Dear Family,                                     Sept. 12th. 2016

We made it to Otea this week! There are about 80 people on the island,
50 of them are members of the church and the only other church is the
Wesleyan church. It is so peaceful and calm and beautiful. It reminded
me of 'Eua, just no cliffs and tiny. We got dropped off just the 2 of
us on a small boat. It didn't take us long to find the church and our
place to stay because its so small and the church is right on the
beach. The entire island runs on solar power. No running water.
President gave us 2 days out there this week to start our work and
meet the people. We spent both of those days sick, diarrhea and
throwing up. They thought I was "puke tevolo" (sick with the devil or
possessed) because apparently the graveyard near our place isn't a
friendly one. I know that I wasn't possessed and I just had a really
bad fever so I was shaking. Disappointing that we didn't get to work
or teach any of the families, but we did meet with some of the members.

This week was one of those weeks where nothing really goes as hoped or
planned . One of the families we are teaching that had baptismal dates
for this week, their parents delayed the baptism, but the good news is
they still are fine with us teaching the kids. Our other golden
investigator is moving to California at the end of this month and
wants to get baptized before she leaves. She lives with her aunt who
is fine with us visiting and teaching as long as baptism has nothing
to do with it, and then we are no longer welcome. We are not letting
it get to us or giving up. Even though people's agency is frustrating
sometimes I love this work!

Love you all have a good week!!
Sister Petalisi

Hi family!

First off I want to give a huge CONGRATS to Bryce and my new sister-in-law!! I feel so blessed to be coming home to a new sister that isn't a total stranger. Best wishes to you and Meghan and the new life you will be starting together. Speaking of weddings, Kalolo and his girl-friend will be getting married this Thursday and he will be baptized on Saturday!

 Lots of changes these past couple weeks. First off, I hopped islands once again and am now serving in Vava'u! We are working in town, Pouono, and we cover 3 wards. 2 words here in Neiafu and 1 ward on another island, Otea. We haven't made it to the other ward because lots of craziness these past 2 weeks, but we will be boating there tomorrow and starting our work out there. It's definitely different here. Working in town is a little busier and crazier than any of the other areas I've worked in. Lots of people and lots of tourists. Vava'u is lots of mountains . Every day feels like training for another climb up Rainier. The hills are killer but my legs are starting to get used to it. We are currently teaching 2 families. 1 of them we are preparing for baptism and the other is my companions sister's family who we are still working on.

Saturday night and yesterday we had stake conference with one of the 70, Elder Lilta, a Samoan. It was amazing. So many inspired words and lots of revelation. I wish I could share more but I'm going to have to keep it short this week. I want you all to know how much I love this gospel and how grateful I am for a loving Savior who I have felt so close by my side the last how many months I've been out here. I know that this is His work and that obedience brings blessings like crazy. I love you all! Have an amazing week!

Sister Petalisi

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