Sept 2, 2012 Here at the end of all things....

KIA ORA!!! For one last time in Aotearoa!!! :):):) Before anything else.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!!!!!!! :) well.... This is it!!! Can't believe we're here at the end!! What an absolute joy it has been to be in the Lord's service!!! I just can't believe it's over!! It still has not hit me yet!!! haha Well I hope you are all doing incredible as always and that everyone is all happy and dandy and such!!! How bout I tell ya about our week? Twas a very good one!! :) Monday was fun! Went and played ball with the other Elders down at Sunset chapel. Always good hittin the hardwood and ballin it up! Good pday it was and that evening we had a FHE with a family in our ward from Scotland, the Young's. They are so hilarious!! Oh my goodness!! It was one of the funnest family home evenings I have been to on my mission!! So that was really good!!! :) That tuesday was the usual district meeting! President Lekias showed up randomly to our meeting so that was really fun!! Went on a trade off with Elder Lokotui that day and guess what? More miracles!!! I stayed in our area with him and we committed two more people for baptism right after I leave!! One named Tamsyn and our sweetheart Japanese investigator named Kea!! Her lessons are so much fun she doesn't speak a lick of English so we have had translators in there with us! She's so special!! :) Super excited for her!! It was a really fun trade off! Except we went through even more trials with ET who was to be baptized that weekend and married and daughter blessed all that jazz!! He finally announced it to all of his family over in South Africa of what he was to do. They freaked and mocked and persecuted him like crazy.. So he had a really hard time getting through all that. We know it was a device of Satan's trying to hedge up his way right before the ordinance were performed.. We almost lost him. It got to such a point that he stopped it all. Amazing to see how Satan was working to do such a thing at the peak of my service as well. But as always, light always prevails over darkness:) He overcame, got many more spiritual confirmations and reassurances and continued onward:) That was one of those moments in that lesson and the many phone calls following where I was being tested very much so.. Pushed in the corner and my faith was tried.. But God always fulfills his promises if we are faithful and thus it was with ET:) Next day ET was interviewed and all was good for the upcoming weekend!! He overcame all concerns and was even more determined than before!!:) What a miracle it was by the Lord's hands. Nothing of our own that was all him!! Investigators like ET and his family make it all worth it.. The ones you work very hard for are so special. Not only because of the satisfaction of them taking that step and making that beautiful change. But also how you come to love them as you work with them. If you have not Charity you are nothing! That's true!! If we did not build the relationship we had with him and his family and that trust. He would have been gone. Amazing to see what Love can do:) That weekend was so special!! The dream came true!!! They were married, baptized and all that good stuff!!! They both were very emotional throughout as well! It was so special!! A beautiful gift from a loving Father in Heaven on my last weekend as a full-time servant in paradise.. It all went so great!! The ward helped out heaps and supported it like crazy!! The chapel was decorated hard-out and there was a massive feed after! The whole ward was there and heaps of their family as well!! It was so special!! SO SO much fun!!! :) After they were married by bishop we went to the font where I was honored to baptize my dear brother and friend. My last one... I got super emotional at that point!! After we embraced in the font he was pretty emotional as well. He was so prepared and ready.. When I went to the changing room like after most baptisms I fell to my knees and prayed. Emotions overtook me.. How grateful I am for the Lord allowing me to do this work and qualifying me to do as such as well.. How I love this work and church.. After that they had their little celebration in the hall with the feed!! To much fun!!! :) What a special weekend it was!! It got even better on Sunday!! His confirmation was so great!! That's when it really hit him:) As we sat in the congregation after it was performed he literally, not overexagerating, cried almost the whole hour!!! haha :) He was feeling the spirit so strongly and was full of love!!! He is the man and is loving it so much!! The Torbay ward is so good and has made him the center of attention! Just one big family and ET is so happy to be a part of it with his beautiful family!!! :) After many goodbyes from members that in this short time I've come to love dearly which was hard enough to say goodbye we than had our last lesson with ET and his family.. But I'll be seein him soon with the parents for sure!! But it was still tough that I'll soon perhaps never see them again..:( Ah it's gonna be hard to say goodbye to all these people I have to come to love quite dearly!! After that we had the "Last Supper" with the Ward Mission Leader Bro Rapata and his family!! One of my all-time favorites!!! That was so much fun and sealed everything off nicely!! How I love that family so so much as well!!! :) What a great last week it was... I Love this work and my Savior with all my heart... I'll forever be grateful for him calling me to serve my brothers and sisters out here in the Pacific among New Zealand and the Islands. I will never forget my memories and experiences out here in his vineyard.. How grateful I am that he has labored alongside me each and every day.. He has supported and sustained me all throughout. Without him none of these miracles could have taken place, not only in others lives but in my own.. Upon my soul and heart.. What he has done for me is past my comprehension.. But I have felt it and know it's real.. He is our Saviour and Redeemer.. Heavenly Father does indeed love us all individually infinitely and eternally... He has a perfect plan and I am so thankful I was able to show that plan to my brothers and sisters and to stand as a witness that his one true church has been restored in it's fullness upon the Earth... Now we have hope, and we can forever hold onto that hope for the eternities.. As a representative of Jesus Christ I have labored for him and his divine purpose... I am yet another witness that testifies with all surety of his heart that this work and church is true... God lives and speaks.. He is the same God yesterday, today and forever and is unfolding his purposes as in times of old and will continue to do so.. He has not forsaken us and he wants all of his children to return back home.. It's up to us to be his instruments to fulfill that work and calling.. Come join the ranks! How great shall be our joy as we bring others to Christ... I love you all very much and want to thank you all for your support, encouragement, prayers, and sacrifices in my behalf.. Before the mission in preparation and all throughout.. I have felt them and am eternally grateful for your love..It has not gone unnoticed trust me.. May God be with you all and may the Redeeming light and Grace of our Saviour Jesus Christ continue to touch your hearts and lead you is my prayer.. In the name of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ, Amen...

August 26, 2012 Kia Ora!!!!

Kia Ora Whanau!!! :) How is everyone?!?! I hope absolutely fantastico!! I can definantely say that I am!!! The Lord has been blessing us abundantly it's unreal!! Oh my goodness how I love this work and life!! Sorry I'm just pumped right now! And you might say ah that's cuz the bro is trunky and he's excited to come home! But not even!! Just looking back at the mission, the experiences and the memories.. I think I have tasted a sample of a "fulness of joy".. I'll forever be eternally grateful for this sacred opportunity and privilege I had to be in his service... How I love this work and how I love the Savior whom I serve.. I do not want to part this chapter of my life and the people I so love.. But I must move on.. It's a part of life! :( I'm looking forward to seeing you all soon! Just warnin ya i'm not as dashing as I once was! haha :) But nonetheless I would hopefully say that I am the new and improved Elder Devey!! :) Hopefully I make ya'll proud! Don't wanna dissapoint! So may I tell ya of the week and the happenings thereof? Alright I'll get into it don't you fret!! So last monday guess what we did?! Well just the two of us so we went and kicked it at a nearby beach! Where we live and the area we conver is on a peninsula out in the ocean so there is beach everywhere! That'll be weird bout comin home! Some of my areas especially Niue I could see or hear ocean at all times! Soon that will be no longer! haha but anyways so we took heaps of pics and videos and all that good stuff:) The night was quite decent had some lessons and all that good stuff! Tuesday was really good!! We went on a quick tradeoff with the Assistants! My first son Elder Espino came with me and we went to a couple of lessons. That was super fun! Wow he has grown so much! Everyone wants their son to succeed past them! haha That's my boy!! He shared some comments with me and thoughts that meant a lot.. About when we served together and things we learned from eachother. He said some very sweet things in regards to how I helped him and the effect I have had on his service. It meant a great deal to me.. How I love Elder Espino!! I've loved all my companions so so much each and every one has been so incredible and I'll forever be grateful for laboring with these choice servants of the Lord:) So that was a great little tender mercy from the Lord on Tuesday! It was fun savin souls with him just like in the old days!! Some members that night brought us a new couch for the flat which we love and adore!! lol This area is so beautiful! I know I say that about all of my areas but it is!! And the members are as well!! I've really loved serving in this area and it's amazing how the Lord has provided for us.. It has been ALL him and his spirit and it's amazing to see the miracles that have taken place over this last transfer!! On Wednesday we had a Missionwide conference!! Back to my roots in Redoubt Rd Stake Centre in South Auckland, Manurewa!! :) My very first chapel and area! So that was special and also because the ENTIRE mission got to get together and that would be the last time I'd see mostly all of them... At the conference Elder Christiansen of the Presidency of the Seventy was in attendance with his wife. Also Elder Pearson of the Area Presidency over the Pacific and his lovely wife. Many others and all the senior couples and all of the missionaries. It was so great and so special. Great opportunity especially here towards the end of my service. That was a lot of fun and the spirit was so strong.. Just like at transfers as we were singing "Called to Serve" as a mission the emotions could not be withheld. I realized that'd be the last time I'd sing that beautiful song with the great NZAM... It broke my heart!! I was basically bawling as we were all standing and singing.. Missionaries were probably like what's up with this Elder?! haha :) Na they know me better than that!! So it was really hard saying goodbye to those whom I have come to love... Devestating!!! I hate goodbyes!! I'm a wimp when it comes to such!! Things are gonna just keep getting harder from here on now.. Buckle up!! :) So that was a wonderful day!! Turns out my last trade off ill ever have to go on started that night with our Zone Leaders!! It was super fun!! I worked him to the ground that's for sure!! haha just kidding! We did work very had and witnessed even more miracles!! So it twas quite enjoyable!! We done quite a lot of service this week! Moved two families and moving is a pain I tells ya!!! But they very much so appreciated it!! Partmember families and less-actives so it was super good!! And a lot of fun as well!! I love doin service!! No better way to softening hearts and being like Christ!! :) Already within this area though it has been a short amount of time I have come to love the peeps here very much as well!!! :) The people we are teaching are incredible and so amazing!! And the converts that are coming in are awesome as well!! From where it was when we came in to where it is now it's incredible!! :) Oh the miracles I tells ya!! Oh ya it was my birthday this last week!!!! :) I'm now 21!! Which is a big deal in NZ!! ha So it was fun!! I didn't tell to many people though!! That's when we moved one fam! They had us over that night as well for dinner(fishnchips) and cake!! So it was mean as!! :) That's bout it for my bday though!! It was really fun!! Nothin better than serving the Lord on your bday!! Got quite a few calls from missionaries and others wishin happy bday though which was fun!! Though some of em were disobedient:) haha President and his wife called and sang to me! Than the assistants and president sang again later!! Than some missionaries I'm super close to from other areas called and sang with their comps haha! :) So those were all nice surprises:) Than on Saturday my bday weekend guess what?!! We saved a soul!! I realized on all my bday weekends of the mission I've had baptisms and also Christmas and the Eves as well!! So those have been huge blessings!! :) Alred Tuiaki was baptized!!! :) Our tongan uso!! It was fun!!! :) Nothin better than savin souls!!! :) It was a really special baptism he's the man!!! Later that day we saw Et Low whose lookin awesome for the 1st!!! It's still on for them gettin married, baby blessed and baptized all on one day!!!!! :) They're so excited as well it's incredible!!!! They're such a miracle!!! :) I love em heaps!!! The ward has been awesome with it as well!! He's the center of attention for everyone the relief society has organized so much for it and same with the priesthood it's gonna be a pretty big deal can't wait!!! Gonna be a miraculous last weekend!!! What a blessing it has been for these last 3 weekends to have a baptism each one.. Even with the tough as area!! The Lord is so merciful!! And the 4th weekend the very last one in NZ on the 8th my parents with I get to go witness the sealing of Junior and Allison for my last weekend here.. How amazing is that!!!!?? :) I love this work so much!!!!! :) On Sunday it was really fun!! Got to give my last talk!!! :) The whole sacrament meeting was a missionary themed sacrament meeting and it was really special getting to speak in front of the people... An experience and a feeling I'll never forget..:) It's amazing to see the changes in that ward.. Going from not having a baptism for 2 years to 2 these last 2 weekends!! They're all pumped about it!! The Spirit is workin and everyone has caught the fire and are contributing so much!! So that's been heaps of fun!!!! :) The bishop got up and even talked about that same change! OUur WML there is incredible!! Bro. Rapata I contribute all of it to him and the Lord!! The works rollin!! :) Yeeehaw!!!! So ya most of our attention has been to that ward! We saw the challenge, accepted it and have worked our tails off and the Lord has provided as he always does:) So Super fun Sunday and than Elder Luamanuvae got to do his first confirmation which was very special:) So wonderful birthday weekend!! Yay!!! Things are going wonderful here and looking forward to this last weekend that's gonna be super busy and fun!! Can't wait!! I miss you all and love you all so so much!!!! :) May God continue to watch over and bless you all!!! I LOVE YOU!!!! :) Love Elder Devey

August 19, 2012 Kia Ora, Kia Ora!!

What up everyone?! :) Oh my goodness!!! It's gettin close ya'll! you're all probably pumped to see the new and improved Parker man! Hopefully i don't dissapoint! I remember always seein missionaries come home and it was a black and white difference! They grow so much! So hopefully you guys like the new version! I tried! :) haha but I'm still the same goofball i've always been! I think i've just learned some very important lessons that have changed my outlook on life completely! Not that I'm thinkin of comin home or anything! But it is kinda closer than i realize.. It's finally hitting me I've noticed.. But not really? Feels like home is SOOO far away and almost like a dream, like it never happened and I've been here my whole life it's really weird. And I'm pretty sure that soon the mission will seem like the dream which is a sad thought... People here are always talking about it and sayin such things! Freakin me out! :( I miss the Whanau(family) and can't wait to be reunited more than anything!! But also.. There's so many things about New Zealand and about the people that I so do not want to leave.. It tears at my heart the even thought of it.. Lately there has been a few times lately where I have just started bawling out of nowhere just by the slight thought of not seeing these people again or not having these incredible experiences.. It's going to be hard.. But this day had to come! I gotta keep going!! I'm so thankful for everyone's support and love from back home.. I have felt it and am so grateful for your prayers. I'll forever be grateful! :) I love you all so much!!! So let me tell ya of the work and what's happenin in this part of the vineyard! Well.. Miracles of course!! No doubt bout that!! :) So last pday was actually pretty enjoyable! We drove on down to play some ball with our district! Elder Dyumthi one of my all time favorites is in our district so it was super fun kickin it with him! He's hilarious!! :) Another one that it's gonna be hard to part ways with! But anyways so it was a good pday! Came back and had a FHE with a family in Torbay! Always good stuff the members in these wards are HILARIOUS!! It's been way fun!! :) On Tuesday we had Zone Conference! President has been super funny lately! You can see how much he has loosened up especially with me cause it's gettin close! He's like this is your last one isn't it? I was like President how darest thou?! And he just laughed and hugged me and told me to keep on keepin on as always!! He's such a wonderful man:) So zone conference was good! Good to be with all the missionaries as always!! :) We've been havin heaps of lessons with our main man ET!! :) More miracles with this guy!! So it's all planned out that it will happen on the 1st of September my last weekend. At 430 he will have his baby blessed, they'll get married, and he asked me to baptize him!! :) So we're pretty pumped about that!! Great last Saturday that will be!! :) Pretty exciting stuff!!! He's the man he's been eating it all up!! He loves it and it's amazing to see the changes that have been happening with him! He came to a activity that we had and enjoyed himself maybe too much! haha and he also came with us to a missionary fireside last night which was a really good experience as well!! :) So we're excited for him and his family and are really looking forward to that! Our bappy supposed to be happenin this weekend with our Tongan Alfred we gave him over to the Tongan missionaries. It will be a better situation for him! He's got mates there and speaks better tongan so off we sent him!! :) God speed Alfred!! um.. what else durin the week? Oh!! That Japanese girl named Kea that I told you about that came to church and was a pure miracle!! So we've been teachin her and we have an RM that speaks japanese with us to translate. They've been the funniest lessons! She's an absolute sweetheart!! She's keen as!! Just doesn't speak a lick of English!! But that's all good cause we learn by the Spirit and she's super receptive!! Some members are bringin to our flat some couches and things tommorrow so I'm pretty ecstatic about that! :) Ya than the Minute to Winit activity on Friday was a lot of fun! We got quite a few investigators there and they all really enjoyed it so that was good!! Than Saturday we had baptism day!! Elder Luamanuvae's first!! :) What a great experience that was! She's amazing! Her name is Dinah and she's Maori, she's 50 years old. Elder and Sister Nelson who are senior couple missionaries played a great role in it. She lives up in Warkworth but there is no font up there so they came all the way down to Hibuscus. We got everything set up and it was incredible! Heaps of her Whanau came and it was a very spiritually uplifting experience for all in attendance. Elder and Sister Nelson go home tommorrow and it was a wonderful mission ending event for them. Elder Nelson baptized her. I've drawn really close to both of them throughout their missions and love them very much! So it's tough to see them go as well!! :( On Sunday they picked us up and took us to Warkworth branch for the confirmation. Of course me and my comp both gave talks! As is custom first time missionaries come. The branch is TINY!! Smaller than my Niue branches!! It's a little rented out building with like only 12-15 people who come. So we blessed the sacrament, gave talks all that jazz! :) It was fun and the confirmation was very good as well!! We saved another soul!!! :) Whoooo!! It was fun driving back with the Nelsons! They're all about home now just talkin it up! and Elder Nelson is like don't distract Elder Devey! and than she's like he's basically going with us he needs to think of these things! So that was fun!! Beautiful drive as well, just such a gorgeous country!! :) Um... besides that?! Just workin to the end!!! :) I love you all heaps and hope you have a great week!!! Can't wait to see you all soon!!!! LOVE YOU!!!! Love Elder Devey