July 2

Met with President Sefeti to discuss the institute problems.  We must have been too excited, or too American, or something when we talked, because within 10 minutes after he departure, President Seru, who is using the institute for his office came to visit us.  I was so glad he did.  He is a wise leader, and wants what is best for all, but also wanted to make sure we knew that he couldn't go backwards (to no stake offices).  He needs a place to hold interview, and meetings.   We agreed.  I think he felt better when we told him that we thought we could help the YSA and be out of the building around 5.  That works for him.  He has the cutest sense of humor.

Speaking of sense of humor.  These Fijians love a good laugh, indeed, they are always laughing.  It has always been a joke in our family that I am never funny.  I say things I think are really funny but no one ever laughs.  However, in Fiji they all think I am pretty funny.  It is nice to get a laugh once in a while.

I am preparing for my lesson on Wednesday.  Did I say that I had been asked to teach for the Suva North Stake Institute? I have the Preparing for Marriage class.  I am sure no one will sign up for it, or at the most the class will be filled with girls.  I am not too excited about this first lesson, because I can't find a way to make it fun, spiritual, and follow the lesson plan.  I am crossing my fingers.

We will meet with the Samabula YSA and the kids from the U.S. who are here for FHE.  

Between work and FHE I did a batch of laundry and tried to clean the slats in the doors to our built in closet/dresser.  Impossible.  One hour and the top half of mine still did not look good.  Grrr.  Our washing machine is so cute.  Little.  About half the size of the one at home.  No hot water.  But it does run for a long time.  The dryer is about the same size.  I had a hard time getting the dryer started.  I turned the knob to the time I wanted (only options are time and cool, warm, or hot) then tried to pull the knob out.  Wouldn't come out.  Tried to push it in.  Nope.  Looked for another knob, or a button, anything.  There was nothing on the top of the dryer but the time/heat knob.  I finally just left it.  Later I told Scott that the machine must be broken.  He offered to look.  He spent about 5 minutes and then I heard the dryer start.  "How did you do that?" He laughed and pointed.  Down on the door in the middle of the handle is a rectangular button that I had been using to open the door.  Not necessary.  Once the door is closed, one pushes the button and the dryer starts.  What a great reminder that I am in a country with different ideas, and ways.