love him so much. Then I have father-figures that have been my Sunday school teachers, coaches, bishops, members from my ward back home, and members and non-members here on Lanai who love me and teach me. I love them too. Then as I have mentioned above I have my Heavenly Father who is always with me, to care, direct, comfort, support, and bless me. I'm so grateful for all the Fathers in my life!



A view into heaven.  God loves me.  I know because He places
beauty all around me to see.

My life is wonderful because of the people that have been apart of it. Elohim Tov Tameed! I love you all. Ofa atu! Mahal kita! Aloha uwau ia oe!

Love Always,

    Sister Cassidy Jean Lang