September 27

We had lunch with Maggie Vodo and Brendon Seila today.  Maggie had reserved the room on campus for FHE on Monday and we needed to see where it was.  When we asked where they wanted to eat, they chose the cheapest place around campus.  Not me!!! We ate at the Southern Cross restaurant on campus before we went to find the building.  I do not know what we would do without Maggie.  She is such a worker and supports everything we do.  We are grateful for her.

Maggie is leaving the 5th of December for her mission in Hamilton, New Zealand.  She will be a dynamite missionary.  Brandon served his mission here in Fiji.

Brendon Seila and Makareta (Maggie) Vodo

Our date tonight was grocery shopping at MH; afterward we went for a ride along the sea wall and then went home to watch a movie.  You know you are old when this kind of an evening is enjoyable.

September 26

We had signed up to help clean the temple after the Missionary Prep Class today.  It was an interesting experience.  After the Mission Prep class, Scott asked who was planning on going to the temple to clean only seven raised their hands.  We gave the class their treats, and Scott bought fish and chips for those going and for Joseph who wasn't in the class. While the eight of them were eating, I noticed that none of the other class members had left.  They obviously planned to just play at the institute instead of helping at the temple.  The mother in me came out and after talking it over with Scott, we just announced that we were closing the institute, so everyone could either go help clean at the temple or go home.  It was sort of an if-you-do-not-do-what-is-right-you-are-not-allowed-to-play.  Almost everyone (seven more) decided that they would help clean.

Because most of them had not brought their recommends, we ended up cleaning outside the temple.  Here are the pictures.

Cleaning the Roof of the Temple

Looking at the Temple Parking Lot
and Patron Housing

Ata Standing on a Ledge 

 

              

                  Suva Harbor from the Roof of the Temple

The Temple Compound 

Moronai on the Way to Visit Moroni

Almost Everyone Is Working

The Crew (left to right, top to bottom)
Luna, Wame, Tomasi, Seta, Estelle, Joseph
Moronai
Asenaca, Ravu, Ulai, Matai, Shanal
Francis, Lucelle, Rupeni  

September 25

Had a horrid headache this morning that would no go away even with Tylenol.  I guess I got so worried about the headache that I got one of my tension stomach aches.  GREAT.  I spent the morning in bed with two wet wash cloths one over my eyes and the other at the back of my neck.  Finally at about 1 o'clock I got up, showered, ate and trudged to the institute building.  I had promised the class a lesson on how to communicate effectively in a marriage and while courting.

I read the two lessons on this topic that I had given before, decided that a combination of the two would be best for this class.  I was finished writing and ready to teach by 5:00 p.m. which was nice as it gave me 30 minutes to relax and visit with the young adults.

We had 27 in class and it was a zoo.  We had put the tables away, and set the chairs up in as close to a circle as we could get.  I taught them skills and then had them practice.  A YSA would choose a number and that number was a topic of conversation for each pair.  Only one talked, the other practiced good listening skills.  After two minutes one of the pair moved and another topic was chosen and communication began again.  As they talked I watched and then gave them kudos or suggestions.  I am amazed at how good some were and how absolutely untrained the rest were.  One YSA male actually turned his chair so that he could not look at the person who was talking to him or to whom he talked.  After asking him twice to move his chair, I finally had to physically move it for him.  I even caught oneYSA listening to the conversation behind her.

They seemed to have fun and when I asked them what they had learned they had great answers. Hopefully it will help them in their associations.

September 24

I taught the Intro. to Family History lesson tonight.  It consisted mostly of how to fill out the different genealogy sheets e.g., how to write dates, place names, real names--the nuts and bolts of doing genealogy work.  Hoping to make it a little more interesting I made a power point presentation which had pictures.  It went fairly well.  At the end I challenged the class to get their family groups sheet (with them as a child, of course) completely filled out.  As incentive I have offered them a special treat next week.

Just as with any class, we have some who are just listening and doing no work, some who want to work, but are overwhelmed, and some who have already done research and baptisms.  I am hoping to bring those who are overwhelmed to a place where they can see the next step on their own.  I am not sure there is much I can do for those who are just sitting and listening except pray that the Spirit of Elijah will come to them.

September 23

Tonight was FHE with the seniors.  Hogges hosted it.  We had three kinds of soup and although I only tasted one, Scott--well everyone--said they were all wonderful.  I had Sister Whitehead's Mulligatawny Soup which is a curry soup.  It was so good, I have asked for the recipe.

The activity was very enlightening.  Each of us were to choose a favorite scripture, read it to the group, and tell why we like it.  Not only were we uplifted by the scriptures and the explanations, but it gave us a better insight into each senior missionaries personalities.

Nice night.

September 22

We went to church in the Nasinu wards today.  It is always lovely to visit wards, and we both love recruiting YSAs to the Institute.  We are always amazed at the YSA and adult faces we recognize and love.

Just after church we got a call from the Bedarra.  We had left underwear in our room.  We certainly could not just have them throw it away, so we decided to leave as soon as we got home from church.  We did not have time to fix the dinner that I had thawed in the refrigerator.  As we were changing I kept trying to think of what I could fix that would taste good and be fast.  Just as I was walking out of the bedroom, Monika downstairs knocked on our door with a dinner of fish, purple dalo, cassava, lolo, and ota.  What a blessing.  We ate and left.  We drove the two plus hours there, picked up the underwear which took two minutes, and then drove the two plus hours back.  To keep us entertained I read the scriptures and we listened to conference talks. 

Scott is so good to drive.  He never complains and, in fact, makes the drive fun.  I love being married to him.

September 21

I laid around the resort and read while Scott snorkelled this morning.  There was a free foot rub that came with the room which we did before lunch, and then we left for home.

When we hit Suva we shopped at the market, cleaned the vegetables and then went to the Institute for activity night.

September 20

Ate breakfast which was good.  We decided to drive to the dunes just outside of Sigatoka.  We have been told that they are the only sand dunes on Viti Levu. 

I have decided that I must be related to Laman and Lemuel.  We got walking and hit the dunes.  The sand was really hot and I was in sandals that did not protect my feet.  Of course, we were taking steps upward and then sliding back down some.  Frustrating when one is trying to hurry.  I murmured up the dune, down the other side of the dune, and across the next dune to the shoreline.  Scott is so patient.  After we sat for a while watching the ocean, I realized that I had not been a great traveling companion.  The view was gorgeous, the walk was great, and I should have been more positive.

Up the Dune.  Hot!  Hot!

Down the Dune.  Still Hot! Hot!

Cooling Off My Feet After the Walk.
Behind Scott's Back is the Ocean.

We spent quite awhile watching the surf.  This is the only beach we know of on Viti Levu that does not have a reef so there really is a surf.  It was a treat.  Afterwards we walked along the beach to the trail that took us through trees back to dune headquarters.

Close Up of a Hoodoo

The Trail Back to Headquarters.
Notice the Hoodoos tied to the trees.

A Tree and It's Roots Along The Way

Afterwards we went to the Outrigger Resort to check it out.  Scott loves to 'check out' resorts.  When we drove in, the gatekeeper told us that he was LDS.  We had a lovely discussion with him and he told us how to see the resort easily.  After we had walked around, we decided to eat at one of their restaurants.  We had the best salad ever!!!  It consisted of big chunks of avocado, mashed mango, bacon bits, and macadamia nuts on a bed of lettuce.  I asked the waitress for the dressing recipe and this is what came back from the kitchen.  Mayo, Bavarian mustard, tiny bits of bacon, and citrus sauce.  Right!  Citrus sauce.  What is citrus sauce?  Because of the color of the dressing, I assume that they used a blend of the limes here that have orange flesh, and lemon with sugar.  It was not spicy nor piquant.

We both had massages this afternoon.  She really worked on my shoulder that hurts.  How is it that a massage therapist hurts the hurt and afterwards it all feels better?  Ate an early dinner at the resort which was better tonight than it was last night.  After dinner we sat out and watched the sun set.  Pure Fiji.

A Fiji Sunset

Sunset From Behind our Chairs

Close Up of the Sunset

More Sunset

Isn't This Beautiful?

Almost Gone

September 19

Scott started teaching his lesson and all his plans changed.  Funny how that happens when one asks for the Holy Ghost to attend one's lesson.

We need a little break, so we left for Sigatoka at about 2:30 p.m.  I find I am tired of this drive.  Not the scenery, but the many speed bumps that are such a pain, and such a lengthener of the trip.

Bedarra Resort
Our room is the balcony on the left upstairs which has a great view of the ocean.

Scott researched resorts along the Coral Coast and decided this one was a great value.  It was. Our nightly rate was $155F which right now is $83.70 US.  Just about 1/4 of a mile away along the beach is the Outrigger Resort which charges $358F a night and their beach is not any nicer. They do have three pools (we have one) and many, many more people.  Our little resort is quiet and personal.  We can we are told walk down the beach and eat at the Outrigger if we want.

When we arrived at the Bedarra Resort, Scott immediately changed and went snorkelling while I sat reading and watching.  With the wind the day was perfect.  Ate dinner at the Bedarra.  Not so bueno.  Afterwards we walked up the road to check out what was around.  In bed early.  We are both tired.

Night View Beyond the Resort

Reading While Scott is Snorkeling

September 18

Taught the dating lesson tonight in Eternal Marriage.  This is always a fun lesson.  We talk about dating manners, why we want to date (not much dating going on in Suva), and what ideas they have for free or inexpensive dates.  It is interesting that I have had all three classes list cheap dates, and this is the only class that has listed coming to the institute building as an option.  We are making progress.

We had 26 in class.

September 17

Scott taught Family History.  He is the master of getting discussion and participation.  It is one of his best talents.  I watch and watch and can not figure out what he does that is so different, but he is a master of classroom participation.

September 15

Had an experience today that again reminded us of the cultural differences here. Naomi Waka attended the Samabula ward today.  It was great to see her.  When we were trained in SLC for PEF, she was also there training as the new Pacific Area Coordinator of PEF.   She is in Fiji to do genealogy with her sister.  It seems she has quit her job.  When I asked her why, she said that she was just in a rut--a less than 15 months rut.  She seemed to have lots of ideas about what to do next, but no real plans.  She is not particularly worried about having an income nor about where she is going to live.  Typical Islander attitude.

I taught the lesson in Relief Society today.  I was not happy when I read the lesson the first time as I felt it was really a priesthood lesson.  When I read it the second time, I wondered how I could teach a lesson when I was the bad example of that lesson.  I prayed and prayed all week, but did not write the lesson until Friday night and Saturday.  I actually finished it this morning.   I had trouble getting discussion to begin with, but it got better as the lesson progressed.  I love the sisters of this ward; they are great women--daughters of God.  At the end of the lesson, I asked them what they had learned that would make a difference in their lives.  No one answered.  I waited.  Repeated the question.  Waited again.  Finally I said,  "This lesson has been a failure if the Holy Ghost has not been here, and if He has been here then He has whispered to you what you need to do now because of this lesson.  I was absolutely amazed at the response from these sisters.  The class actually went over time, because so many sisters shared what the Holy Ghost had told them.  Powerful!

September 14

Lots of new faces in movie night tonight.  We had a 15 year old come whom we have kicked out of the institute twice before.  Bless his heart.  When we realized he was here again, Scott just escorted him out again while explaining to him again that the Young Men's Program was for him, and that Institute was for those over 18.  He has to wait until he is 18 to participate in the activities at the Institute.  He spent most of the night in the backyard on the bench under the big tree waiting for his friends to leave the institute.  Sad.  Where are his 15 year old friends?

September 13

Woke this morning to rain.  A real gully washer.  I love to listen to the waxing and waning of it.  Our roof is tin as is the neighboring house which makes the rain even louder.  When I finally got out of bed, I checked the sky out our bedroom window and it was semi bright; there was the sun on the horizon.  I had not noticed until today that the birds here sing when it is raining.  I can not remember birds singing in Utah during a rain storm.  Do they?  I actually crawled back into bed and just laid there listening.  It was almost as soothing as listening to the surf.  It's going to be a great day.

Tonight I judged the ward music festival.  Bishop told us that it would start at 4:30p.m. Knowing about Fiji time we arrived at the chapel at 5:00.  No one was there but the Rakatias.  We sat around until 5:20 and then asked Vika Rakatia to call us when the festival got started.  We went home to eat.  We did not notice the time until about 6:15.  Oops.  We threw on our shoes and hussled back to the church.  By the time we got there the primary had song all but one of their assigned songs.  Each organization presented a solo, a duet, a trio, a quartet, and a choir number.  My assignment was to choose the best musical number for each category.

It was a great evening.

September 12

Had a really weird experience today.  Scott's class was full to overflowing.  While the student's were working on their scripture memorizations, Scott walked into the lounge.  There was the mother of one of the students.  Thinking she would like to watch her son recite, he brought her in and asked if she could have my chair.  I was glad to give it up, and left the classroom with the intention of just working in our office.  I opened the office door and there were Elder and Sister Jackson counselling a young adult.  Foki, the PEF secretary, and another woman were in the kitchen.  I had no place to go.  As I had no idea how long the parent would stay in the class, I decided to just walk home.  I knew that the house would be open as our cleaning lady was there.  It is interesting that by the time I got home I felt really displaced, and unhappy.  Satan is so insidious.

September 11

Our lesson tonight was on the Proclamation on the Family.  We had a full class. 

After class Makareta (Maggie) and Brandon came into our office asking if we could talk with them in private.  We shut the door and began.  They are dating/courting.  Maggie decided in the middle of the courting that she needed to serve a mission and has since gotten her call.  The question was, "Should we get engaged before Maggie leaves on her mission?"  Scott was so inspired in his reply.  He asked Brandon if he had companions that had girlfriends at home waiting for them.  He did.  Then Scott asked him what those companions were like.  Brandon replied that at times, many times, those companions did not have their heads in the mission work.  He then asked Brandon if that was want he wanted for Maggie.  Poor Brandon, he had to answer 'no', but he really wants her to be committed to him before she goes.  He is a great guy to give up something he really wants so that the girl he loves can serve with all her might, mind, and strength.

We learned later that Maggie would have just married Brandon and not gone on a mission if he had asked her to marry him instead of just talking about marriage.  They will be alright.  Things will work out for them.

They have started to wear shirts of the same color.  Cute.

September 10

I taught the Introduction to Family History lesson today.  It was on Elijah and his calling.  The students did not know this stuff.  Before I gave the lesson, Chaya gave me some advice which was crucial to the lesson.  Her advice was "let them explore".  It worked so well.  Nice to have children who are smarter and more accomplished that we are.

September 9

We were invited to a "farewelling" for Jack Moimoi which included dinner and Family Home Evening.  Jack lives with Elder and Sister Walkolo.  They actually raised him and his sister, Olive, when they were younger.  It was then that Jack and Olive joined the church.  I am not sure where they lived after high school (college here), but Olive moved back in with the Walkolos about the same time we started our mission.  Jack came shortly after.

So tonight we attend the farewelling for Jack.  He told us that it was to start between 5 o'clock and 6 o'clock and that the FHE part would start at 7:00 p.m.  We arrived at 5:30.  No one but the Walkolos were there.  It was frustrating not to be allowed to help in the kitchen and so we sat around until 7:00 wondering when dinner would start.  The other guests started to arrive around 6:30p.m. To our surprise they held FHE first, said good-bye to Jack and then ate dinner at about 8:30 p.m.  Being a palogi is really tough; unless we are told, we do not understand the protocol.  It was a delightful evening.

They had BBQ sausages, chicken thighs, and lamb chops.  Of course, there was the ever present dalo, and rice.  Jack had made the dessert which was a Fiji kind of cupcake.  There was more meat than I have ever seen at a house party.

We are so impressed with Jack.  As soon as he got his call to the Philippines, Bagio mission, he started learning Tagalog.  Tonight he bore his testimony is Tagalog.  We, of course, could not tell if his accent was on, but he spoke with confidence and smoothly.  He is going to be a great missionary.

Jack with Haley to the left

Missionary Picture of Jack