April 28

Whew this was a big day--a long day.

We started the day by visiting YSA Sunday School classes.  We started with Suva 1st at 8:45 then we raced out to Nasinu 1st and caught the very end of their class.  We stayed with them for Sacrament Meeting. To make the YSA Sunday School class in the Nasinu 2nd Ward we had to leave Sacrament Meeting before the closing prayer.  We had planned to go straight to the Suva 4th Ward, but decided we had to have some lunch before we did all the choir practices, so we sped home ate quickly (15 minutes to fix and eat) as we had to be to Tamavua before noon. Scott dropped me off at LDS College where both Tamavua Wards meet and then drove down to Wailoku to pick up their YSAs.  Wailoku is down a very steep and very long hill from Tamavua so we had promised the YSAs in that ward that we would pick them up for the choir practice. Did I mention that we are preparing to sing in stake conference?  No?  Well that is why we are having these choir practices.

We have been asked to sing at the adult session of conference.  Because the visiting authority has not given President Seru a theme yet, he has just told me to choir three songs about the Savior or the Savior's atonement.  I have chosen I Know that My Redeemer Lives (easy and familiar), Our Savior's Love(not familiar, but relatively easy, and an adult version of If the Savior Stood Beside Me (fun).  We had between 15 and 20 attend the practice. We finished the practice at Tamavua at 1:10 which gave us five minutes to make a 15 minute drive to Lami.

Late for the Lami practice, but 12 YSAs had waited. We practiced there until 2:30 and then dropped YSAs off on our way back to Suva. 

We arrived home at 3:10.  Fixed a quick dinner of sloppy joe meat (frozen) over baked potatoes, carrots and grapes.  At 4:00 we walked down to the Samabula Chapel for the pre fireside practice.  The fireside started at 5:00 and lasted until 7:30. 

The choir did a nice job of singing. We had about 35 YSAs in the choir.  We also had about five YSAs who had practiced with us sitting in the audience.  Why they choose not to sing is something neither Scott nor I understand, but every time we sing someone who has learned the song chooses not to perform.  I love this version of Nearer My God to Thee.  I will be humming it all week.

I was exhausted when we got home, but because I can't stand packing too early, we had to pack for our trip to Taveuni tomorrow.  We finished at 9:30, climbed into bed, and as usually Scott fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.  Me?  I needed to relax so I am writing this and then will read until 10:30.

We need a break.