WE LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE

We have had another wonderful week here in Paradise. It has been full of spiritual temple experiences.  Let me share one of them with you. 

Lasarisa (we call him Lasares)  brought 6 names for proxy work.  They were his 15^th generations back grandfathers. The amazing part of this is they were the first Fijians to set foot on the Island of Fiji.  One of the names is a very familiar name in Fijian History.  Lasarisa is also the only member in his family.  His dad helped him find these names.   Can you believe it?  This is like baptizing Christopher Columbus or something.  President Davis talked to the kids about the importance of this day, and the spirit was so incredibly strong.  I know every one of them felt it.

Here is the best part.  A returned missionary named Deleana was going to be the one to baptize  Lasares for the names he brought in .  When he read the first name he recognized it and was shocked and amazed that he was baptizing this famous person.  Just as he started saying the baptism prayer, the lights dimmed in the room.  Everyone looked around with silence.  Deleana continued with the baptisms for all of Lasares’s names.  The lights stayed dimmed through all the baptisms and the conformations and as soon as he said Amen to the last one, the lights came up again.  What a testimony that this work is true.  That there are many people waiting for their work to be done.  There was such a strong spirit of love and acceptance there Tuesday.  These Fijian people are waiting for these kids to do their work.  We must do their work.  We will do their work.

Because we are starting a new semester in a few weeks, I have been praying to know what to teach.  I have had a strong feeling that I should teach Family History.  I don ‘t know anything about Family History.  I have never cared about Family History.  Let the old people do Family History has always been my thinking.  When Elder Anderson was here a few months ago, he talked a lot about these people doing the work for their ancestors.  “There are many temple’s in America to do American names, research your own family names to take to YOUR temple”.  “They are waiting for you and depending on you,” he said.  I have a testimony that he is right and that we need to do this work NOW.  The YSA’s are excited to start and I am excited to learn with them how to do this work.  I know that it wasn’t my first choice of classes to teach, but I know that it is the right one. 

Elder Peterson and his newly endowed Elders under call.  These are wonderful young men.  We couldn't love them more.

Willie Billy (that's what I call him) went through the temple Saturday.  He has been waiting for this day for a long, long, time.  He will be going to the Tacoma Washington Mission in July.  The whole church here will miss Willie.  He runs his ward (almost) and he was a life savor to Elder Pete and I when we first arrived in Fiji.  He will be an incredible missionary.  Watch out Washington, here he comes.

                                                               
                             Elder Peterson, Me Willie Billy, Deleana, Luna and Paula

                                                                         
                                   Willie's wonderful mother Sister Irava

           Willie's family who came with him to the temple.  His two cousins from Nadi and his beautiful grandmother who works in the temple.

This week was a short week for us since we were off Friday - Monday so there isn't much to tell this week.  We are still making hats like crazy. The weather is cooling off (82) so I guess they can start wearing them soon. Haha.  Ana and I made this cute white hat and Laseras created the flower.  He has become quite the pomp pomp designer.  He thinks he will need one in Florida where he will be serving his mission.  Little does he know how hot it is in Florida.  

  

Cute Ana.  She has a voice like an Angel

We have the best kids in the world.  They are spoiling us like crazy while we are away.  We got this fun "Box of Sunshine" from Jason and Molly and the boys.  We love the goodies, but the best part is the letters and pictures that were inside.  Thank you so much. We love you all.

Luckiest missionaries every

The YSA's were asked to sing for our Stake Conference Saturday night session.  We tried to practice a few times but it is really hard to get everyone together.  We finally had a good practice on Thursday night after Institute class.  We had a good group there and they seemed excited to sing.  We have a YSA named Levi who has been home from his mission for a few years.  We just met him this week because he has been working and hasn't been able to join us.  

He has a wonderful voice and apparently he helped with the the YSA choir when the Tennis's were here.  He was excited and happy to help with the choir.  He had great suggestions.  We were going to sing 3 songs, each having duets and quartets mixed in with the verses.  I was a little nervous about pulling this off since we only had one practice and scheduled to practice 1/2 hour prior to the meeting but everyone thought we could do it and all committed that they would be there in time to practice.

Well, Saturday came and guess what.  No Levi!!! Now what do we do?  We improvise, after all, this is Fiji.  After we sang two of the three songs, in walks Levi and one of our other YSA's.  They were both bandaged up.  Memofa had stitches over his eye and Levi tour his ACL playing rugby that afternoon but both showed up to keep a commitment they had made to me.  I love these two young men.  Rugby is a crazy sport but we love it.

Well, that about sums up our short week.  We love you all so much.  We pray for you constantly.  Speaking of praying, as Mark and I were kneeling to say our prayers, he looked down at my feet and said " A, you might want to go wash those before you climb into bed".  Most missionaries wear out the bottoms of their shoes, but this missionary is wearing out the bottoms of her feet.  With that, we will say Moce for another week.

General Conference Weekend

General Conference for us was one week after the actual conference in Salt Lake.   The sessions are recorded put on DVD's for each ward to show at the time of their choosing.   For us, we attended the Lami Ward.   Families were there and we all enjoyed a wonder feast of great messages and good memories.  

Wow!  Now that is a great way to spend a conference session.    To bad they didn't appreciate it when I laid down on my bench!

The Famous Grandma pose.

Just like at home.   Grandma Peela with little Orisi.   This little guy can navigate an iPad like I've never seen.   He is 3.  

The Gang of Session 4 on Sunday.  

Easter Weekend in the West

After a long semester of institute activities, preparing lessons and teaching classes, baking countless treats and spending lots of fun hours with YSA's, we took a little break for Easter.   The young single adults here at the institute told us to not worry about them (fat chance of that and what happened while we were gone is a story for another day) and leave.   So we did.   We headed West.   3.75 hours driving West to be exact.  

In scouting out the location and airport details in Nadi for future kid visits , we found The Garden of the Sleeping Giant.  This garden spot was founded by movie actor, Raymond Burr back in the seventies.   It is full of countless varieties of orchids and other flowers.   Here is a few photos of the Garden:

Queen Paula

A Very Colorful Hindi Temple In Nadi.   

 We looked for the world headquarters and production factory for Ug Boots in Lautoka.   Can you believe they make these cold weather boots in Fiji?  We did not find it.

We decided to check out some of the little islands just off the coast near Nadi.   We took a water shuttle out to the other islands.   We discovered that there is a great deal of beautiful spots for our family to enjoy without traveling to the other distant islands by plane.   

Nice Boat Ride (too bad Sister Peterson lost her cell phone on the boat)   Someone found it and called Jamie.   They are holding it for us when we return to Nadi.

Sunsets in Fiji are the best. 

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A few prawns and some mud crab.  

I know, my face is red.   Too much sun playing tennis.  

 We traveled to the island where they filmed the film Cast Away starring Tom Hanks.  We learned that the film took over one year to film because of the difference in his weight changes.   He gained 50 lb. for the beginning then lost 70 lb. and grow his hair and beard for the time he felt on the island and kept his film crew on neighbouring island the time.

Where's Tom Hanks?

The view for the movie Cast Away

More Scenery for the Movie

Tom Hanks Shelter I'm Sure.

 We found an island called Malolo Island.   It has a couple of resorts on it.  This one which does not allow children and its sister resort around the corner called Malolo resist which is a real kid friendly spot.

Malolo Island

   

The Walk over Water  to Likuliku Island 

Nice Infinity Pool!

 

 

Fiji Eye Candy

This past week was just a little bit different for us.   Due to some bad weather from the week before and General Conference this weekend in the States (for us, we will see the re-broadcast next week), we had the opportunity to participate in a couple of fun eye candy experiences.  

The first, was a raft trip down the Upper Navua River with our neighbors , Elder and Sister Jackson and two of their kids and one spouse.    Pictures cannot do it justice.   The scenery is spectacular.    Here are a few shots of our experience:

Our Photographer - Happy Jack

Our River Guide Moses - We are getting him a copy of the Book of Mormon and some other materials.   He has given up kava, grog and cigarettes.   He has four kids and an amazing strength for a little guy.    

We taught Moses how eat melted Junior Mints out of the box

Photos do not do this justice.

If I could, I would put a video of us swimming under the falls.   The power and force of the falling water made it almost impossible to get to.  

Davis County Folks and Moses, our Guide

 Because of the General Women’s re-broadcast, we were asked to not hold any YSA activities this past Saturday.   When we checked the schedule, it was  a perfect opportunity to take a trip to Takalana on the Moon Reef and see the spinner dolphins.    We invited a few other couples to take the 2.5-hour ride out with us and enjoy another day of great scenery and loving the Fiji experience.    6 other couples thought it would be a great idea too and tagged along.

 One of the highlights is the trip  driving off the paved road to the village of Takalana.    All along the way we would see the villages and their people walking to gather food, working, and playing.  One of our favorite things to do is, stop and talk to the kids and adults alike and share “lollies” with them.   They love candy.   We took a big bag of Tootsie Rolls, DOTS, Junior Mints etc. that we found in a store here and handed them out along the way. 

Because of this trip, we have decided this is “must do” for our family when they come to visit.    The weather was not the best, but nonetheless, we had a great time.  Here are a few pics of the day. 

Our Boat Captain at Takalana

Jim did a little trolling out to Moon Reef - Caught some dinner for the village.

Found out my underwater camera works pretty good but without the sunshine above, I should have used the flash.   

The many colours, formations and fish are fantastic.  

Jim, our guide.   We are going to get him a Book of Mormon because he wants to know more about our church.  

Lovo - chicken and fish.  

The kids on the way to Takalana - they love "lollies".   

Typical settlement house.

Taking home the days harvest of dalo.

Typical settlement house.

 On the way back to Suva, we had heard about an LDS chapel built on hill that everyone should see.   We took the 2 km drive over a rough dirt road and came upon this amazing chapel location and setting. 

2 km to the Korvo Chapel.   

2 km on this road to the Korvo Chapel.  

The Korvo chapel -  members  attend from the deep villages.  

Had to scale the locked fence to get a better look at this beautiful chapel.  The view from this hill top is absolutely amazing.  

A little "guard" at the Korvo chapel.   His name is Mosases (Moses)

The Korvo Elders Flat -  They call it "the box"   It is about 16 x 20 feet.  

On Thursday, Paula felt a little claustrophic at the Institute and needing some some items from down town, she invited two of the YSA sisters to accompany her and make the trip to the Flea Market.   Before they left, I said to Edwinna (who calls us her, Grrrandparents)  – “Take care of my sweetheart and make sure nothing happens to her”.    I love how she rolls the “r”s.   

Sista Petterson reports that not only did she take care of her, but practically smothered her by wrapping her strong Fiji arms around her – literally -  as they crossed streets and walked along the busy sidewalks of Suva.   Paula told me, she certainly felt protected but I should never ask Edwinna to do that again.  Ha Ha.   Fun times.  

Girls Trip  to the Flea Market -  Leba (Limba) middle; Edwinna, right

 These past few weeks, we have had several people (members and non-members alike) ask us: “Are you enjoying your mission experience here in Fiji?”    Often, I inquire of them:  “Why do you ask?”    The common response is: “Because you are always smiling and look so happy!”    So I guess it shows.   Besides being here with these wonderful people and having this awesome scenery all around us, our testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are growing daily as we prepare and teach our institute lessons to the YSA’s.    Their trust and love for us shows as they approach us often with doctrinal questions, wanting to talk about personal challenges and their families and conversion stories – and yes, even piano lessons. 

Each week, is a new experience.   Today after church, we ventured into a settlement near our ward chapel to conduct some “lost sheep” work.   All we could say after walking through the village and observing how most of the people live outside Suva, is humbling to say the least.   But they are happy.   They do not know anything different.   For us, we do -  and we can only appreciate more the blessings of strong wards with lots of active priesthood, clean and sanitary living conditions, homes that not crowded with 16 persons living under one tiny roof,  easy transportation  - and the love and support of our family.     We’re doing what we can, but so often we feel that it is not enough.    But we are comforted because we know the Heavenly Father is mindful of all of His children and the atonement of Jesus Christ  will cover what we cannot even comprehend.     For that, and all of our blessings, we are truly grateful.