Arrival in Santo

Halo Family and Friends!!!

Olsem Wanem? I'm here in Vanuatu and still alive! I'm doing well! But boy, has this week been a journey! The first day here was wonderful! We arrived in Port Vila, all 15 of us missionaries, on Tuesday after a very long flight! I traveled from Salt Lake with 5 elders and then 8 other missionaries were on our flight from NZ to Port Vila.  We were greeted by President Brewer and the AP missionaries. Let me just say, walking off the plane in Vila was incredible! It felt amazing and was so beautiful. SO green! Now, the weather is super hot but its all good! Its paradise. Anyway, we went to president's house that evening where we met Sis. Brewer. She is so wonderful! I love her. They fed us a wonderful meal and President talked to us. Then off to bed for the next day where we would fly out to our areas! I packed my 1 suitcase I would take and flew out to Santo with my new Comp., Sister Schuster! She is wonderful. She has helped me so much and she is so kind. She is Samoan from New Zealand. She has about 3 months left on the mission. She's a wonderful trainer. 

I had a rough first few weeks. I began missing home and was just not feeling like I should be here. I felt so out of place and knew I must learn a new language. I really wanted to be home. But with her advise and help and relying so heavily on prayer, i knew I could do this. I needed to forget myself and go to work. This isn't about me, its about helping others come unto Christ. Through Him, all things are possible, so I know I can do this :) 

The second day here, we went out proselyting. I was able to bare my testimony in Bislama to those we met! It was great. 

And those sandals we got mom, they  gave me terrible blisters... My feet have swelled up so they don't fit the same. But my other shoes are good. Ill have to find some cheap sandals here. That's what everyone wears. 

The people here are wonderful! They are so kind. They ALL smile and say halo! Here in Santo, its almost like Vila. There are shops and almost a city feel down town. Where the people live is not as nice though. The people are always outside! I guess on the outer islands, or "bush", is where you see the third world feel a lot more.

So I live in an apartment... So different from what I expected! Electricity, running water, fridge. Pretty much everything we need. It gets super hot though. At night, I only sleep with a sheet. Sometimes nothing though. Ew, there is a huge spider here that make webs up high in the trees! They don't come down and bother people though. I haven't seen spiders other than that! So we're good :)

Saturday we had a branch picnic. It was so fun! We drove down to a beach front. The water is beautiful! I wanted to swim! But it was fun watching all the pikininis (children) swim and play in the water! We also got to play volleyball!! I hope you're happy to hear that mom! IT was so fun! They are a blast to play with; laughing and just having a good time! I wish i could understand them though. That's my only issue. There was also a festival this night and we watched the native dance! Haha like on YouTube! I got video :)

Sunday at church they had me bare my testimony.. It was good but I was so nervous! The people just smiled at me and i could feel their love! They are the greatest people. I love them! After church, we went to an investigators house for lunch. Her name is Shalom. She fed us a really good meal, including FISH!! Haha my first fish out here! And I liked it!! It wasn't bad at all. Not fishy. It was the whole fish just without the head. So i know i can eat fish! Anyway, Shalom is wonderful. She seems so prepared to hear the gospel. She has faith and knows this church is true. Sister Schuster wants me to invite her to be baptized this week!! Hope that goes well :)

DAD!!!! Happy birthday! Wish I could be there with you all to celebrate! But have fun! I got to celebrate your b day before you did :) I have been thinking about you for a few days and hope you enjoy your day. I love you and happy birthday!! I wrote you a letter so it should get there in about a week now..

I miss you all so much! Thanks to everyone that wrote! If I don't get back to you today, I will next week or write you a letter. Just know I love you!! And send lots of pics, I love them!! Kaden and nieces and nephew, draw lots of pictures for me!! I hang them on my wall and LOVE them! :)

I love you all SO much! I pray for you everyday and have felt your prayers as well. They help so much! I know missionary work is so important and I'm grateful to be out here. I know the Lord answers our prayers when we come to Him in faith and with a sincere heart. He has blessed me tumas! I love Him and I love you!! Stay safe. Mi lavem yufala evriwan!!

With much love, Sista Alfin