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