Ellis you turkey, Dig Deep

Last Zone Conference! 

Aloha family a me friends!

*We had Mission Leadership Council and Zone Conference on Monday and Tuesday so today is my P-Day*

"Ellis, you turkey". A common phrase in the Ellis household. Not 100% sure why but it is and felt like putting that as my subject line. No one has used that phrase here but the second part of what goes around in my home is "Ellis you turkey take a lap". This time, in this context and time it is, "Ellis, you turkey, dig deep". 

 Sister Reed and I

"Dig deep". This phrase came to my remembrance this past week. In high school at the end of a strenuous workout in track where I felt like I was literally going to pass out any minute and my legs felt like jello, I would sense from my coach when he said "alrighty. you you you and you. 100 second finish". 100 second finish was basically that. We would line up and we would go as hard as we could on the track for 100 seconds and we never knew when it was coming. This would be to simulate the end of a race. I had the opportunity to do many of these in my years of running in high school but there was always one time that has stayed with me. I remember rounded the 500m mark and I know that time is ticking and from across the field I hear my coaches screaming "Dig Deep Hi'i Dig Deep". When all is said and done, when you feel like you can't go on, when you know that time is ticking. Dig deep. Put your mind and soul into it. Focus on the small things, as in running it was my form, my diet, my mind. Focus less on what you cant control such as the weather and the agency of others on the track with me and how hard they are going. Dig deep and muster up any and every ounce of strength you have left. 

Dig deep in missionary work. I know that my time is running out. I have been reminded of that from many people this week and from many lasts (i.e. Zone Conference, transfers, companion, leadership meeting) and firsts (i.e. the "whats next meeting"). This is the time I feel as though I am rounded that 500m mark again. Legs like jello, breath all over the place, but mind unchanging. I could do two things. I can slow down knowing that inevitably the time will run out and I'll hear the "STOP". OR. I can speed up, focus on the small things like my work ethic, my mindset, my skills, the here and now. Thus we must each dig into our souls and find out our whys, whether that may be for running or missionary work, remember your why. Dig deep into your heart and find the courage to extend one more bold invitation or one more testimony. Dig deep and never look back. 

And to end here is an olelo noeau (Hawaiian proverb) I was sent from my Fujiwara counsins this past week and has really resonated with me...

"Mai makaʻu ka hana Makaʻi ka moloa."

Donʻt fear the work fear laziness. 

I know that this is the Lord's work and that He has much for each of His servants to do. I know that we only know our limits and capabilities when we push ourselves to go the extra mile, the extra door, the extra phone call, the extra contact, the extra minute. When we stretch ourselves beyond what we though we were capable, we come to know who we are and who God wants us to become. I know that He lives and that He loves. 

Once again, I apologize if none of this even makes sense. I did not manage my time wisely...once more...haha that is still a developing strength of mines btw.

Hermana Eccles and I with our matchy matchy shirts

Dinner with the Mpalomby family!!!

Had dinner with Elder and Sister Young before they finish their missions on Saturday

Trying to get Sister Clark to smile! E minoka!

Randoms:

1) Erick is getting baptized. As simple as that. This past week, my new companion and I put him on date and its going to happen. He just needed a little push. Erick is amazing and has been meeting with sisters for the past months! Stay tuned its going to be great!

2) Patsy knows everything and remembers everyone. Patsy is a lady who literally found us on the street a few weeks back. She came to church and remembers everyone and every time we teach her anything she is like "i already know this church is true and i am here and not going to leave this time"

3) Meetings on meetings on meetings. Literally the past couple of days have all been meetings but communication is good especially with so many changes in the mission!

4) Saying bye to Sister Eccles, aka one of my best friends, was SO sad but I know that she will do amazing miracles and help progress the work as she jumps back into a full immersion spanish branch in Westbury! te amo sister eccles :) 

5) Sister Reed!! My new companion! She is from Queen Creek, Arizona and is literally amazing, a miracle machine, and has the greatest work ethics I have ever  seen!!  

6) Dinner with the Mpalombys! Had our friend Rona come with us to eat with this family from Congo and we had a few members come too! We were stuffed with fufu and with Jamaican jerk chicken. Hands down. The highlight of my week. I love these people ! 

7) Feel like there is more I wanted to say...but time is running out! So much to do and so little time! E kala mai iau!

Me ke aloha pau ole,

Sister Ellis 

Believe, Love, Do 

Stole this from Sister Eccles' weekly...I love my mission