Become as a little child.

December 10, 2013

Beautiful family and friends, Sorry if this letter is scattered, it just feels like so much has happened, yet nothing at all!

Last Preparation Day we had a very exciting day in Nelson. We were there to finish our trio with Sister Haacke and so we got to spend the day in Nelson . There's a hill/mountain there where they say the very centre of New Zealand is. Very exciting!! There's a little monument and a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean, the city of Nelson and the hills that continue on. We just went on our little hike and to our great surprise the Motueka Elders and Zone Leaders were already up on top. So we took a fun little group picture.

I've really enjoyed taking the D&C challenge alongside Caroline. The Doctrine and Covenants really do have special gems in them. I especially love at the end in D&C 135 and the testimony that John Taylor gives of his friend and prophet Joseph Smith. We taught the lesson in Relief Society this week and it was great because it was also on the prophet Joseph Smith. The ladies in the branch concluded that Joseph was called at the age of 14 because he was teachable and willing to do whatever needed to be done. Sometimes when we get older we get set in our ways, we aren't very teachable, and we don't like change. But Joseph was willing to change everything about his comfortable life to ensure the gospel was restored. He's the MAN! I love Joseph- Praise to the man.

This Sunday was our Primary Program- the best Sunday of the year!! Truly. These kids in Blenheim are the cutest things. I think it's an Island tradition for the kids to wear all white, so most of them looked so radiant in their white dresses and clothes. They all spoke on the plan that Heavenly Father has for them. Many of them talked about the plan to serve a mission and I could feel so much power from even the 4 year olds telling everyone that they wanted to "be a good boy and serve a mission". I've been reading in 3 Nephi this week-- which is so great!-- and I love how Jesus Christ took so much time to gather all the children together. He spoke to each one and prayed for each one as well. I believe Christ still prays for us all and beckons us to become as little children: to be loving, teachable, and happy with the small things.

I got a very exciting package in the mail. It read: Missent to Thailand. Haha so funny.

My two favorite things!!

The package from Mum took almost a month to get to New Zealand and when it did it had this pretty big nibble mark in the package. Some animal loves the U more than I do because it started to eat the U of U drum and feather off my stocking!!

Someone's been nibbling on my package...

We've tried to get into the Christmas season with our own little Christmas tree in the flat, (it now smells much better because Mum sent a pine scented ornament), we listen to Christmas Hymns in the car, and I'm drinking hot chocolate from the States every day now! It feels really weird to be caroling in the heat, but I think I won't mind a Christmas barbecue on the beach.

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful snow, because I do really miss it!

Much love from New Zealand,
Sister Kennedy