Got an answer to some questions I have had for months. It came in that time between half wakefulness and sleep that happens in the early morning. I am so grateful. It has changed everything. I feel as if I have been Atlas and someone has removed the weight of the world off my shoulders. I have heard the whisperings of the Spirit and I can do what I need to do. After having been a parent I am amazed that Heavenly Father was kind enough not to say, "I already told you. Didn't you hear what I said." He did not say that; He just said read your patriarchal blessing again, and while you are at it, reread your setting apart blessing.
I am so grateful that although the words are the exact same, patriarchal blessings read differently at each stage of life. I am grateful that mine is as pertinent today as it was when I was 22.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
January 24
Today was a normal Thursday; Scott taught Mission Prep at 10, the YSAs played in the institute until 1p.m., we met at the temple at 5:30 for baptisms and at 6 o'clock for the endowment session. We had 12 doing baptisms and five in the session. At about 5:40 I asked Scott in the presence of President Davis if he wanted me to stay in the font area or go to a session. President suggested that Scott attend the session with me as our YSA priesthood holders could handle the baptisms. He ended his suggestions with, "You will probably be the witness couple." I knew better, because two senior couples were already in the session as were two Fijian couples.
Two wonderful YSAs were standing outside the booth as I walked up. They offered to let me go first. I gratefully declined with "I love sitting in the back of the room." I was in fact the last women to enter the session. I looked for my YSA friends and sure enough they were near the back. I watched them grin as I walked back towards them and then I heard a voice say, "Sister Tennis." It was Scott sitting in the first seat on the first row. RATS! The two YSAs laughed and laughed at me. Nice to be the comic relief for someone. It was a wonderful session and I was glad to serve.
We took the two YSAs to dinner after at McDonalds. I appreciate that McDonalds is here as it saves me cooking a meal late at night many nights during the month, but I think that I will never again eat there when we get home. We had a great time getting to know these two fabulous women as we talked and ate. Isn't it amazing that besides filling stomaches food loosens tongues.
January 23
I love young adults. Last week for the Preparing For Eternal Marriage class I had 31 students. This week I had 28, but of that 28 one third were not in attendance this week. I worry about continuity, and getting the big picture. We had fun with the lesson and some really spiritual moments for which I am grateful.
I am giving them assignments each week that hopefully will get them moving toward a temple marriage. Last week they were to pray twice a day asking Heavenly Father to help them find the right person to marry, or perhaps to get themselves ready for an eternal marriage. This week's assignment was to get to the temple with the same request in their hearts.
I had them turn in what they were asking Heavenly Father with no name on the paper. I cried when I read their prayers. There is nowhere in the world with more deeply spiritual young adults than Fiji. What a blessing it is to be in their midst.
I am giving them assignments each week that hopefully will get them moving toward a temple marriage. Last week they were to pray twice a day asking Heavenly Father to help them find the right person to marry, or perhaps to get themselves ready for an eternal marriage. This week's assignment was to get to the temple with the same request in their hearts.
I had them turn in what they were asking Heavenly Father with no name on the paper. I cried when I read their prayers. There is nowhere in the world with more deeply spiritual young adults than Fiji. What a blessing it is to be in their midst.
January 22
I am not happy with the way my lesson went tonight. I spent too much time on background information, but these Fijian young adults simply do not know the history of our church. How does one learn the lessons of the 116 pages without understanding the relationship between Martin Harris and Joseph Smith and to a lesser degree the relationship between Martin Harris and his wife and family? Because I spent time there, I did not have enough time to cover the gospel principles we learn from this episode.
I was so worried about getting everything in, I did not feel the spirit. I am not sure whether they did or not. I simply can not teach with out the help of the Holy Ghost. I think I am having a spiritual identity crisis.
I was so worried about getting everything in, I did not feel the spirit. I am not sure whether they did or not. I simply can not teach with out the help of the Holy Ghost. I think I am having a spiritual identity crisis.
January 21
Spent the day working on lessons. This week I teach the third and fourth lessons in the institute manual for the Doctrine and Covenants which cover sections 3,5,10,and 17. How does one teach for 45 minutes and do justice to all of that?
We decided we needed a breather, so we went to an early dinner and a movie with the Hogges and the Wellses. We saw Family Connection with Bette Midlar and Billy Crystal. I laughed until I cried. I identified with Billy Crystal's character who finds himself out of his job and stumbles and bumbles around trying to figure it all out. Unlike the character who just modifies what he has always done, I find I do not want to just modify myself here in the mission field, but change in significant ways. I think I remember one of my daughters who served a mission say that all her flaws were magnified on her mission. I know exactly what she meant, however, I do not think they are magnified I think that on a mission we just become more aware of our flaws and have a greater desire to be rid of them. See even when I am supposed to be entertained my thoughts and desires are focused.
We decided we needed a breather, so we went to an early dinner and a movie with the Hogges and the Wellses. We saw Family Connection with Bette Midlar and Billy Crystal. I laughed until I cried. I identified with Billy Crystal's character who finds himself out of his job and stumbles and bumbles around trying to figure it all out. Unlike the character who just modifies what he has always done, I find I do not want to just modify myself here in the mission field, but change in significant ways. I think I remember one of my daughters who served a mission say that all her flaws were magnified on her mission. I know exactly what she meant, however, I do not think they are magnified I think that on a mission we just become more aware of our flaws and have a greater desire to be rid of them. See even when I am supposed to be entertained my thoughts and desires are focused.
January 20
We went to the Samabula 2nd Ward's sacrament meeting as we wanted to support Mereani. Elder Hawk, one of the APs confirmed her. After we attended the confirmation, we made all our own meetings.
We had the Wellses, Whitings, and the Whiteheads to dinner today at 5:30. I made beef stroganoff (noodles). Beef in Fiji is pretty tough, and the butchers are not very good at getting out all the gristly stuff. however putting cubed beef in a crockpot for about 10 hours fixes the problem. They brought salads and dessert. I supplied grapes which are something of a delicacy here as they are so expensive. We ate at 6 o'clock, but talked until after 9:30. It was a lovely evening.
We had the Wellses, Whitings, and the Whiteheads to dinner today at 5:30. I made beef stroganoff (noodles). Beef in Fiji is pretty tough, and the butchers are not very good at getting out all the gristly stuff. however putting cubed beef in a crockpot for about 10 hours fixes the problem. They brought salads and dessert. I supplied grapes which are something of a delicacy here as they are so expensive. We ate at 6 o'clock, but talked until after 9:30. It was a lovely evening.
January 19
Scott went to the Service Center's family day that ended our "Melting Away the Grams" campaign. At 8 a.m. they had zumba and activities to keep everyone moving. He was to be home by 10, but he had so much fun that he did not show up until 11:30 and then he only came home to change and see if I wanted to eat lunch. It is important to keep be part of the Service Center, so I showered and went up to LDS College with him.
I spent the morning preparing the D & C lesson after reading all week. I appreciated the quiet, the peace, and the ability to put something on paper, however, I am not satisfied with the final product. I will read more on Sunday. There are websites that have gospel doctrine lessons links that I will check out. Sometimes I get ideas for direction, expanded information and/or fun activities there. Hopefully they will help me get this lesson where it needs to be. It needs to be done Sunday so I can get to the Eternal Marriage lesson. The lessons for the eternal marriage class should be easier to prepare as I am using the lessons I taught last July as a springboard for the lessons I am teaching now. I am hoping that I just have to tweak it to fit the needs of these new students.
Tonight was Mereani's baptism. I wish I could remember these wonderful young adult's last names. I have enough trouble remembering first names as they are so different. My other excuse is that last names here are as long as Hawaiian names and just a unpronounceable even though one can say all the sound.
The baptism at 5:00 for Mereani was held at the Samabula Chapel. We sang Folofola Mai'a Sisu which translated means "Oh Love that Glorifies the Son." Had 31 singing which included YSAs who practiced, YSAs who have never practiced, the two sister missionaries, the two APs, two Tongans in Suva to get USA visas, and one Tahitian here for the same reason. A motley crew, but the song sounded wonderful. Our young adult woman leader took charge and did a wonderful job. After we were asked to sing at a baptism next week. Ohmmmmmmm. That is me practicing my calming skills. I keep telling myself that the most important thing is not performing perfectly, but the spiritual opportunity for the YSAs, the opportunity to be together, supporting each other, and most importantly bringing the Spirit to whatever meeting in which we perform. We were also asked by Bishop Sautu of that ward to sing a special number for his ward conference. In a week? No word is going to fix this stress.
Had an interesting experience tonight. Was in the institute kitchen making popcorn. Several YSAs came in to see if I needed help. I turned them all down until Monika (mo neek uh) came in. She did not ask, and I did not shoo her out. After a while I asked her how her love life was. Tears came into her eyes and she said that she had come for advice. We shut the door and she told me that her father was against her getting married until she had finished her education. She wanted to know what she should do?
Are you in love? "Yes, I think so."
What does Heavenly Father say about this? "It's right."
How old are you? "Almost 21."
My advice was to do what Heavenly Father tells her to do. She was great with that except she wondered what she should say to her father who wants a temple marriage for her, but only after she finishes university. It seems when she told her father that the temple was more important than an education and that she would get her education after she was married, he got up and left the room. She cried when she told me this. I could tell that she loves her father and wants him to be good with what she is doing.
I just reminded her that marriage to a righteous priesthood holder in the temple is a decision between her and her Heavenly Father. In reality her father had nothing to do with her decision. Gulp! She is sure that her dad will not give her permission. I asked if the boyfriend was intending to speak with her dad and she said that he was. I then suggested that instead of asking for permission that her future fiancé ask for the dad's blessing instead of permission.
I hope that is what Heavenly Father wanted me to say. I felt good about it until late tonight after having had time to think of all the stuff I could have said or perhaps should have not said. Is this how Satan works on people who have seen miracles, had dreams, or visions? It is real and good until they think too much and listen to the whisperings of the adversary. I am praying that I said what Heavenly Father wanted me to say.
I spent the morning preparing the D & C lesson after reading all week. I appreciated the quiet, the peace, and the ability to put something on paper, however, I am not satisfied with the final product. I will read more on Sunday. There are websites that have gospel doctrine lessons links that I will check out. Sometimes I get ideas for direction, expanded information and/or fun activities there. Hopefully they will help me get this lesson where it needs to be. It needs to be done Sunday so I can get to the Eternal Marriage lesson. The lessons for the eternal marriage class should be easier to prepare as I am using the lessons I taught last July as a springboard for the lessons I am teaching now. I am hoping that I just have to tweak it to fit the needs of these new students.
Tonight was Mereani's baptism. I wish I could remember these wonderful young adult's last names. I have enough trouble remembering first names as they are so different. My other excuse is that last names here are as long as Hawaiian names and just a unpronounceable even though one can say all the sound.
The baptism at 5:00 for Mereani was held at the Samabula Chapel. We sang Folofola Mai'a Sisu which translated means "Oh Love that Glorifies the Son." Had 31 singing which included YSAs who practiced, YSAs who have never practiced, the two sister missionaries, the two APs, two Tongans in Suva to get USA visas, and one Tahitian here for the same reason. A motley crew, but the song sounded wonderful. Our young adult woman leader took charge and did a wonderful job. After we were asked to sing at a baptism next week. Ohmmmmmmm. That is me practicing my calming skills. I keep telling myself that the most important thing is not performing perfectly, but the spiritual opportunity for the YSAs, the opportunity to be together, supporting each other, and most importantly bringing the Spirit to whatever meeting in which we perform. We were also asked by Bishop Sautu of that ward to sing a special number for his ward conference. In a week? No word is going to fix this stress.
Had an interesting experience tonight. Was in the institute kitchen making popcorn. Several YSAs came in to see if I needed help. I turned them all down until Monika (mo neek uh) came in. She did not ask, and I did not shoo her out. After a while I asked her how her love life was. Tears came into her eyes and she said that she had come for advice. We shut the door and she told me that her father was against her getting married until she had finished her education. She wanted to know what she should do?
Are you in love? "Yes, I think so."
What does Heavenly Father say about this? "It's right."
How old are you? "Almost 21."
My advice was to do what Heavenly Father tells her to do. She was great with that except she wondered what she should say to her father who wants a temple marriage for her, but only after she finishes university. It seems when she told her father that the temple was more important than an education and that she would get her education after she was married, he got up and left the room. She cried when she told me this. I could tell that she loves her father and wants him to be good with what she is doing.
I just reminded her that marriage to a righteous priesthood holder in the temple is a decision between her and her Heavenly Father. In reality her father had nothing to do with her decision. Gulp! She is sure that her dad will not give her permission. I asked if the boyfriend was intending to speak with her dad and she said that he was. I then suggested that instead of asking for permission that her future fiancé ask for the dad's blessing instead of permission.
I hope that is what Heavenly Father wanted me to say. I felt good about it until late tonight after having had time to think of all the stuff I could have said or perhaps should have not said. Is this how Satan works on people who have seen miracles, had dreams, or visions? It is real and good until they think too much and listen to the whisperings of the adversary. I am praying that I said what Heavenly Father wanted me to say.
January 17
At 10 this morning Scott started another Mission Preparation Class. For the first 30 minutes the entire class was composed of only women. 11 Sisters. They brought such a wonderful spirit with them. They are so eager to serve and desire to be prepared before they go. Not one of these woman have been in any of Scott's other Mission Prep classes. They will be greatly blessed for attending. Scott is a strong gospel teacher, but when he teaches Mission Prep he is magnificent. His love for missionary work is so evident. I remember turning to Marsha when Scott gave his homecoming talk over 34 years ago and saying, "That guy was a great missionary." I was right then, but I did not understand how right. One just has to listen to him as he speaks about mission service and one knows.
It is such a pleasure to serve with him.
It is such a pleasure to serve with him.
January 16
I said I would not do it again. I do not know why I ever say 'never again', because almost always there is an 'again'. Tonight I taught Preparing for Eternal Marriage. An older sister in the Suva North Stake asked me every time I saw her if I would teach the class again. She is 32, recently returned from a mission and wants so much to be married.
I was shocked. We had 31 students show up and they were mostly men which is great. 22 to 9. I had them do an ice breaker that was really fun although I should not have taken the time to do it. Every question on the ice breaker sheet had something to do with marriage. Besides the signature of the person of the opposite sex who answered the question they had to collect a phone number. Me? Sneaky? Nah!
We then talked about Joseph Smith's statement, "I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves." So many of these Fijian youth are dating non members, marrying outside the temple even if they are both members, or not marrying at all. I collected quotes from Joseph F. Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith, Spencer W. Kimball, etc. Only prophets and scriptures. I typed them on 8 X 10 paper, cut them into puzzle pieces. Each student put a different quote together, wrote the principle (s) they learned from the quote, and then wrote the principle on the board. I wish I had had more time. They were horrible at writing principles. One of the quotes said something about making education, trials, etc easier, because there are two of you. So the principle on the boards said, "If I get married then education will be easier because my wife will do my homework." Uh what? The rest were just as bad. If I had more time I would have made them read their quotes and we would fix the principles. Because we were registering class was 30 minutes late starting. Drat!
The spirit in this lesson was so much better. A blessing. I told them at the beginning that my goal for each of them was to be dating seriously by the end of the thirteen weeks. I have given them an assignment to pray twice a day every day this week that Heavenly Father will help them find an eternal mate. With His help everything is possible.
I was shocked. We had 31 students show up and they were mostly men which is great. 22 to 9. I had them do an ice breaker that was really fun although I should not have taken the time to do it. Every question on the ice breaker sheet had something to do with marriage. Besides the signature of the person of the opposite sex who answered the question they had to collect a phone number. Me? Sneaky? Nah!
We then talked about Joseph Smith's statement, "I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves." So many of these Fijian youth are dating non members, marrying outside the temple even if they are both members, or not marrying at all. I collected quotes from Joseph F. Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith, Spencer W. Kimball, etc. Only prophets and scriptures. I typed them on 8 X 10 paper, cut them into puzzle pieces. Each student put a different quote together, wrote the principle (s) they learned from the quote, and then wrote the principle on the board. I wish I had had more time. They were horrible at writing principles. One of the quotes said something about making education, trials, etc easier, because there are two of you. So the principle on the boards said, "If I get married then education will be easier because my wife will do my homework." Uh what? The rest were just as bad. If I had more time I would have made them read their quotes and we would fix the principles. Because we were registering class was 30 minutes late starting. Drat!
The spirit in this lesson was so much better. A blessing. I told them at the beginning that my goal for each of them was to be dating seriously by the end of the thirteen weeks. I have given them an assignment to pray twice a day every day this week that Heavenly Father will help them find an eternal mate. With His help everything is possible.
January 15
Tonight was Doctrine and Covenants Class. Sixteen YSAs showed up. It will get bigger although both Scott and I feel that 12 to 18 is a perfect number for a class. Once you get over twenty one loses effectiveness because one can not get to every student.
Scott is the best at getting participation in class. Students just seem to open up for him. It is interesting that it looks easy when one is watching, but takes real skill and practice.
As of Monday we have started our new fall schedule. We are not opening the institute for now on Mondays. We will once we get moved into the entire top floor. Tuesday we open at 5 p.m. and start class at 5:30. When class ends we stay and play with the YSAs until 9. Wednesdays we have the same schedule. On Thursdays Scott teaches mission prep at 10 a.m. and we let the YSAs play until 12:30. At 4 p.m. we open the Family History Center with the help of Sister Senacuriciri. At 5:30 we move to the temple for baptisms for the dead and an endowment session depending on who shows up. Fridays we are closed in deference to ward activities. Saturday, of course, is movie/activity night. Since we are teaching three lessons, we will once again spend hours preparing. We also have devotional with the Service Center on Tuesday Mornings. It is going to get busy again.
Today Sister Taito, the Relief Society President for the Suva Stake and her Nasinu Ward's YSA advisor asked us if we would speak for 30 to 40 minutes at the stakesYSA conference next week on the benefits of institute. I wonder if I can get away with tell Scott he can do this one?
Once again I can not figure out how to eat dinner. I can not do it after 9 p.m. 4 o'clock is too early. I refuse to eat in front of the YSAs and feeding all of them every night is not in our budget either for the institute or personally. I keep waiting for a stroke of inspiration. Most nights Scott eats after 9 p.m. and I watch him eat. By morning I am starving. One would think I would lose weight. Not so!!! Rats.
Scott is the best at getting participation in class. Students just seem to open up for him. It is interesting that it looks easy when one is watching, but takes real skill and practice.
As of Monday we have started our new fall schedule. We are not opening the institute for now on Mondays. We will once we get moved into the entire top floor. Tuesday we open at 5 p.m. and start class at 5:30. When class ends we stay and play with the YSAs until 9. Wednesdays we have the same schedule. On Thursdays Scott teaches mission prep at 10 a.m. and we let the YSAs play until 12:30. At 4 p.m. we open the Family History Center with the help of Sister Senacuriciri. At 5:30 we move to the temple for baptisms for the dead and an endowment session depending on who shows up. Fridays we are closed in deference to ward activities. Saturday, of course, is movie/activity night. Since we are teaching three lessons, we will once again spend hours preparing. We also have devotional with the Service Center on Tuesday Mornings. It is going to get busy again.
Today Sister Taito, the Relief Society President for the Suva Stake and her Nasinu Ward's YSA advisor asked us if we would speak for 30 to 40 minutes at the stakesYSA conference next week on the benefits of institute. I wonder if I can get away with tell Scott he can do this one?
Once again I can not figure out how to eat dinner. I can not do it after 9 p.m. 4 o'clock is too early. I refuse to eat in front of the YSAs and feeding all of them every night is not in our budget either for the institute or personally. I keep waiting for a stroke of inspiration. Most nights Scott eats after 9 p.m. and I watch him eat. By morning I am starving. One would think I would lose weight. Not so!!! Rats.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
January 11
Awful day. Satan has been sitting on my left shoulder the entire day. I wanted and needed to prepare my Celestial Marriage lesson but at the last moment the Service Center invited us to the all day training. Would have politely turned them down, but they had paid for our lunch at the Holiday Inn which is $65F. I just can not waste that kind of money. I sat in the training disgruntled that I was not working on my work and even when the information should have/could have blessed my life, I missed it. Scott thought it was a great day; a great example of the importance of our personal responsibility to learn and feel the Spirit.
We left at 2:30 when the training became an employees only thing. I was hoping to begin my lesson study, but could not. I was powerless with out the aid of the Holy Ghost. Could not study. Could not write.
At about 5 p.m. we decided to attend the 6 o'clock session. Ahhhhh. Much better. Nice to go someplace where Satan can not come.
As we were walking out of the temple parking lot, I noticed Sister Taro who is a part time translator in the Service Center sitting on the wall by the guard's station. We were really slow getting out of the temple, because I did not want to leave the peace I had found there. It was 8:15. It seemed strange that she would still be sitting there, so we walked over to talk. I felt impressed to asked her if we could take her home. Notice that I did not say, "Do you need a ride home." which is what I would normally say. I am sure had I said that she would have told us no. By asking her if we could take her home it was easier for her to say yes.
As we walked to our flat she told me that she had rushed out of the temple because her daughter was supposed to pick her up and she was afraid she would not wait long. She had sat there waiting for for over 35 minutes. She had called her daughter but kept getting the 'this call is being diverted' message.
It was a tender mercy to be with her as we listened as she told us about making a goal of getting to Utah to attend conference and to hear the Tabernacle Choir sing in person by the time she turned 70. She was delighted to tell us that she had made the trip and accomplished her goal in 2009 just before her 70th birthday. She gave me chills with her recitation about how great is was to be in the presence of the living Prophet and to feel the spirit that attends General Conference. She said that it was the experience of a lifetime--the best experience of her lifetime. She had attended every session and was thrilled to sit on the front row of the first balcony which she felt was the best seat in the house.
When she found that she and her son who went with here would have to stay three extra days, she asked the hotel man if there was room for them to stay those three days and then asked how much it would cost her. The hotelier told her there was room, and that it would be free. One can never get ahead of the Lord. She did a good thing in attending conference and He blessed her twice.
The 30 minute ride out and back was a wonderful continuation of the spirit we had felt in the temple. A tender mercy.
January 10
Up at 5:45 to attend Timoci Tapua's setting apart. The President did not show up until 7:30 and Timoci and his family did not show up till 7:45. The cab that was to take him to the airport was waiting in the parking lot before even the president showed up.
He looked so good in his suit. No one here can afford a suit. I can't think of one time I have seen a priesthood holder in a suit. Most just wear white short-sleeved shirts, ties and dressy slacks or a sulu. Sometimes you will see a leadership holder add a suit jacket to the above outfit.
His dad, a former member who is now a pastor for another church, his mom who is a non-member, a younger sister and a baby brother came with Timoci. His sister, Elenoa, who is serving a mission in the Philippines was, of course, not here. I was so glad to meet his family. They have raised a wonderful son and I wanted to tell them so.
President Seru had Timoci read the first verse of "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go Dear Lord." Timoci could hardly do it and then we sang the last verse. So poignant. Timoci was first called to Toronto but his visa was denied. Why is either because his dad is an ex military man or because the lady that helped him fill out his visa did not do it right. He was so excited to go to Canada and was not happy with the visa denial. In fact, he was so upset that when he opened his reassignment calling him to Guam, he tore it up. Then President had Timoci bear his testimony to his family and us. He then asked Timoci's dad to speak for the family. President then set Timoci apart. His setting apart blessing was amazing. I do not know why we do not record these blessings. They could give such comfort and direction, but no one records them.
It was a quick thing, Timoci's leaving. On Tuesday at about 2 p.m. sister Kama told Timoci that he was leaving for Aukland at 9:30 on Thursday morning--today. Fast. It seems his visit for the MTC came in before anyone had expected it to come. This is such a testimony that God works in mysterious ways. Not mysterious to him, just to us. We so seldom understand his plan for us. Faith is the key. We kept telling Timoci that he had to have faith that God was in charge, that God knows what is best for us, and that by following God's plan he, Timoic Tupua, would be blessed beyond measure.
It was awful saying good-bye. I feel like he is my kid. He came the first time we opened. He has come to everything! He even took piano lessons. Besides he has become my friend, my son. When he stands by me, he puts his hand on my shoulder or leans in or puts his arm around me. He is always taking care of me. He has asked Scott for several blessings and we have spent hours talking one on two with him. He has eaten at our home several times. We will miss him. My heart will be just a little empty now. I was good; I did not cry when he climbed into the cab and waved good-bye.
He looked so good in his suit. No one here can afford a suit. I can't think of one time I have seen a priesthood holder in a suit. Most just wear white short-sleeved shirts, ties and dressy slacks or a sulu. Sometimes you will see a leadership holder add a suit jacket to the above outfit.
His dad, a former member who is now a pastor for another church, his mom who is a non-member, a younger sister and a baby brother came with Timoci. His sister, Elenoa, who is serving a mission in the Philippines was, of course, not here. I was so glad to meet his family. They have raised a wonderful son and I wanted to tell them so.
President Seru had Timoci read the first verse of "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go Dear Lord." Timoci could hardly do it and then we sang the last verse. So poignant. Timoci was first called to Toronto but his visa was denied. Why is either because his dad is an ex military man or because the lady that helped him fill out his visa did not do it right. He was so excited to go to Canada and was not happy with the visa denial. In fact, he was so upset that when he opened his reassignment calling him to Guam, he tore it up. Then President had Timoci bear his testimony to his family and us. He then asked Timoci's dad to speak for the family. President then set Timoci apart. His setting apart blessing was amazing. I do not know why we do not record these blessings. They could give such comfort and direction, but no one records them.
It was a quick thing, Timoci's leaving. On Tuesday at about 2 p.m. sister Kama told Timoci that he was leaving for Aukland at 9:30 on Thursday morning--today. Fast. It seems his visit for the MTC came in before anyone had expected it to come. This is such a testimony that God works in mysterious ways. Not mysterious to him, just to us. We so seldom understand his plan for us. Faith is the key. We kept telling Timoci that he had to have faith that God was in charge, that God knows what is best for us, and that by following God's plan he, Timoic Tupua, would be blessed beyond measure.
It was awful saying good-bye. I feel like he is my kid. He came the first time we opened. He has come to everything! He even took piano lessons. Besides he has become my friend, my son. When he stands by me, he puts his hand on my shoulder or leans in or puts his arm around me. He is always taking care of me. He has asked Scott for several blessings and we have spent hours talking one on two with him. He has eaten at our home several times. We will miss him. My heart will be just a little empty now. I was good; I did not cry when he climbed into the cab and waved good-bye.
January 9
Elder and Sister Wakolo spoke at our institute fireside tonight. We had a full house. It was a wonderful evening.
Sister Wakolo started. She had this medium sized bag over her arm as she talked and I wondered why she had not set it down first. She had props and goodies in her bag. She spoke about getting the point and staying focused on the point all the time holding the biggest nail. Then she gave each of the YSAs one nail to remember the point. She also had Hershey Nuggets which are a huge treat for Fijians. Any kind of chocolate is expensive in Fiji, but good chocolate is very costly. Fijians are thrilled when they can eat good chocolate.
Elder Wakolo had many messages for the YSAs. They were so pertinent as he understand the culture. Here are my notes from his talk.
verbalize your love especially in your family
Do Not Fear
with all the voices coming at you rely on the voice of the Holy Ghost
Do you see success in yourself? (see you are afraid to say 'yes')
Nephi went to Jerusalem 3 times
Not once did he fail because he kept trying
The Savior's goal is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man
He will be a success
Write down your goals
look for the extra degree that will make a difference in your life
Chicken "I know what commitment is. I lay an egg everyday."
Pig "That is not commitment, that is participation. Ham is commitment."
Be a pig not a chicken
Goals should be SMART
S = specific
M = measurable
A = attainable
R = realistic
T = timely
Keep your commitments
It was an honor and a blessing to have both of the Wakolos in our midst. They are such great examples.
January 8
Left Nadi early enough for Scott to teach his Mission Preparation Class. I could tell he was tired of driving as he hit the gas instead of the break when we went over a speed bump just outside of Suva. Hard to drive a standard in Fiji as the gears are backwards as are the break, clutch and gas pedals. I do not know how he does it.
January 7
Spent the day on one of the many day cruises out of Denerau Island. The one we did with Suzanne did not appeal to Kristin as she struggles with sea sickness and the last two hours of that cruise is just going from island to island dropping off and picking up guests and natives. Many of the little islands from which one can choose were closed because of Cyclone Evan.
We chose one that did not keep us on a moving boat for long. We chose the one that went to Island. It was discounted $50F and when we got there we could see why. The island had been really damaged by Cyclone Evan. Siding made from woven mats had been ripped off, the trees looked really hammered, and the snorkeling was not so great. Snorkeling, kayaking, feeding fish, watching the feeding of baby turtles were all included in our cruise as was lunch. We had a lovely, relaxing time.
The hour ride back to Denerau was so choppy it made me nervous and Kristin sick. We dropped Kristin and Paul off at the hotel to shower and rest while we raced the 30 minutes to a video shop in Lautoka. We had been told by several senior couples that this was the best video shop in all of Fiji.
They have all their videos catalogued. We had a list of 25 DVDs we wanted. We ended up with 33 some we had not seen. The lady in the shop told us that if we would get them the name of a movie and who starred in it, she would get it for us. Of course, all of these DVDs are pirated. We figure that we will need 45 clean movies to show before we go home if we show one a week except for conference weekend.
Took Kristin and Paul to the airport at 9:30 for their 10:55 flight. When they checked in the agent told us that they did not have seats together. Kristin asked how that could be as they had made seat reservations three months ago when they had bought their tickets. The agent explained that seats were assigned when one showed up at the airport before the flight. Kristin asked if that was the case why Fiji Air allowed her to make seat reservations. He had no answer except, "Sorry if you wanted to sit together you should have been here three hours prior to your flight time. Kristin was livid, but only her mother could tell. She asked to have then seated together and the agent told her that the flight was full--sorry. I was surprised when she did not press him. As we walked them to customs she state that she would 'discuss' the problem with the gate agent. I feel a little sorry for the gate agent. Never mess with a pregnant lawyer! Kristin will be kind; she is always kind, but when she uses her legal mind and her great ability to communicate you might as well give in immediately because you will find yourself giving in.
We hugged and kissed them good-bye. What a blessing it has been to have them here.
All the way to the van and for most of the evening I prayed that they would be able to sit together. Ten hours sitting between two strangers is not fun.
January 6
It is Fast day today. I am glad. I feel a real need of an increase of the Spirit. Kristin said it was a very spiritual meeting. These Fijians are so strong spiritually. Their faith is the faith of little children; not immature, but total and it goes to the very marrow of their bones. I love to hear them bare testimony. Fast Meeting is my favorite meeting here.
As we were entering the building, Brother Tuatonga pulled Scott aside. Brother Tuatonga is our neighbor one house over and is here in Fiji waiting for a visa to get himself, his mother, and his little family (wife and two boys) into the US. They have been waiting for over a year. Anyway, he pulled Scott over and told him that he and his family had been fasting to know who should bless their baby girl. Each independently had felt that it should be Elder Tennis. "Will you do it for us?" What an honor. How humble Brother Tuatonga must be to want the person the Lord wants to bless his child even though that person may not be himself. Brother Tuatonga is the High Priest Group leader and one of those men who are always out doing the Lord's errand.
Scott did a wonderful job! What a privilege. What a blessing in Scott's life. The Spirit was so strong as Scott blessed little Sera (sarah).
After church we fixed lunch hurriedly because we had asked the Jarmans to eat with us and we needed to drive the 3 1/2 hours to Nadi before dark. Jarmans came and I had Elder Jarman teach my how to make good instant potatoes which to be truthful I thought was a figment of someone imagination. However, after Elder Jarman oversaw my making of the potatoes, I have to admit that they were good much better than mashed potatoes made from the real ones we buy here. Easier, too. Our conversation was so lovely that we forgot time until Sister Jarman asked what time we needed to leave. When we looked up to answer we were way past that hour.
Friday, January 25, 2013
January 5
It is Saturday which is a horrible time to be in traffic in downtown Suva, but we went to the Flea Market any way. Kristin wanted bula shirts for Paul and Seth and sulu dresses for Ruth and Kelsey Ann. We found everything she wanted at a reasonable price. She even bought herself a sulu. I was hoping she would find a sulu chaba, but she said she would never wear it. We ate lunch at the Mango with the senior couples. They are the most wonderful people; so cute with Kristin and Paul. I think that the Mango is going to be my new favorite restaurant. Their vegetarian--mostly eggplant which is called aubergine in Fiji--lasagna is to die for.
Kristin and Paul came to the institute for movie night late--they are becoming Fijians already. Kristin was invited to play cranboard with some YSAs, loved playing and wants one for her home. Good luck with that!
Showed Scrooge with Albert Finney. Some of the YSAs really liked it and some not so much; interpret that as they hated it but are always to kind to say it. Me? It is one of my top ten movies. "Such a great message" as Brandon Seila (Say law) said.
January 4
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| KRISTIN AND PAUL AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE VILLAGE BURE |
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| PAUL DANCING AFTER LUNCH |
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| KRISTIN DANCING AFTER LUNCH INSIDE THE BURE |
January 3
Everyone was tired today, so we changed our plans and did laundry in the morning and went shopping in the afternoon.
We went to the Fiji Crafts Market first. I told Kristin and Paul that stuff there was more expensive than at the Flea Market, however we found some wonderful souvenirs for everyone and had a delightful time talking to all the craftsmen. It was so nice to just wader from stall to stall without a purpose or having someone want to go home.
Scott taught Book of Mormon at 5:30 p.m. Kristin and Paul went to the temple. They loved it. The temple here unofficially has clothes to loan out which worked nicely for us. Kristin got two shoes of different sizes. One was so big she was afraid it would fall off. Fun memory.
January 2
It took us an hour and a half to get to Takapuna the resort out of which the boats leave for the half moon reef where the dolphins are. We were to be at Takapuna by 8:30. We arrived a little bit early and then waited and waited and waited. It seems that another group was coming from Suva and they wanted them to go out to the reef with us. At 10 we finally insisted that they take us out which they did.
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| STRANGE EVERGREEN ON THE WAY DOWN TO THE BOAT |
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| THE WHOLE TREE SCOTT TAKING A PICTURE |
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| PAUL WAITING TO GET INTO OUR BOAT |
This reef is protected which means that we can not swim inside the reef nor can we feed the dolphins. All we are allowed to do is sail into the reef and watch.
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| INSIDE HALF MOON REEF |
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| MORE DOLPHIN FRIENDS |
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| PAUL'S FEET OFF THE BOW OF THE BOAT |
We ate the lunches we packed at the resort and then drove further out of Suva to the Seven Snakes cave.
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| ENTRANCE TO SEVEN SNAKES CAVE |
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| THIS IS THE SEVEN SNAKE HEADS STALACTITE |
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| CHIEF'S WIFE IN CAVE OBVIOUSLY PRESERVING THIS CAVE HAS NOT BEEN A PRIORITY |
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| PAUL, LANAE, CHIEF'S WIFE, CHIEF, SCOTT, KRISTIN |
January 1, 2013
Kristin and Paul were up before dawn since 6 a.m. our time is 11 a.m. their time. Scott and I dragged ourselves out of bed, because we did not want to miss one minute with them. I had bought a box of American cereal for them, but Kristin decided to eat the granola I eat that comes out of Australia. I was pleased that she liked it.
Went to Pacific Harbour with the Wellses and the Hogges. It was a mad house. We thought we would arrive early enough, but even at 9:30 the beach was packed. Some Fijian families camped over night under big blue tarps draped over rope strung between palm trees. We found only one place we could lay our blankets that was in the shade and not in someone else's space. Everyone had a great time swimming except Sister Wells and me. We talked. There are signs everywhere on this beach to beware of falling coconuts. I thought they were hilarious until today when I watched a coconut fall out of a 40 feet tree hitting a man on the shoulder. The force of it dropped the man to the sand. I can not image what would have happened if it had hit him on the head. I will beware from now on.
Spent the rest of the day resting at home to help with the jet lag. I made dinner and we had a lovely conversation with Kristin and Paul. Reminded me how much I miss talking to them. As wonderful as it is, Skype just isn't as good as face to face conversations.
Went to Pacific Harbour with the Wellses and the Hogges. It was a mad house. We thought we would arrive early enough, but even at 9:30 the beach was packed. Some Fijian families camped over night under big blue tarps draped over rope strung between palm trees. We found only one place we could lay our blankets that was in the shade and not in someone else's space. Everyone had a great time swimming except Sister Wells and me. We talked. There are signs everywhere on this beach to beware of falling coconuts. I thought they were hilarious until today when I watched a coconut fall out of a 40 feet tree hitting a man on the shoulder. The force of it dropped the man to the sand. I can not image what would have happened if it had hit him on the head. I will beware from now on.
Spent the rest of the day resting at home to help with the jet lag. I made dinner and we had a lovely conversation with Kristin and Paul. Reminded me how much I miss talking to them. As wonderful as it is, Skype just isn't as good as face to face conversations.
December 31
This time the flight was fine. Kristin and Paul arrived right right on schedule and customs was very speedy. Is there anything better than a hug from one's children? We took them to breakfast and then drove to the hotel. We felt that they needed a rest before we got the day started and we only had the hotel until 10 a.m. Both said they were not tired, but both slept for about an hour which relieves some of the jet lag.
We to go to the Garden of the Giants which is an orchid garden, but when we called they were closed because Cyclone Evan had destroyed the flowers, trees, etc. Sad. This is the second time we have tried to see the garden and it was closed. We decided to drive around Nadi and look at the storm damage. Almost all deciduous trees are leafless, many huge branches are snapped off in the oddest places, and there are trees that have been totally uprooted. There is something sad about a brown tree branch that ends in beige jagged edges. Stark. Even low bushes are almost leafless. We stopped at the Hindu Temple on the outskirts of Nadi. The colors are amazing, and the art work wonderful. Upkeep must happen continuosly.
We stopped at the market here to pick up food and to show Paul and Kristin. They loved it. Paul says our market is like the markets in the big cities in the Philippines except ours smells better. It seems that Philippine markets also include meat--fish which makes them smell awful. They were so interested in the different kinds of food one finds in Fiji.
We arrived at our flat with just enough time to get ready for the New Year's Eve party at the institute for the senior couples. Well, Paul and I had enough time to pop some popcorn we had purchased at the market which is the only place one can buy popcorn in Suva. Paul and Kristin brought an on-top-of-the-stove popper from the US. Everyone was to bring a treat to share, but Sister Whitehead made wonderful spring rolls, and summer rolls which made the evening so much nicer. It is so nice to associate with such amazing people. We started at 6:30 and played games, ate, and visited until after 11. Nope we did not stay for the actual new year.
Those attending; Elder and Sister Whitehead, Elder and Sister Wells, Elder and Sister Whiting, Elder and Sister Hogge, Elder and Sister Jackson, Elder and Sister Updike, us and of course, Kristin and Paul.
On the way home we stopped to peek in on the Suva North Stake's New Years Eve Party. The YSA men from Samabula Ward had wrapped the square poles in the courtyard with some kind of leave in a interwoven pattern. It was amazing. (No picture we took worked as it was too dark) There were balloons. The whole family was invited. Little kids were running around or dancing, or being help by mostly dads as the moms were all in the open area of the church courtyard dancing. We visited for so long that Kristin and Paul excused themselves, because they were tired and went home alone. Long day for them. Wonderful day for us.
The New Year was greeted by almost two hours of fireworks. Fijians love fireworks.
We to go to the Garden of the Giants which is an orchid garden, but when we called they were closed because Cyclone Evan had destroyed the flowers, trees, etc. Sad. This is the second time we have tried to see the garden and it was closed. We decided to drive around Nadi and look at the storm damage. Almost all deciduous trees are leafless, many huge branches are snapped off in the oddest places, and there are trees that have been totally uprooted. There is something sad about a brown tree branch that ends in beige jagged edges. Stark. Even low bushes are almost leafless. We stopped at the Hindu Temple on the outskirts of Nadi. The colors are amazing, and the art work wonderful. Upkeep must happen continuosly.
We stopped at the market here to pick up food and to show Paul and Kristin. They loved it. Paul says our market is like the markets in the big cities in the Philippines except ours smells better. It seems that Philippine markets also include meat--fish which makes them smell awful. They were so interested in the different kinds of food one finds in Fiji.
We arrived at our flat with just enough time to get ready for the New Year's Eve party at the institute for the senior couples. Well, Paul and I had enough time to pop some popcorn we had purchased at the market which is the only place one can buy popcorn in Suva. Paul and Kristin brought an on-top-of-the-stove popper from the US. Everyone was to bring a treat to share, but Sister Whitehead made wonderful spring rolls, and summer rolls which made the evening so much nicer. It is so nice to associate with such amazing people. We started at 6:30 and played games, ate, and visited until after 11. Nope we did not stay for the actual new year.
Those attending; Elder and Sister Whitehead, Elder and Sister Wells, Elder and Sister Whiting, Elder and Sister Hogge, Elder and Sister Jackson, Elder and Sister Updike, us and of course, Kristin and Paul.
On the way home we stopped to peek in on the Suva North Stake's New Years Eve Party. The YSA men from Samabula Ward had wrapped the square poles in the courtyard with some kind of leave in a interwoven pattern. It was amazing. (No picture we took worked as it was too dark) There were balloons. The whole family was invited. Little kids were running around or dancing, or being help by mostly dads as the moms were all in the open area of the church courtyard dancing. We visited for so long that Kristin and Paul excused themselves, because they were tired and went home alone. Long day for them. Wonderful day for us.
The New Year was greeted by almost two hours of fireworks. Fijians love fireworks.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
December 30
Today is Robert's birthday for us---not for him. Been thinking of him all day. What a wonderful son he is; how hard it is to be an only son; how grateful I am to be his mother.
Sister Klinger was called out of the congregation today to speak. She quoted Marion G. Romney. He stated that as we read the Book of Mormon with our families and by ourselves contention will leave our home and the spirit will permeate our hearts and our homes. I need to find this quote!
Made the long trip to Nadi to pick up Kristin and Paul. We are so grateful to Elder and Sister Wells for trading us cars. It is not fun to drive our huge, 12 passenger, standard van. Have I complained about it before? They gladly traded us so that we can drive 20kmph faster. The speed limit is 60kmph for our van which is 36mph! In a regular car the speed limit is 80kmph which is 48mph. It is illegal to drive anywhere in Fiji faster than 80kmph. Not only is the speed slower for a van, it is not easy to have to shift down every time one drives through a village and comes to the required three/four speed bumps.
Will pick up Kristin and Paul tomorrow at 5:15 a.m.
Sister Klinger was called out of the congregation today to speak. She quoted Marion G. Romney. He stated that as we read the Book of Mormon with our families and by ourselves contention will leave our home and the spirit will permeate our hearts and our homes. I need to find this quote!
Made the long trip to Nadi to pick up Kristin and Paul. We are so grateful to Elder and Sister Wells for trading us cars. It is not fun to drive our huge, 12 passenger, standard van. Have I complained about it before? They gladly traded us so that we can drive 20kmph faster. The speed limit is 60kmph for our van which is 36mph! In a regular car the speed limit is 80kmph which is 48mph. It is illegal to drive anywhere in Fiji faster than 80kmph. Not only is the speed slower for a van, it is not easy to have to shift down every time one drives through a village and comes to the required three/four speed bumps.
Will pick up Kristin and Paul tomorrow at 5:15 a.m.
December 29
So many of our YSAs went to their villages before Christmas. There are fewer YSAs in our classes. Since we opened the institute in August we have never had less than 15 in a class. Scott's Mission Prep class this week had only 12. It is discouraging, but I still feel that we should always be teaching and that the Institute doors should always be open.
This morning we went to Les Miserables and then ate with the senior couples at Tapoo City's food court. The food is OK, but the view is spectacular. One is four stories up (high for Suva) and looking over Suva Harbor. Les Miserables was good, but two of the scenes were more graphic that I like. Why do cinematographers feel a need to be so graphic. I loved the music. I love stories of redemption.
Showed movie at the institute, again not a great crowd. 30 YSAs.
This morning we went to Les Miserables and then ate with the senior couples at Tapoo City's food court. The food is OK, but the view is spectacular. One is four stories up (high for Suva) and looking over Suva Harbor. Les Miserables was good, but two of the scenes were more graphic that I like. Why do cinematographers feel a need to be so graphic. I loved the music. I love stories of redemption.
Showed movie at the institute, again not a great crowd. 30 YSAs.
December 28
Went to 8:30 prayer at the Service Center and then went right back home after.
We spent the morning in companionship evaluations. Although we love being to prayer each morning at the Service Center, we have decided that having a companionship planning session and study is more important. Because we get home so late in the evenings, we feel that getting up earlier is not an option. So we are going to miss prayer at the Service Center. We hope that spending time planning and studying the gospel together will make us better missionaries, better teachers, more in tune with the Spirit and with each other.
Spent the late morning Skyping with the grandkids. Saw the new grand dog which looks just like the first grand dog to me--don't tell anyone. Scott and Robert talked from 12:30 p.m. until nearly 4. I left when they got talking about investments. To me investing in the stock market is just like playing a slot machine. I would probably hide any extra money we had under our mattress. Good thing I am not in charge of our finances.
We spent the morning in companionship evaluations. Although we love being to prayer each morning at the Service Center, we have decided that having a companionship planning session and study is more important. Because we get home so late in the evenings, we feel that getting up earlier is not an option. So we are going to miss prayer at the Service Center. We hope that spending time planning and studying the gospel together will make us better missionaries, better teachers, more in tune with the Spirit and with each other.
Spent the late morning Skyping with the grandkids. Saw the new grand dog which looks just like the first grand dog to me--don't tell anyone. Scott and Robert talked from 12:30 p.m. until nearly 4. I left when they got talking about investments. To me investing in the stock market is just like playing a slot machine. I would probably hide any extra money we had under our mattress. Good thing I am not in charge of our finances.
December 27
Scott called all over Suva looking for a new charger cord. He finally found one, went and purchased it, and then signed us up for a Skype phone all so I could call mother.
She and I talked for over an hour and at 2.3 cents a minute it was really cheap. She could hear us well and we could hear her perfectly. Better than a cell phone call. It is alway a pleasure to speak with mother. She is so positive.
While I was finishing my lesson for tonight, I thought I would see how much a charger cord would cost us in the US $39.95 on Amazon. We paid $259F today which is $154 US. Yikes! I emailed Chaya and Rex and asked them to buy another one in Utah and send it with Kristin and Paul. We just can not live without our computer.
Taught my lesson tonight. I felt so inspired when I put it together, and when I talked it though with Scott, he thought it would be a great lesson also--something the YSAs needed to hear. It was awful. I got good participation. The subject was a great one. It bombed. I did not feel the Spirit at all. I think they did not feel the Spirit either. How does this happen?
She and I talked for over an hour and at 2.3 cents a minute it was really cheap. She could hear us well and we could hear her perfectly. Better than a cell phone call. It is alway a pleasure to speak with mother. She is so positive.
While I was finishing my lesson for tonight, I thought I would see how much a charger cord would cost us in the US $39.95 on Amazon. We paid $259F today which is $154 US. Yikes! I emailed Chaya and Rex and asked them to buy another one in Utah and send it with Kristin and Paul. We just can not live without our computer.
Taught my lesson tonight. I felt so inspired when I put it together, and when I talked it though with Scott, he thought it would be a great lesson also--something the YSAs needed to hear. It was awful. I got good participation. The subject was a great one. It bombed. I did not feel the Spirit at all. I think they did not feel the Spirit either. How does this happen?
December 26
Today is Boxing Day. What is boxing day you ask. It is an English holiday. Because the servants in the mansions of the rich had to work on Christmas Day, the day after Christmas the rich gave boxes of gifts to the servant and gave them the day, or part of the day off. Hence Boxing Day. The Service Center was closed, and we had to close the institute. Most Fijians spend the day at the beach.
We spent the day preparing for up coming lessons. I love studying the gospel with a purpose. We ended our day with a drive and a walk along the sea wall.
We spent the day preparing for up coming lessons. I love studying the gospel with a purpose. We ended our day with a drive and a walk along the sea wall.
December 25
It is interesting that on the one Christmas we can sleep in Scott was up at 4 a.m. Even he is not sure why. While he was up, he decided to make it look as if Santa had come. What a wonderful man I married. He got all the gifts our children and grandchildren sent, an umbrella we had not used, a kids toy we had purchased to donate but did not get it to the right place on time, and put them on the coffee table we have in our living room. I guess it did not look like enough, so he got the box Brother Stout sent and any Christmas cards we had received and added them to the gifts. He then added two pineapples we had purchased yesterday. He took the only pair of socks we have here in Fiji--his well used, but clean athletic socks--and stuffed them with apples, bananas, carrots (he was desperate), and a few hard tack candies laying around the house standing them up against the legs of the coffee table when he was finished.
By 6 he was tired and came back to bed waking me up in the process. So at 6 I am up with nothing to do. I grabbed my scriptures and went into the living room to read. I laughed and laughed when I saw the coffee table. Scott is so much fun! I read my scriptures, and then when I could not think of anything to do got Scott up. We took forever going through our "Christmas Stockings" and opening our presents. We savored each gift as we opened it. Tried things on. We read Brother Stouts letter which was three pages long plus another page written by his daughter Kristen when she was serving her mission and made a big deal of each Christmas card. It was so delightful.
It is amazing to me that my Christmases have always been centered on family. We do not have Christmas traditions that center on parties, social outings, or gatherings. Christmas to me means family. I have not been worried about this Christmas being hard or sad, but I have wondered how it would be without our children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, because I could not "see" Christmas without family. Well it was amazing.
Because we had talked with our children and grandchildren on Monday we did not feel a need to speak with them again today. It is a good thing as the recharging cord to our computer did not work this morning. One of the prongs was gone and so it would not recharge the computer. I had planned to call mother today and skype Marsha, Dave, Abby and Sean.
We ended up going to the beach this morning with some of the senior couples. Scott was so excited to say that he had spent Christmas day on a beach and in the ocean. Do not ask me why, but he was. We had a lovely time on the way out, on the beach and on the way home with the six couples we drove. When we got home, I put the ham for dinner in the oven. Monica, our landlady, brought us up a lunch of fish, lolo, ota, and dalo. Yummy.
We tried to figure out a way to call mother, but we could not unlock our cell phone for international calls today, because no one was working who could do it.
At four we met on the "deck" for dinner with the Seniors. Everyone brought a dish to share. I did the ham and the rolls. After we did a white elephant exchange which was great fun, and then I had put together a "So You Think You Know Christmas" quiz. Scott and I had purchased an extra white elephant gift to give to the couple who got the most correct answers. As I was standing there asking the questions, giving them time as a couple to get an answer, and then asking for the correct answer there were long minutes of silence. And in that silence, I thought about my Dad who passed away in 1975. He loved everything about a good party. In finding the questions and putting together the quiz, I had done something my father would have done--find a way to make a party more fun. Merry Christmas, Dad.
The seniors had planned the dinner weeks ago. On Christmas Eve day President Seru had asked if we had some place to eat. I told him that we were eating with the seniors. I did not realize that we could do both. I thought the invitation was an incase-you-are-alone invitation which I found out later it was not. I love President Seru; he is such a strong leader and we would have loved to eat with him and Sister Seru. We also had an invitation to eat with Jimmy Narayan and his mother. They were eating at the same time as the seniors. If I had known we would have been invited out, I would never have agreed to cook the ham for the seniors. I would much rather be with the Fijian.
All in all a wonderful Christmas. It would have been perfect if we could have talked to Mom.
December 24
All of Suva is at work today. Downtown Suva is crowded with shoppers and the streets are a traffic jam. I am not sure if it was last minute shopping for Christmas (doubtful), or last minute shopping for groceries and staples as the market is closed tomorrow.
We along with the Welles, and the Hogges went to see the Hobbit today. Nice movie. Not a good movie for the day before Christmas. One of the nice surprises is that the theatre is clean.
Spent Christmas Eve reading the nativity, and being thankful for the birth of the Son of God. Grateful for the Savior's life, his atonement, his example, his willingness to die so that I might live again. Grateful to Him for his care and concern for me individually. I am so blessed to be here in Fiji serving a mission. I love that I am part of the process of the gospel filling the whole earth. As inadequate as I am, with His help I can be the missionary He wants me to be.
We along with the Welles, and the Hogges went to see the Hobbit today. Nice movie. Not a good movie for the day before Christmas. One of the nice surprises is that the theatre is clean.
Spent Christmas Eve reading the nativity, and being thankful for the birth of the Son of God. Grateful for the Savior's life, his atonement, his example, his willingness to die so that I might live again. Grateful to Him for his care and concern for me individually. I am so blessed to be here in Fiji serving a mission. I love that I am part of the process of the gospel filling the whole earth. As inadequate as I am, with His help I can be the missionary He wants me to be.
December 23
Because no one showed up for the practice this week, I texted everyone to come an hour early (9 a.m.)
to practice in the chapel. So at 9:10 there were only five YSAs at the church. Heart attach time. How does one live with this kind of stress? The pianist did not show up until 9:15. We started to practice simply because we needed it. I love Fijians; I love living here, but I do not understand this part of the culture. Say you will and then don't. Know something starts at a specific time and then show up whenever.
By 9:45 there were 27 YSAs sitting in the choir seats. I was so grateful that I will not mention that three of the YSAs sitting in those choir seats had never practiced with us or that six of them did not sing last week, nor that nine of the YSAs that sang last week were not sitting in the choir seats.
We did OK. Scott says it was just as good as last week, but I do not feel that way. I did not feel the Spirit the way I had last week, nor do I think the YSAs sang with the same spirit. Maybe I lost the spirit in all the worry and stress of the morning, or maybe the Spirit could not attend us, because the YSAs had not prepared as they should, or maybe it was both.
I was grateful for kind ward members who appreciated the program and were very complimentary.
I told Scott I am done with the choir. I love these young adults, but I can not function like this.
December 20
As we drive around Suva to do our errands we are amazed at the clean up that has already happened. Broken tree limbs, blown-off house parts, loose garbage, etc are already sitting out on the curbs waiting for the garbage trucks to come. Have I talked about garbage trucks here? Well if I have, skip this part.
Our garbage can (plastic) is about 24" tall. It is just bigger than the garbage can I have underneath my sink at home, only it is round. The garbage truck comes three times a week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
We set, or Monica sets the garbage can out in front of our locked gate and the garbage truck come with a driver and two men who are hanging onto the back of the truck. When the truck stops the closest man gets off, grabs our garbage can, takes off the lid, dumps it, puts the lid back on, sets it back down and the truck moves on. No automated garbage trucks here. I love being out when they come past as the men always wave and greet us with "Bula, Bula" Every Fijian is friendly.
All of our YSAs fared well in the storm. No one lost roofs. No one got flooded. Most have their power back. Those who live out Nausori way are still out of power as a huge transformer out there went down. Could be weeks before they get their power back.
Some of the YSAs came early to Scott's lesson to help clean up the yard around the institute. Because Facilities Management forgets that we are here, they do not always get to us in a timely fashion. So we asked the YSAs to come help clean up. It took us about an hour to sweep the leaves up, pick up the palm tree fronds, etc. It was a fun thing. We took the kids who helped to McDonalds for a chocolate sundae--not a hot fudge sundae. They do not have hot fudge here, just hot chocolate which they put on the ice cream. uh huh.
Had asked the YSAs that sang on Sunday to come tonight to repractice for the program on Sunday. Had only 15 show up and 5 of them did not sing with us last Sunday. I just can not work this way. Now my gut will be in a knot until Sunday. Relax, La Nae. Relax
Our garbage can (plastic) is about 24" tall. It is just bigger than the garbage can I have underneath my sink at home, only it is round. The garbage truck comes three times a week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
We set, or Monica sets the garbage can out in front of our locked gate and the garbage truck come with a driver and two men who are hanging onto the back of the truck. When the truck stops the closest man gets off, grabs our garbage can, takes off the lid, dumps it, puts the lid back on, sets it back down and the truck moves on. No automated garbage trucks here. I love being out when they come past as the men always wave and greet us with "Bula, Bula" Every Fijian is friendly.
All of our YSAs fared well in the storm. No one lost roofs. No one got flooded. Most have their power back. Those who live out Nausori way are still out of power as a huge transformer out there went down. Could be weeks before they get their power back.
Some of the YSAs came early to Scott's lesson to help clean up the yard around the institute. Because Facilities Management forgets that we are here, they do not always get to us in a timely fashion. So we asked the YSAs to come help clean up. It took us about an hour to sweep the leaves up, pick up the palm tree fronds, etc. It was a fun thing. We took the kids who helped to McDonalds for a chocolate sundae--not a hot fudge sundae. They do not have hot fudge here, just hot chocolate which they put on the ice cream. uh huh.
Had asked the YSAs that sang on Sunday to come tonight to repractice for the program on Sunday. Had only 15 show up and 5 of them did not sing with us last Sunday. I just can not work this way. Now my gut will be in a knot until Sunday. Relax, La Nae. Relax
December 19
The power came on last night at about 8 o'clock--just less than 24 hours after it went off. The meat in our freezer is still frozen. It is a tender mercy that we had just bought our monthly supply of meat before the cyclone so our freezer was full. All missionaries are accounted for except two and their district leader is sure they are OK-another tender mercy.
We have skyped all our kids so that they will not continue to worry. They too have been watching the progression of Cyclone Evan on the internet. Modern technology is such a blessing.
We found out today, that Elder Wakolo and his kids were down at the sea wall day before yesterday as the cyclone was coming toward Fiji. They watched as the huge cargo ships hunkered down in preparation for the big storm, and watched as one huge cargo ship coming into the harbour was blown into the reef that surrounds Suva. I have decided that Scott and I were overly cautious. I wish we had taken the time to drive or walk around as the storm was coming. We will know what to do next time.
We are so grateful that all of Fiji seems to be safe and feel it is a direct blessing from heaven.
Today we were driving away from the Service Center when we saw the Taitos walking along the street. We stopped and asked where they were going. Home. We offered them a ride. Their home is a good two hour walk from the Service Center. This was not the first time they had chosen to walk instead of pay the bus fare which would be $2f per person. There were three of them, brother, sister and daughter Taito so that equals $6. Two miles to save $6. Says something about the economy here both nationally and personally. That is $3.60US. Americans are so blessed. But Fijians are happier!!!
We have skyped all our kids so that they will not continue to worry. They too have been watching the progression of Cyclone Evan on the internet. Modern technology is such a blessing.
We found out today, that Elder Wakolo and his kids were down at the sea wall day before yesterday as the cyclone was coming toward Fiji. They watched as the huge cargo ships hunkered down in preparation for the big storm, and watched as one huge cargo ship coming into the harbour was blown into the reef that surrounds Suva. I have decided that Scott and I were overly cautious. I wish we had taken the time to drive or walk around as the storm was coming. We will know what to do next time.
We are so grateful that all of Fiji seems to be safe and feel it is a direct blessing from heaven.
Today we were driving away from the Service Center when we saw the Taitos walking along the street. We stopped and asked where they were going. Home. We offered them a ride. Their home is a good two hour walk from the Service Center. This was not the first time they had chosen to walk instead of pay the bus fare which would be $2f per person. There were three of them, brother, sister and daughter Taito so that equals $6. Two miles to save $6. Says something about the economy here both nationally and personally. That is $3.60US. Americans are so blessed. But Fijians are happier!!!
December 18
Evan is gone. The west coast of the island has had problems with flooding both from the rain and from storm surges. Trees and power lines are down there. So far, no one has died in this storm which is such a blessing.
We still do not have power. We are eating out of the pantry so that we do not have to open the refrigerator. No one is going in to the service center again today. Somewhere I read that a category 3 cyclone can cause power outages that last up to three months. Oh I hope not! We would lose all the food in the fridge as there is no way to keep stuff cold here. No dry ice.
We ended up going into the Service Center because they have a generator. We found that only three employees there, but all the senior missionaries and the mission office staff were into work today. Because most of the employees live quite a ways out of the city (cheaper housing there) there is no good way to get into the city with no power and no busses.
We still do not have power. We are eating out of the pantry so that we do not have to open the refrigerator. No one is going in to the service center again today. Somewhere I read that a category 3 cyclone can cause power outages that last up to three months. Oh I hope not! We would lose all the food in the fridge as there is no way to keep stuff cold here. No dry ice.
We ended up going into the Service Center because they have a generator. We found that only three employees there, but all the senior missionaries and the mission office staff were into work today. Because most of the employees live quite a ways out of the city (cheaper housing there) there is no good way to get into the city with no power and no busses.
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