Monday, November 4, 2019

Week 11: Unopened gates and one slammed door

Hello everyone,

This week was better than last but I am still feeling very overwhelmed and homesick lol. That has sucked. But its getting better/

Since I didn't really describe Tahiti last email I'll do that now.

It is insanely hot especially in pants. I can't wear shoes -  it's too hot. Sandals are the play. It's humid and sticky too. Hasn't been that bad.

My area is in the mountains so that's pretty. Lots of good views of the ocean and Moorea, another island. The water is nicer than i thought too. Lighter blue. It's beautiful. My area includes the airport though, so i think it's the ugliest area. 

Contacting people is tough cause everyone has a giant fence. We don't knock, we just yell "iorana" (hello) and wait a while. Some people come out, some ignore, some hide. I jump to peak over the fences to try and make eye contact with people to get them to come over. No doors makes things hard. The one apartment area we found is a bit easier. Although, one guy opened, grunted, and slammed the door in our faces. Fun times.

Food here is incredible. Every meal is great. I imagine it's unhealthy though and that's why it tastes so good. We have a dinner every night almost too. One night we didn't and we got steak frits. A member saw us though and paid. So hype. I also didn't have enough money for the groceries I tried to buy, so they gave them all to me for free. Blessings come with the work. That's 50 in food free not including all the dinners and fruit we are given.

I have really learned a lot as a person here and have changed I think. I've been broken, and I'm starting to be rebuilt.  I have truly been humbled here and have had to rely on the Lord through prayers and scriptures. I have learned to appreciate home and family, who i miss every single day. I have really been brought closer to God through these many trials. I've never had trials like these, and I've really grown my testimony and come closer to God through them. 

All I want to do is just hug my family. Appreciate them while they are around lol. I've learned that the hard way.







Mom's note: 

It was so nice to talk to Zach today. It's a highlight of the week, every week! Although he is still struggling with homesickness, he took comfort in the emails and messages that everyone sent. He was overwhelmed with the love and support, so thank you! I love that he is sharing these struggles, and he said it's been hard as the missionaries he is with can't really relate - I guess every person is different, and he (and I ) appreciate all those who have shared their personal struggle stories. 

He has been touched by the kindness of people there (as he mentioned in his letter). (And don't worry - he does have money and access to money but the store didn't take his credit card and he had not been to the bank to take cash out!) 

We have been so touched by a particular family in Tahiti who invites him over regularly and sends us pictures every time. They are always asking how they can help and have been so so kind. There are such good people in this world. 

We had some extra time to chat on messenger and I think it was so helpful to both of us.... 

Here are some additional pictures:








 Reggie? What are you doing in Tahiti????



A little bit of home! 










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