December

12/1/19

Kia Ora,
Had a very snowy Thanksgiving day did very little work which is not good cause I need to save up for NZ. And christmas gifts etc…. Ended up at Uncle Scott’s cause of the snow the night before and so we had a very quiet Thanksgiving with just the traditional foods. At least I didn’t come home with allergies!!! Then on the same day Gracie and Maya got dropped off for sleepovers lol The next day was worse and I took the kids to the movies to see ‘Frozen 2’, the snow was a blizzard and I couldn’t get up the hill from getting Kage, Dray and Jonah I had to drive right around winco back upto Redwood rd and the kids were 10mins late but still made it before the movie started! Your Aunty Liz msgd us your photo with her, we were in sacrament at the time.
Dad and I are as happy and in love as can be, we love you kids and are so proud of you. Keep up the good work.
Love Mum and Dad! xxx

Hello Mina,
Not much happened this week for me. Work is getting busier this time of year. Delivering in the snow has been pretty miserable. School is almost over soon and I’ll have a short break so that’ll be pretty nice. This week on Friday I’m going on a double date with Quinn, I’m pretty excited for that. I’ll be going with a girl I met on my mission in my first area. I don’t know if you remember the picture but I was standing with the Bishop and three of his daughters. Her name is Emma Smith haha. Anyways we’re going downtown to see the lights. I set up Quinn with Emma’s friend who I also met on the mission.I hope you are enjoying the holidays and staying safe.
Love you! Tyrell Wihongi XOXO

Hello Mina,
Erana and I had piano on Tuesday. Erana and I slept over at Kage’s on Wednesday. We had Thanksgiving at Kage’s house with only us and Kage’s family because there was a blizzard and no one wanted to go to Aunty Tania’s. Jonah, Maya, and Gracie were the only far away cousins that came for Thanksgiving, but they came late at night. Erana, Maya, and Gracie went home for a sleepover. Jonah and I slept over at Kage’s. On Friday, Kage, Jonah, Dray, Gracie, Erana, Maya and I went to see Frozen 2 at Regal. We got popcorn and soda. We had our sleepovers again. Yesterday, Jonah and Maya went home. Gracie went home while I was doing my chores. We watched Hobbs & Shaw for our family movie today. I hope you have a great week, stay safe! I LOVE YOU!!!
Love, Leila XOXO

Hello egg,
I had Thanksgiving break this week so I only had 2 days of school. On Tuesday I went on a field trip for Wildlife Biology. We went to a natural history museum. Then on Thursday we had Thanksgiving at Aunty Heathers because it snowed a lot and we couldn’t drive to Aunty Tanias. But the food was delicious. Then on Friday and Saturday I didn’t really do anything. Hope you have a fun and fantastic week.
Love, Jaxon XOXO

Hi Mina,
On Wednesday me and Leila went to Kage and Drays house and we slept over, the next day was thanksgiving but we didn’t go to aunty Tanias cause it was snowing really bad so we had Thanksgiving at aunty Heathers but we were already there so we played video games the whole day until mom and dad came with the food later on mom and me had to pick up Gracie cause she was sleeping over but when we got back we didn’t know that Maya was at aunty Heathers so Maya slept over to.
Love Erana xoxoXoXoxOxO

12/8/19

Kia Ora!

Worked a lot and then on Thursday went out shopping and tried to buy everything on my Christmas list. Went to Walmart, Ross, dollar tree and target. Also bought gifts online. Tried to get everybody's gifts for Wihongi and Nuku family, neighbors, ministering families and music/dance teachers.  I was very successful, and don’t want to be leaving it to the last minute and be stressed. Because we’re coming to NZ kids got to choose 3 things they want for Christmas.  But Tyrell hasn’t given me a list yet, and the girls want a kitten I said we can look for one when we get home. Dad says they can get one if it’s a ‘siberian’, but those cost around $1000, and so that won’t happen but I’m still thinking we should get a ‘russian blue’ hopefully with green eyes. 

Went to see the lights friday night it was warm but foggy, and it was just us and the girls. We ate dinner at the food court, Erana got curry, Leila philly steak sandwich and fries and dad and I shared chinese. We were saying how the two younger girls are spoilt compared to you and Tyrell at their age. The lights were magical and we got a cup of hot cocoa and cookies. Did not bump into Tyrell and his date.  Saturday went late to our Christmas ward party and there was no more bacon - sad! Note to self next year show up before 10am!lol Had photos with Santa just us and the girls :( Dad took Leila to her bball game they got thrashed. And I took her to her show downtown ‘Grand America’ in the evening for Tausala, they did awesome Birdie and Nive were in charge and then we were allowed to eat their yummy food. Ordered a new Cmas tree but it didn’t come got lost so maybe next year it will show up! Lmk what your want us to bring you besides poi’s, more airheads? Well keep up the good work. 

Love you Mum and Dad xxx

Hello Mina,

Erana and I had piano practice on Tuesday. On Wednesday, for our YW activity, we went downtown to see the giving machine and to watch some lds films. We then looked at the lights at temple square. Erana and I had Tausala practice on Thursday. Mom got us McDonald’s burgers. Dad, Mom, Erana, and I went to temple square on Friday to see the lights and look around the mall. We had hot cocoa and cookies. Yesterday, we went to the ward Christmas breakfast party. I had my basketball game afterwards and we lost and I didn’t make any points. Tyrell brought home pizza and Mom and I went downtown to Grand America because I was performing with the Advanced Tausala group. We watched Star Wars for our family movie, I don’t care which one it was. I hope you have a great week, stay safe! I LOVE YOU!!!

Love, Leila XOXO

Hello egg,

I stayed at Jess’ house on Friday to watch the Utes play Oregon, they lost. It was very foggy outside, just a few yards away from Jess’ house and you couldn’t see the cars parked there lol. It was pretty cool. Then on Saturday I went to City Creek with Jess and Thayden and walked around. That’s all that happened this week so hope you have a fun week. 

Love, Jaxon XOXO

Hi Mina,

Jaxon slept over at his friends house and when he came back he was sick.  We went to see the lights down town.  On Saturday we went to the christmas party and saw santa claus with Shauna as the elf.  

Love Erana xoxoXoXoxOxO

Hi Mina,

Work has been crazy this time of year. I’ve been working pretty much all day everyday, so I haven’t really been able to do anything, except for the date that was on Friday. We went to Zupas and than we went downtown. It was super foggy and erie looking, it was kinda cool. We had a lot of fun together. I’m excited to come to New Zealand soon, it’s going to be a really nice break from working so hard lately. Anyways, love you hope all is well! 

Tyrell Wihongi XOXO

 

12/15/19

Hello Mina,

Erana and I had piano lessons on Tuesday. I had a meeting with the bishop before YW on Wednesday. YW was class activities at Sister Moutsos’s house and we decorated cookies and then gave them to Zaylie Newkirk and Makayda Rammell. The Leonard’s took the rest since Olivia Leonard is going to be the new 14-15 year old President. Erana and I had Tausala on Thursday. Mom, Erana, and I went shopping on Friday at Dollar Tree and Ross to get gifts for our assigned family person. Yesterday, we went to Laione Built Fitness in the morning because there was a ‘party’ and we ate there. Afterwards was my basketball game and I got us 5 points. I made a 2-pointer and a 3-pointer. I also stole the ball sometimes. We won. I got a participation certificate and a cookie. Mom and I went to a friend from Tausala’s house to get some poly merch. Today, I gave a talk about family in Sacrament Meeting and did great. It is Alema Masina’s birthday today and he brought cupcakes and I had an eggnog cupcake that was filled. I never knew there were filled cupcakes. After church, we had to get our new callings and stuff. I’m the 1st counselor for the YW 14-15 year old class. We watched How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World for our family movie. I hope you have a great week, stay safe! I LOVE YOU!!!

Love, Leila XOXO

12/22/19

Hello Mina,

Erana and I had piano on Tuesday. For YW on Wednesday, we were combined with the YM to give out the bishop’s gifts for ward members. One ward member had us come in and talk and he gave us cuties. Erana and I had Tausala practice on Thursday. Mom and I went shopping on Thursday I think to the World Market and Trader Joes. Yesterday, we went to Jonah’s house for dinner, dessert, and white elephant. I got a belt bag that looks like a man’s belly, it’s gross. Jonah, Kage, and Dray slept over. I’m writing my letter before church so, I hope you have a great week, stay safe! I LOVE YOU!!!

Love, Leila XOXO

Hi Mina,

Mum was busy with gift buying and running around this week. She also worked a lot to get money for her trip. Saturday we had the family Christmas dinner and gift exchange and white elephant. Serina announced her pregnancy.  We all watched the Christ Child before gifts. I was full of food and missed out on some of the food the late comers brought. Auntie Tania came late and brought roast pork and lupulu. We had our 1 hour church Sunday. The Leonard family did a beautiful rendition of the First Noel. Brother Leonard sings really well. Erana slept at Maya’s. Jonah stayed over but he got sick while he was with us. Jaxon and Talia stayed at Teina’s Saturday night. Be patient, supporting and loving to your new companion. You already know how training goes so I know you’ll do a great job. Trust in the Lord always in all the little details of each day.

Love Dad and Mum xxx

 

12/25/19

Flew to San Francisco then to New Zealand....

 

12/29/19

Hi Mina,

Well the house has been quiet the last few days. I dropped them off at the airport Christmas morning at 6:15am. We we're running late because Tyrell was slow. They only had time to get the boarding passes, go through security then get on the plane. I did some cleaning up around the house in the morning then went to eat dinner at Uncle Scott’s around 2:30pm. Uncle Jared’s family are with them for a few days until they move into their new home next week. Jared and Camila made dinner, a pork roast with stuffing inside it, broccoli and mashed sweet potatoes and chocolate pudding for dessert. After dinner I played with Ariki and his presents. He got a wooden crane set in a tool box with actual tools, small ones. I followed the instructions and got him to screw in the screws. He likes playing with his cousins and Uncles and is quite a character. I worked from home the day after Christmas. Friday I went to Ikea to get a few things to add to our room as a surprise for Mum. I was done fixing it up Friday night. Saturday was a bit more cleaning and moving things in the reading nook. The basement entertainment center cabinet thing is in the reading nook. Uncle Jared gave us his. I tend to do more cleaning when the family is gone because I must be a neat freak at heart. When everyone is here I must not do it as much because I want the kids to learn to clean their own stuff. I’ve been eating a lot of leftovers for breakfast and dinner. It’s finally starting to run out. Sunday I stayed for the linger longer after church and ate the food for my dinner. Visited with a few people. Hope you have an enjoyable and successful week ahead. I just thought of something, totally up to you and the promptings you get. Those cousins you met, Henare and Frank, you could share your experience at the MTC where you felt your ancestors’ presence and felt impressed Pere was there. If he was then you know Henare Pere was too, his name sake. If those ancestors are interested in your doings and love you enough to be there for you then I know they feel the same way about them. Bear testimony about the church being true and families being forever through the atonement of the Savior and invite them to make the necessary changes to be closer to Christ. Tell them this is the message I was sent to share with them and that they are loved by their family on both sides of the veil and the Lord. Anyway, it can’t hurt to give that message as you know it’s the same message they would get from their ancestors. But only if you feel good about it.

Love you, Dad and Mum

December New Zealand Photo's

 

 

Leila's Sacrament Talk

Kia Ora everyone, my name is Leila Wihongi and my parents are Jason and Candice. My family name is Wihongi, and the topic I will be speaking on today is family.

From The Family: A Proclamation to the World, it says “All human beings- male and female- are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.” I know this to be true when I think of my Grandma Barbara, the mother of my Dad, who has been a light to everyone she meets. Her divine nature was always showing because she had Christ-like love for others. She knew of the divine and eternal destiny that is possible for families because of the Atonement. She showed me that loving your family is important whether they are living or have passed on as she also did a lot of family history work until Heavenly Father said her work was done. I hope to follow her example.

In For the Strength of Youth, it says to “Join your family in family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evenings.” My family does this mostly everyday, and I know this brings us closer together. After family scripture reading, my Dad asks us questions about the chapter we read so that it could be more meaningful. He also lets us ask questions about the scriptures if we are confused so that he can help us understand the scriptures. We also take turns for family prayer and help each other improve on what we could say in our prayer instead of saying the same prayer over and over. Our families can help us to understand the world around us and teach us right from wrong from their own experiences.

Most of you probably know that my older sister, Wiramina, is serving a mission in Hamilton, New Zealand. She has had many miracles and experiences, and apparently had one recently and told my family about it through an email, it says “So much has happened this week.
The whole Hamilton mission (about 170 of us) got together and stayed at a camp for 2 nights for our Christmas Conference. During a devotional, I finally accepted and got the reason why I am serving here in NZ. From the moment I opened my call, I knew I was sent to New Zealand because of my ancestors and because my roots are here - of course! Well, long story short, guess what the spirit confirmed to me during our Christmas Conference?
"Sister Wihongi, you are here because this is the land of your ancestors."
Is that surprising? Nope. But it brought immense peace in my heart. I guess I always took that reason for granted. But as I pondered on it more and more throughout the devotional, the spirit became stronger and stronger. Most of the people that the missionaries are teaching in this mission are: my family. The "500 baptism goal" is 500 more souls, my family, coming into the fold of our loving Savior. This Christmas Conference had given me more drive, more confidence, more faith in doing the Lord's work. I will not take my name for granted anymore, I will treat everyone with greater love because I have gained more charity from this conference. These people are my family. On my father's and on my mother's side, there has been a strong heritage within the church and I know some stories of my missionary ancestors as well. I have felt their presence & I know they are helping me with the Lord's work. I grieve as I look back on my mission and could have done more, asked for more help, depending on the spirit more. It has made me also want to help my fellow missionaries. I want them to know how important this means to me and Heavenly Father, and how important it should mean to them. I loved being with fellow full time servants of the Lord. You bet I am taking this more seriously.”
It’s a miracle for her to send an email about family after I was given the assignment to talk about family. I guess that’s what sisters are for.

Mina taught me that family is one of the greatest blessings you could ever have. For the Strength of Youth says, “Your family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life.” I can't agree more with that sentence as my family does the same for me.

I’d like to bear my testimony that families are forever and that we can see each other again through Christ’s Atonement. I know this church to be true, i runga i te ingoa o Ihu Karaiti, amine.