Date
November 20, 2017
Area
Wahiawa Trio
Companion
Abigail Jensen
Sweater Weather
Yes, we have officially entered the bitter winter season here in Hawaii. By winter, I mean 72 degrees with a slight breeze. I have to admit though, I am freezing. It is so funny to see how quickly I acclimated to the weather here. When we go to Wahiawa, which is known as the colder part of the island, I actually get chicken skin. I am so sorry for all of you in Idaho reading this right now, I know I'm a wimp! But Wahiawa is a winter wonderland.
We have a new companion now- her name is Sister Hilton. She is from Utah and she is so much fun! We actually have the same birthday: March 13th. She is 12 hours older than me. It was super funny to find out that we are basically twins. She's been on her mission for just a little longer than me, she left in June and I left in July. It has already been 4 months which is pretty spooky- where in the world has time gone?
Sister Hilton is very musically talented and is super awesome at playing the ukulele, so of course we spent a lot of time singing this week. I still sound tone deaf as usual, but I'm convinced the Spirit makes me sound half-way decent. We walk around and Sister Hilton plays the Ukulele and we sing the primary song, "I am a child of God" to whoever will listen. People actually really like it! On Saturday we got to sing for 30+ people throughout the day. I am learning to love music more and more each day, and I especially love missionary work. Music + missionary work = miracles. No doubt.
The other day we were doing our "musical tracting" as we call it (most missionaries hate tracting but I could do it all day. I love talking to people and sharing the Gospel. the door slams don't even bother me to be honest- haters gonna hate.) Anyways, we sang to these 2 guys at the bus stop and talked with them about the mainland- mexican food, IN N Out Burger, the Grand Canyon. A few of my favorite things ;) They let us give each of them a copy of the Book of Mormon and gave us their phone #'s. We hope to be able to teach them again this week.
I have to tell a funny story:
We were walking around singing as usual when we crossed paths with a guy. We asked to sing for him, but he just looked at us and yelled, "Sisters! It's ok! WE HAVE THE BLOOD! And as long as we have the blood, we stay in the book!" Then he just went along with his stroll down the sidewalk and we were left very confused. It was super bizarre, yet super funny. As a missionary I have learned to appreciate even the very unique individuals and the strange experiences they give us.
As Thanksgiving season always does, I have been able to recognize the many blessings I have in my life. I am so grateful for my family and loved ones back home like all of you reading this email. The overwhelming amount of support I receive each week really does help me! Thank you all for everything!
I am also so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful to be serving a mission and coming to know Him even more. I love this Gospel and I could write for hours how much it has blessed my life. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Christ's church re-established on the Earth again through the Prophet Joseph Smith. I am so grateful for the Book of Mormon and the peace and happiness it brings to anyone who reads it.
I invite all of you to think about all of the things you have to be grateful for. Too many people in this world are focused on what they don't have rather than what we do. When we have an attitude of gratitude, we will consequently be in a happier state.
I love all of you and I hope you have the happiest Thanksgiving ever! Please pray for me, Hawaiian Thanksgivings are a whole new level of "food coma."
with love and much aloha, Sister Hoffman
pics
1: in preparation for the BYU vs.UH game, a member of our ward made this shirt.. SO FUNNY!
2: me & Sister Hilton
3: band rehearsal
4: today our Bishop's wife taught us how to make fudge and bread :)