June 4

I am not really sure when Timoci (Timothy) left Fiji for Guam.  I hate being behind in this blog, but simply cannot find the time to write everyday.  Neither Scott nor I have enough energy at the end of the day to write in a journal.  We go home after class and taking the YSAs home so tired that we change clothes as soon as we get home and go to bed.  So I am adding this here as it is important to get into our journal which is what this blog is---our journal.

As a review Timoci was one of our original YSAs.  He came the first day we taught and attended both of the classes we taught in the institute and every activity we held until he left on his mission.  He original call was for the Canada, Toronto mission.  He was to leave in November 2012.  His visa request was turned down twice by Canada which was such a disappointment for him.  There was a time when we feared he would just decide not to go on a mission, but through the ministration of our wonderful Bishop Farpa 'pau it did not happen.  His next call was to the Micronesia, Guam Mission.  Because Guam is a territory of the United States it takes months to get a visa.  So instead of going in November, Timoci had to wait for a visa.  Finally in the middle of January, the church instructed the employee in the Service Center that Timoci was to leave for the MTC in New Zealand in three days.  He went.  No visa came while he was there, so he had to come back to Fiji as a full time missionary waiting for his visa to Guam.  It finally came the end of April or the beginning of May. 

We had the privilege of seeing Timoci while he was in the Mission Office here is Suva the day before he flew to Guam.

With Timoci Tupua just before he flew to Guam

We are so proud of Timoci.  He put his whole heart and soul into his mission work here in Fiji.  We have been corresponding on an irregular basis and I would like to record some of the things he has written to us.  He is a man of great faith and we are aware that these trials before his mission have strengthen his faith and made him more fit for the work.

From the MTC in New Zealand:
"Every day that goes by...my testimony of my saviour is strengthened....my spiritual eyes have been opened....i am always uplifted and i love that feeling....i know that i will be able to experience more of this in my time here....sometimes i am challenged but i am grateful for the spirit that comforts me and gives me the strength to carry on....here obedience is something to always remember...and it does bring blessing....."

This after one week serving in Fiji (where he really, really did not want to serve):
"i am happy to serve the Lord in whatever vineyard he has called me to serve him."

From Ba, Fiji
"The priesthood is indeed the power of God....and can only work on faith.....i am so blessed to have this power, Sister Tennis."

Timoci (on right) and his first convert