August 29

I was so excited for today to come.  The stuff we sent for from the U.S. came and we are going to put it on my leg today.  Dr. Mitra is interested enough that he wants to do it.  We will all go to the hospital; Sister Limburg, Scott, Robert, and me, of course.

The stuff, I really need to know what it is called, is blue and looks like a rubber sheet. Something one would use to wash dishes.  It is about 4" X 4" and we are to cut pieces the exact size of the wound.  We then put it in the wound and cover it with an opsite bandage.  Because it is still tender I am going to make them also wrap it with an ace bandage for protection.

Scott taught mission prep.  Just after he got started, someone told us that Sister Taufonga had lost her baby and the funeral started at 10, so I left Scott's class and went to attend the funeral.  When I walked in Patriarch Salome was speaking about the resurrection of babies and children.  He was, I believe, quoting Joseph Smith when he said that parents would have the opportunity to raise their children who died young until they become adults.  That has to be such a comfort.

Sister Tuafonga spoke next.  She told of waiting years to have a baby and during those years she felt inspired that while she waited for children she should serve where ever and when ever she could--in every area of her life. As an aside, I had noticed that Evonne was always working/helping.  She is a one woman service machine.  She felt when she realized she was pregnant that it was a miracle and a direct blessing for the service she and her husband had given.  That is why they named their little girl Charity.  She expressed gratitude for Charity's birth, for the gospel, for her knowledge of a life after this one.  She is a woman of strong faith.

Brother Tuafonga spoke after Sister Tuafonga.  Robert talked how hard Charity fought after her birth and how surprised the doctors were.   Charity was born at just a little over five months after conception.  She lived just long enough for them to hold her and then she quietly slipped away.  He spoke of going to the morgue (where all hospital deaths go) to dress her today.  They got there way too early and so had quite some time before the funeral.  They decided to take her for a ride around Suva and then to their home to "spend some family time" and to show her their home.

Pres. Seru spoke about David and his lost child.  Elder Wakolo also talked.  He reminded us that God calls home those who are too pure, too righteous to live on this earth (Joseph Smith).

After the final song and prayer, Brother Tuafonga picked up this little coffin and along with his wife who had gathered the flowers started down the aisle toward the back of the chapel.  I had been so strong until I saw this valiant father with so much love carry his only child inside a tiny coffin.

I am in awe of this faithful, strong, loving couple.  They have changed my life forever.

Spent the rest of the day shopping for a neck breaker for Robert to take home, having our final conversations with Robert while driving to Nadi, and getting Robert on the airplane.  Home is going to be too quiet.