"SKYPE HOME"

 

 

The missionaries gathered at the Sombula flat where Skype was

 downloaded on three Ipads and one computer.  Telephones

were provided to those who wanted to call instead of Skype.

Each missionary found a quiet spot to contact family members

to wish them a Merry Christmas, share testimonies of missionary work

and the Savior and enjoy some "down" time together. 

The five hours quickly flew by and then it was back to "work".

 



"CELEBRATTION"

 

 

The birth of the Savior is reason to celebrate. The men and boys

prepare the lovo.  The women and girls cook the food and

decorate the hall.  The preparations take the entire day.

Dinner was served at 5--pork, fish, chicken, walipoki, watermelon

ice-cream and cake and or course cassava.

Gary and I were surprised when we were made the honorary

special guests.  Gary shared his testimony of the Savior

and love for the People in Taveuni.

 

"SECRET SANTA"

 

Our family Christmas project this year included help from

a ward in Idaho Falls and one in Burley.  In September Jessica and Erin

asked the members of their wards to donate their used white shirts and

ties to Priesthood holders in Taveuni.  The members of the wards

responded with boxes of white shirts and hundreds of ties.  Money

was also donated to help with shipping.

The saints in Taveuni loved receiving their "NEW"

clothes and we felt like "Secret Santa"

It really is better to give than to receive.



"GRADUATION DAY'

Gary and I were special guests at the Kindergarten Graduation where

we volunteer once each week.  Parents honored their

children for being prepared to enter form 1.

Our speech included appreciation for the

Savior;s example when he said

"Suffer the children to come unto me."

"SUVA"

 

Experiencing busy and crowded Suva where homes are behind locked gates and

traffic goes every which way on beautiful paved roads

 made us grateful for our lives

on the peaceful island of Taveuni with its bumpy roads and open neighborhoods.

We loved shopping in the down town area and enjoyed a visit

to Pacific Harbor. We spent time with other Senior Couples and even ate at McDonalds.

Our greatest joy was finding solace in the temple.



"CHRISTMAS"

 

 

When the Sekoula tree blossoms it means

that Christmas is near.  Suva City lights a tree in the park and

hotels attract tourists with decorations in the lobby.

Shop owners play Christmas Music.

We thanked the non-Christian shop owners for playing music

heralding the birth of the Savior.

 

"FEED ME"

 Mission Tour with Elder Pearson of the 70

 



 Preparing Christmas Dinner for 40

 

 Happy Birthday Elder Brouwer

 

 

We take our truck to Vanua Levu to be serviced. This time we

used time in-between Zone Conference and Mission Tour to got new tires. 

 It felt like we were feeding the 5000 as we tried to fill the appetites of 40 hungry missionaries.

Once fed physically we were able to watch as they were fed spiritually by

a General Authority, Elder Pearson.

 

"GATHERING"

 

 

 

 

 

 

Each day the missionaries walk through the villages contacting

people who are interested in hearing the message

of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

The people in Taveuni are hospitable and happy.  They welcome

the missionaries into their homes and offer to feed them.

In return, the missionaries teach them about the Atonement

of Jesus Christ and about the Book of Mormon,

Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

The happy day for both the missionaries and the villagers is

baptism day. 

 



""KINDERGARTEN FIELD DAY

Helping with a sack race

A class photo

The children are four, five and six years old

After the races each child received a sweet treat

 

Every Thursday we visit the Sogulu Kindergarten. Today is Field day

and Teacher appreciation day.  Parents in the village prepared

a plate of treats for each child to enjoy after the races.

They also prepared a beautiful lai for the teacher.

This teacher wants the students in her class to hear

what she calls "real" stories because she knows that

someday God will ask her what she taught her

students and she wants him to know she taught them that

they are his children.

 

3 Nephi 17:21

...and he took their little children, one by one,

 and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

 

 



"THE END OF THE DAY"

 

The view from the deck at our home in Sogulu.

Every day we come home to the color and drama of Taveuni

The colors are brilliant and the air is soft and inviting.

After hard and not so hard days, the beauty of our back yard warms our

hearts and lets us know that God is watching over our efforts.