Our First Christmas In Fiji

Well we made it through our first Christmas far away from our family and friends and WOW, what a Christmas it was.  We truly missed them and all of you, but we had a wonderful experience here in Fiji.

It started with our YSA playing the chimes at a missionary fireside on Sunday night

Monday we spent at the institute with the kids and going through files to figure out how the institute functions.

Monday night the Senior Missionaries had a FHE Christmas party hosted by President Davis, the temple President.  They have a beautiful home right next to the temple.  It has a beautiful view out the back.  She had it decorated so Christmasy and it felt good since our decorations were pretty non existent this year.  

 President and Sister Davis's Home all decorated for Christmas

Elder and Sister Watling from England were in charge of the dinner.  It was a wonderful Traditional English Christmas Dinner

                 

Sister Christiansen, Sister Collins and President Klingler trying to whistle Christmas carols.  Since President Klinger is a musician, he was a ringer.

Elder and Sister Watling are from England and they planned the food being a traditional English Christmas dinner.  It was delicious.  Even had truffles and Yorkshire pudding.

The entertainment was all the senior couples making fools out of themselves by attempting to whistle a Christmas carol.  Silly but fun.

We then sang Christmas carols and I brought out my chimes and again, they were a hit.  Everyone loved playing them and the sound brought such a sweet spirit to the night.  

Tuesday, we took the YSA to the temple for baptism for the dead. We had about 14 show up today.  Again, they were there an hour early.  They are so dedicated to this work.  

After we were done, we all went back to the institute.  They wanted to go caroling with the chimes to an old folks home.  I didn't know where there was one, but Sister Jackson told us of a lady that she visiting teaches who was living in a "Old Peoples Home" and she hadn't done her VT yet so she and Brother Jackson came with us.

We loaded up our van and their car and off we went.  It was such a beautiful experience.  These kids are so amazing.  We played 4 songs and then they handed our candy canes that were left over from the stockings I had made them.  The wonderful part was how tender they were with the residences.  We could hardly get them out of there. 

When we were through, they kept asking to go to another one.  Again I did't know where there was another one, but they did, so off we went to drop in on another "Old Peoples Home".

This time we went to the one that we were scheduled to go to that night with the Missionaries and the Senior Missionaries to put on a Christmas party.  We didn't think they would mind hearing us twice, so we went in and ask if it would be ok.  They were delighted to have us come.

Again, the YSA did great and spent time talking and hugging the residents.  It melted my heart.  

By this time we were all starving so we took them to McDonalds for lunch.  To my amazement, most of them had never been to McDonalds before.

Being so cheep in the US, I guess I didn't realize how expensive it is here.  I ordered 15 Big Mac meals and they loved them.  I'm still not sure if they would take a Big Mac over their fish & chips they love so much.  It sure tasted good to me through.

We went back to the center for a little while and then headed out again to do the Christmas party for the "Old Peoples Home".  It was fun being there with all the Elders and Sisters.  We really don't get to spend much time with them so this was such a treat.  They have so much enthusiasm and energy.  

This time, they played the chimes as we all sang.  They loved it.  (I am so Happy I brought these chimes).  We dressed some of the residents up in the Nativity costumes and Elder Peterson read the Christmas story as they sat on the stage.  It was a tender picture and a good way to end Christmas Eve.  We were supposed to go with our ward caroling but we were to exhausted to even think about it.  Fun, Fun, Fun day.

Christmas Day wasn't to eventful.  We got up, read the letter Greg Costly had sent us, had a little breakfast and went for a drive.  We saw some beautiful country, but we didn't know where we were going so we turned around after about an hour and went the other way.  We drove down town and out to the water front and found a wonderful Chinese restaurant.  Had a Fra la la la la kind of a Christmas dinner.  Came home took a little nap and then went to a movie.  Didn't know you could see movies on your mission did you.  Well, seniors have a little less strict rules than the younger missionaries.

The day after Christmas, Thursday for us, Wednesday for you all, was the best of all.  We were able to talk to all the kids and grandkids.  It was so fun to see all that Santa had brought them and to hear their voices and see their adorable faces.  There is nothing better than family.  We may have shed a few tears as well.  

The Jacksons, bless their hearts, called and asked us if we wanted to go have lunch at a place called Pacific Harbor.  We accepted gladly and we are so glad we did.  It is beautiful to say the least.  Where we live in Suva isn't the Fiji that you think about when you think Fiji.  It's more of the busy city feel.

The drive to Pacific Harbor was fantastic.  They told us history, showed us places to go and things to do when our kids come over and showed us an incredible golf course that we can't wait to go back and play.  I bet you didn't know Seniors Missionaries could play golf either.  Well we can and YES! WE WILL....  This was the Fiji that you think of when you think of Fiji.

So you can see that we did have a different but good Christmas here in Fij, but to tell you the truth, I'm glad it is over and I can quit anticipating how hard it would be and how sad I thought I would be.  Now it's time to move on and really get down to work at the institute.  In fact we have our work cut out for us.  We are going to a Fiji wide YSA camp in Nadii and we have been given 3 assignments so we have been off and running today getting ready for it.

We love you all and hope your Holidays were Merry and Bright and that your New Year will find you healthy and happy.

What We Have Learned in One Week Here in Fiji

As we review this past week, we are amazed at how much we have learned and experienced in just seven days here on the beautiful island of "Viti".

1- 7 inch centipedes crawling over the bathroom floor can scare the crap out of you!
   

(The picture of it in the toilet does not do it justice)   

I haven't heard my sweet wife scream like that before!

    

I know.  It looks gross but how else could we show you?

2-  Flexibility is key to as we learn to be on "Fiji Time".

3- Fijian Young Single Adults's are beautiful, happy and love to laugh and tease.   They are hungry to learn - and EAT.

Last night was the  YSA Saturday activity night.   It was movie night.   Paula popped like a ton of popcorn yesterday afternoon for treats.   There were about 25 there.   At least 1/2 of them are RM’s.   There has been a steady stream of missionaries leaving from here as well.   Three of our institute kids, left just this past week.   One from our ward is leaving the day after Christmas to Sierra Leone in Africa.

Interesting story – this young man is the only member in his family and the youngest of 6 children.   His father is a Methodist minister and was very much against his son joining the Church.   But this young man’s conviction to the Gospel was too strong for his father to say no.   In fact, his father attended church with him today.   BTW – his mother, and the ministers wife, passed away last January.   So this young man is the only child left living with the father.

The bishop had the young man get up and bear his testimony.   He expressed a humble and sincere testimony of his conversion.  He did it Fijian.  I could not understand all of it, but the Spirit told me that what he as saying was very profound.   Then, the bishop invited the young man’s father to get up and share his thoughts too.    I thought; "this ought to be interesting!"  He was very respectful and appreciative of the support the ward has given his son and he expressed how he has felt the friendly feelings from LDS – as he calls us.      The minister also attended our priesthood meeting and spoke there as well.   The missionaries were setting up an appointment after church.

6 - Finally, we have learned and realised just how much we love and miss our family.   Good thing you don't see the tears when we hang up after one of our FT sessions.   Because WE DO LOVE YOU ALL!!!!

Just a few of the YSA and Missionaries after the Christmas Missionary Fireside

The view out our back door.  

Grandma Ema Peela just can't keep her hands of these cute babies. 

The view from our "temporary" home at a hotel.   This is approximately 3 blocks from our ward building.  

My Companion - She is a keeper.  Notice she forgot her name plate.   I did the same thing one day and felt totally out of place.   It really means something to wear the Savior's name close to your heart.  

Sister Pete sacrificed part of her luggage allotment to bring her chimes.  You can see here, one of the ways they have been huge hit.  

We loaded up our freight shipment to Fiji with Christmas treats for the YSA's.  They loved them even though the chocolate Santa's were chocolate blobs by the time they got them in their stockings!

One last thing in closing – Last night, after the movie, we had packed with us about 50 little Christmas stockings and treats to put in them and give to the YSA's.   Yes, the chocolate Santa’s were more of a chocolate blob but you get the idea.  

She explained to them  our tradition of the Christmas stocking.  We then we gave them out while they were still seated.    When we were finished handing them out they first expressed there gratitude -  and then, spontaneously  they started singing a tractional native song to us to express their feelings for us.    Not only was the harmony amazing, with all the parts, but the rhythm was there in great abundance.  They sang three verses.  It brought us to tears.    Check out Paula's FB for a glimpse.   These YSA's are beautiful and such a joy to work with.   Their hunger and eagerness to learn about the Gospel is humbling and a little bit intimidating.  

The work is True!  Have a Merry Christmas.  

Wow, what a ride we have had.  We are finally moving into a place to live today.  We have spent 2 nights at another senior couples flat while they were away, and 2 nights in a hotel.  Its pretty hard living out of a suitcase when you are trying to get use to new surroundings, new food, and a new job.  Crazy!!!!  I guess a good way to look at it is, it can only go up from here:)

Really, we have had a great time.  Saturday was really rough, But Sunday made up for it.  We went to church and all the YSA came running up to meet the Peterson’s  They are exactly how I hoped they would be.  So fun and energetic and BEAUTIFUL.

We went to their class and their teacher didn’t show up.  One of the girls got up and started the class.  I was amazed to say the least.  She  divided us into 3 groups and gave each an assignment  to talk about.  Then she assigned each group a hymn to sing after we  did our presentation.  Everyone did it!!!! They have no pianos so someone sings the first 3 or 4 words and then says “1,2,3” and then everyone starts to sing the song.  It is amazing.  

Our Home away home.  The YSA Institute

Monday, we came to the center and had about 15 kids here all day long.  They come to use the internet, get out of the heat, and just enjoy each other.  

We had a Wonderful Day at the Temple with 10 YSA

Tuesday, we took them to the temple to do Baptisms for the dead and then out for fish and chips.  We had about 10 kids in our van and they teased us and laughed all the way there and back.  One of the kids named Burt sat in the front with Mark because he weighes about 300 lbs or more and is about 7 feet tall.  Well, maybe not that tall, so I let him sit in the front.  He took  us on a a wild goose chase.  It took us 20 minutes to get to the fish and chips place and 5 to get back.  The kids were laughing like crazy.  They love teasing.

Laughing all the way

Such beautiful people

Elder Peterson is real getting the hang of this driving thing

Fish & Chips a tradition after baptisms

We spent the rest of the day here at the center trying to find the Tennis’s phone, looking in their files and just getting acquainted with the office and the schedules.  Then we went home to our hotel:(((((

Today has been a great day.  We found someplace to buy American food (Cost U Less) real funny.  It is really expensive here.  Went to McDonalds and are now preparing for a fireside tonight.  Never ends apparently:)

We will be going home after the fireside and moving into our flat.  Yay, Yay, Yay.  Flexable is our new favorite word.

Mark has gotten really good at driving.  I can’t believe how he has picked it up.  He is preparing for his first mission prep class tomorrow.  The kids are in for a treat!!!!!!

Well, that' about all for now.  We are staying really busy.  Seems like we have been here forever (not really, but maybe).  We haven’t even had time to think about home or Christmas.  We have been invited to join a few couples to go visit an old folks home Christmas Eve and the Seniors are having a FHE on Monday hope to use my chimes for these.  They are nice and most are very helpful.  

It's been great so far.....  

Time Fly's - When You Are Trying to Catch Your Breath! ?

Our good byes from the MTC and from Home were bitter sweet.   We were able meet our language instructor, Lokahi and his wife and new little baby - Mele Nila Vuikadavou.   We are so grateful for all of his hard work and patience with us.   He has since moved on to another job after graduating from BYU.   The language training for Fiji will miss him.  

Our Language Training Instructor Lokahi, his wife Mary and their baby.

The Farewell Party - Thanks for coming to the airport guys.   We loved seeing you.

Sister Pete waiting to catch some shut eye on the flight.

The Fun Traditional Greeting at the Fiji International Airport in Nadi

As we post this session, it is Sunday afternoon here in Fiji.   We made it!  After almost missing our flight due to me being picked out to forego the TSA Pre-check that we spent so much time and a little money obtain, I was required to go through regular screening.   Well, the line at Delta screening was almost out the door!   I ran to the gate only to hear the gate agent calling for us to report to the counter.   Sister Pete sailed right through screening and was waiting for me.

As we did so, she asked for our visa's to travel to Fiji.   Visa?  What visa?   If we needed one, the Church did not ask or provide for one.   We produced our work letter from the Fiji government.   Something told me when I was packing to put that letter in a handy location.   After making many phone calls, she informed us that this would suffice.   OK - Blood Pressure now begins to flow closer to normal.   Other than that, our flights were smooth and connections were made without too much hassle.

HOWEVER. . . .  .  once we arrived, we were informed that our apartment that we were anticipating moving in to, was not available.   Huh?   Oh, really!   Apparently, a couple living here in Fiji (members) from Canada had returned home for some medical treatment.   In the meantime, our predecessors (the Tennis's) lived there while they were serving for the past 18 months.   Before we arrived, we had spoken to several missionaries who told us it was the nicest flat in the mission.  Not to be though as the couple wanted their digs back.

 For the time being, we are "camped out" at another missionary couples flat while they are traveling.   We cannot really unpack, so we are a little confined and confused.   We have been promised that something would be ready this week.
Lesson Learned Here - be patient and flexible.  Things don't always work out the way we anticipate.   

We have met with our mission president, President Klingler.  He has assigned us to attend the Lami 2nd Ward.  It is about 10 minutes form Suva.  

President & Sister Klingler from Mesa, AZ.   They will be released next July.  

The Traditional Chocolate Chip Cookie Dunk Lesson After Orientation.

We are now on a "reduced" time clock.  Ha Ha

Feeling a little frustrated and weary, we went to church and had a great experience.  All the YSA came running to meet us.  We finally felt welcome.  There were even some who came  from other wards just to meet the New Petersons.  They are beautiful people and we can't wait to get to know them better.  We know that they will change our lives forever.  Can't wait for tomorrow!!!

First Week Down – We Have Learned . . . . . . .

At the end of our first week at the MTC, we reflect back on what an incredible learning and spiritual experience this has been for us.  

First, we have learned that time really flies when you are involved in Heavenly Father’s work.   The days have flown by.   When we retire to our bed at night, we feel tried, but grateful for this opportunity to serve full time.

Next, we have learned that when teaching investigators about our Church, that it is important to 1- get to know that person; 2- keep it simple; and, 3- Let the Spirit guide you so that He can testify of the truth of what you saying.   D & C 100:5-8

Next, we have learned that there are a whole lot of different missions around the world and the work is truly hastening.   On Wednesday, 800 new young elders and sisters entered the MTC for preparation for their assignments.  This was the largest single group of missionaries to enter at one time.  On Monday, when we entered, we learned that we were part of the largest group of senior missionaries, ever, to enter the MTC.  D & C 4: 1, 4.

Last, we have learned that we are truly blessed to serve together.   We love and miss our family (thank goodness for Skype) and we cant wait for our grandchildren to carry on this missionary tradition.  

Moce,

Elder Papa & Sister Ema-Peela

Our FIRST Mail - Package from the Noonan Family

Missionary Christmas Stockings With Our Names Embroidered On Them

They come in all sizes - The sister on the left is well over 6 feet and her companion next to her is under 5 feet.  

December 2, 2013:  Whoo! Whoo!  We're on our way to the Provo MTC!

Our District With Sister Yazzi our Afternoon Instructor.  L-R: Wright's from Ohio headed to Military Service Mission in Virginia;  Larsen's from Herriman, UT are off to Porto Rico Virgin Islands; The Reidheads from Mesa are headed to North Carolina.  

We have learned that we are part of history making here at the Provo MTC.  This week, the largest group of senior missionaries ever entered the MTC for pre-mission training.  

Lot's of "seat time"learning how use PMG.  Were are those seat donuts and a Diet Coke w/ice when you need them?

Connections from the past - Met Bill and Jolene Terry from Bountiful.   They are Paula's old ward members.   They are headed off to Russia to serve with the YSA's.  

MTC Christmas Tree with Mark's favorite Christmas ornament at the side.   

With the large group of new senior couples, they put some of us up at the Provo Downtown Marriott.   The gym is welcome relief after all the sitting.  (note the funky new Nikes!)

Sister Fillmore, our morning instructor from Sandy, UT.   She is full of energy and is a great teacher - BTW she is not shy to let us know that she is looking for a husband.  

Wow!  The process has been long and painstaking with lot's of shots and preparation.   We thought we would record a timeline.

We were first introduced to the idea of service in the Pacific area on March 18, 2013.   We had a passive request to leave for the Marshall Islands in August.   We could not make that schedule work but it motivated us to get our papers going.   By the way - we kept this confidential so as to not create too much anxiety and anticipation that we could not provide answers to.

June 1 -   Medicals Started
June 11 - Bishop Interview
June 20 - Stake President Interview
June 24 - Papers Submitted
July 09 - Questions returned regarding medical clearance (we are not exactly sure why)
July 11 - Applications back to medical for a third time with subsequent meeting with Stake President
July 12 - Cleared for "foreign" service
July 17 - Application to the Seventy's for initial assignment.
July 19 - Application before the Quorum of the Twelve - call issued.
July 23 - Call sent to mail.
July 31 - Call arrived in our mailbox (with a well worn path it)

December 2  -  Arrival at the Provo MTC.  FINALLY!