Our Talk Spot: January 2009

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

food, fun and family

A big thanks to all of the sisters who attended the service project and lunch at kakelas for ward conference weekend. Activities like these help us to be united as a Ward Ohana and help us as sisters show our love and fulfill our role and duties as women: to love and nurture, serve and care, to bear one another's burden that they may be light.

thefood

thefun

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The Relief Society Declaration

We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who:

Increase our testimonies of Jesus Christ through prayer and scripture study.

Seek spiritual strength by following the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Dedicate ourselves to strengthening marriages, families, and homes.

Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood.

Delight in service and good works.

Love life and learning.

Stand for truth and righteousness.

Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.

Rejoice in the blessings of the temple, understand our divine destiny, and strive for exaltation.

Our President

MARVEL AFALAVA

I was born in San Pedro, Ca and raised in Hauula, HI. I was always a member all of my life. The gospel in my upbringing at that time I felt that it was forced but now I know they only did it to raise me the best they knew how. I went off track for about almost 15 years, then decided I needed to get back into focus on what was important in my life and my children's life. I needed to build a foundation for my chldren.

I've been married for 14 years, and was with my husband for 12 years before getting married. I met my husband Mitch at BYU-H but I knew him practically all of elementary school. I have 3 teenagers - Samala is 16, the oldest; then Manaia who is 14, the only girl; and Soli who is 12. I love to be around my family a lot, both immediate and in-laws. They all play great roles in my family's life. Especially my parents and grandfather.

I work for a program called Na Kamalei Ko'olau Loa Early Education. This program has brought a lot of learning, stability, and education into my life. I've been there for 4 years, which is the longest job I've had in my life. I can truly say that Heavenly Father answered my prayers when i was brought to Na Kamalei. I have grown a lot from working there, and have accomplished goals that I otherwise wouldn't have.

I bear witness that if you have a sincere heart, be an example, get rid of your past to only look forward, read your scriptures, pray always, attend your church meetings regularly, and serve in your church callings to your fullest capacity, he will be right there walking next to you. He will be there when trials and tribulations arise. He will be there when your failures become successes and you have accomplished your goals. Never give up on people, your children, or even your life. Heavenly Father has given us life. All we do is enjoy it to its fullest by serving Him. Have faith in all that you do in your lives!

Our 1st Counselor

LEILANI NAUTU

I was born in California. My dad grew up in Hawaii so that's where I got my Hawaiian name. I grew up hearing and saying that it meant Heavenly Flower, which I've always thought was funny because neither of my parents are religious. As I served my mission I wrote a story about how my parents' choice to call me Leilani helped me to find the true church and to eventually serve a mission for our Heavenly Father (to Recife, Brazil, and Oakland, California.)

When I was young I spent many a day and many an hour with my paternal grandmother, who I absolutely adored. We would do puzzles, read good books and talk about getting a good education, all of which are now my hobbies! It was because of her that I developed a love of learning. Sometimes I wonder if the reason I can't finish my last degree is because I still want to be connected to her. Both of my parents barely finished high school, and I am the first one in my family to graduate from college.

I am happy to report that my offspring are on their way to being the second generation to graduate from college. I have four children - three of which are in Utah going to college. My oldest are twin girls, sophomores, attending BYU and UVU. My son is a freshman and he is attending BYU. My last one is a sophomore in high school and she keeps me busy at Volleyball games and chasing down computers with printers and all that other stuff we do as parents because we love them.

Out of high school I finished a few years of college and something was calling me to make changes. I came here to go to BYU-H and learn more about my "adopted heritage." I was only here a couple of months and I had caught the "Mission Bug". The day I put in my papers at my Bishop's office I was introduced to my future husband who had only been off his mission less than a week. TALK ABOUT OBSTACLES!!!

When I got back from my mission I started a family and few wonderful things in my life came along. I always wanted to finish school, but I had such a good job and wonderful opportunities that I put that wish aside. Then in answer to forgotten prayers from long ago, they were cutting back at my job and my position was reduced to almost nothing. We lost our house and our dignity, and everything that seemed important at the time. But a window was opened and I enrolled in school to finish my degree. It was hard that first semester and I was ready to quit so many times (I had 4 children under the age of 6.) But I made it through that semester and from there it became easier. Heavenly Father sometimes needs "tough times" to come so he can help you reinvent yourself. If times are tough take advantage of any opportunity you can to further your education - it will pay off for you in so many ways. Even more important, keep up with your learning about the church and His will, because that will keep you closer to your Heavenly Father as he tries to help you make it through the bad times.

Sisters of Hau`ula First Ward I LOVE YOU!!! I am ready to serve you in any way I can. I really look forward to our times together.

Our 2nd Counselor

MICHELLE MALUFAU

I am originally from Hau'ula, moved to California in 1984-1991. I moved back to Hawaii when I married my wonderful and loving husband Feso Malufau Jr. from Laie. We lived in Laie for 15 years where we had great experiences! While in Laie my husband served in the Bishopric in the Laie 7th Ward. We moved to Hau'ula 2 years ago this month, and the best thing about it is that I moved on the street that I was raised on: IMUA PLACE!

I have 2 children. Arrington is 11 years old and in the 6th grade at Hauula Elementary School. He will be receiving his priesthood next month!
Then we have Iakopo who is 2 years old and brings lots of tears and happiness to our lives. I would not trade him for anyone. Iakopo is a special spirit who was sent to us and we love him a lot.

I work for the Ko'olauloa Community Health and Wellness Center at the Hau'ula Shopping Center as an Eligibility Outreach Worker. I have been with them for 2 years, but in our community doing this kind of job for the past 7 years. I help people with their medical insurance and find resources for anyone who needs it. So, if you are needing some kind of help or know someone who could use some help, tell them to contact me during the week and we can talk.

I joined the Church and was baptized on December 29, 1996 by my wonderful husband and received the Holy Ghost from our Bishop at the time, Bro. Fonua Lauaki. I enjoy everything about the gospel! I have a testimony of tithing and the power of prayer. My Heavenly Father answers my prayers daily. I have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation and I am thankful for Him Who Suffered For Us that we may be saved. I am grateful for repentance and how He forgives us as we forgive ourselves. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve you sisters in the Hau'ula 1st Ward!

Our Secretary

STEFANI JORGENSEN

I was born in Texas, and raised in Texas and Utah. My mom's a member but my dad isn't, so the gospel really was a choice for me. It was never something I was forced to live or do.

My husband and I met while we were serving in the Mississippi Jackson Mission ... he was my zone leader. We've been married 3 1/2 years. We moved to Hawaii at the end of 2005 so that I could finish my bachelor's degree in psychology. I did, and now I'm a stay-at-home mom of my two beautiful girls, Adeline and Gweneth. Addi is 2 1/2 and Gwen will be 1 in April. They are my life! I love them more than I knew was possible.

I like sewing, playing at the beach with my little womens, writing and performing music, photography, hiking, writing (with words), and painting. And I also really get a kick out of organizing stuff. I know ... weird. Something interesting about me is I used to have a band. We performed a few insignificant gigs at pizza parlors and on campus, and did a live show on a radio station. All of our songs were original, written and composed by me. All in all I've written nearly 3-dozen songs. Oh, and I teach piano lessons if anybody wants to learn (or wants their kids to learn).

The strength of my testimony of this Gospel comes from the Book of Mormon and the organization of the Church. I know that the true Gospel of Christ is taught in this Church. I know that the Book of Mormon contains God's words and that it is the most direct way to draw closer to God. There is power in the Book of Mormon. Reading it everyday, both as a family and individually, is the key to happiness and success in this gospel ... in this life. One of our family mottos is "Read and Feed". Read the scriptures, Feed His sheep. That's what the organization of the Church is here for - the feeding. It is established to perfect the saints, proclaim the gospel, and redeem the dead. It is our duty to fulfill these goals - Christ's goals! We are His army, His frontline in both offense and defense. To defend ourselves and the world against Satan and to go out there and proclaim truth. I know that we have something precious in this Gospel - we have truth. Whole, unadulterated, eternal Truth.

Sisters, I am grateful and honored to be serving as your secretary. Thank you, thank you for this opportunity to get to know each of you better!

Our Talk Spot

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

food, fun and family

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