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.