We started getting ready to do our job at the Visitor's Center today and were texted and told we were on the Zone Conference program to speak and bear testimonies this after noon. We have never really been told exactly what we are doing in a lot of things, like which Zone we are in. Most of the Seniors are in one and we figured that was ours, but I guess now we are officially in the Laie Zone. We worked at the VC for a couple of hours and then another couple ran over and replaced us while we ran next door to the Stake Center for the rest of Zone Conference.
It was nice but we sure would have liked to have been to the whole thing. Good thing we have them every 3 months. We both bore our testimonies and I am eternally grateful I have such a strong one! I read them one of my favorite scriptures from Alma 17:11...And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet yet shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls." I always like this because I hope if nothing more we are setting a good example for everyone we meet. We are learning patience and to love others; and believe me, we have come across some unloveable people here, mostly the homeless and drug afflicted. I used to be scared a little, now not so much anymore.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Thursday
Aloha! Today I spent all morning baking cookies from dough I had previously made up and stored in the refrigerator. I baked up six different kinds, chocolate chip macadamia nuts, oatmeal raisin, Swig sugar, peanut butter, almond and snicker doodles.
Then we drove over to the PCC to take in the new canoe show. It was so different and it was wonderful! I actually did a short stint dancing on this canoe show 52 years ago when it was just one canoe and we alternated people each time it came to shore. A much much less talent and professional show then! I'm putting a lot of pictures here because I want to and can. Enjoy!
We then went home and Emma McCullough came over and we started the Cookie Drop. This is where she decides who in the Branch could be in need of cookies. I love it because it gives me a real chance to meet these families and remember who they are. We first went up to the Kopp's house. He is the organist in the Branch and she is the chorister, they have two children. I had actually talked to both of them when we first got here as we were all waiting for the Branch President. Brother Kopp works security at BYUH and they recently were sealed in the Temple. They had this dog that he had found neglected behind a building at BYUH and he brought him home to keep. They later found out the dog was from a litter that was from two stray Pitbulls that roam around the area. For some reason this puppy, he's 3 months and growing, took to me (might have been because I had dog smells on me from our two labs at the apartment where we stay). Anyway, we became "best" friends and he followed me all over and curled up at my feet, all the time the couple were telling us how shy he was. whatever! Anyway, he'll soon be 125 lbs of dog. Wonder if he'll still like me then....Picture below
Here is also a view from their house up on the hill. Gorgeous views and it was sunset time too.
We then went over to three more houses. It was so nice because everyone was home and we met families and visited a bit. The plates of cookies were appreciated here almost as much as in LA.
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| People before Canoe show |
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| Finale |
We then went home and Emma McCullough came over and we started the Cookie Drop. This is where she decides who in the Branch could be in need of cookies. I love it because it gives me a real chance to meet these families and remember who they are. We first went up to the Kopp's house. He is the organist in the Branch and she is the chorister, they have two children. I had actually talked to both of them when we first got here as we were all waiting for the Branch President. Brother Kopp works security at BYUH and they recently were sealed in the Temple. They had this dog that he had found neglected behind a building at BYUH and he brought him home to keep. They later found out the dog was from a litter that was from two stray Pitbulls that roam around the area. For some reason this puppy, he's 3 months and growing, took to me (might have been because I had dog smells on me from our two labs at the apartment where we stay). Anyway, we became "best" friends and he followed me all over and curled up at my feet, all the time the couple were telling us how shy he was. whatever! Anyway, he'll soon be 125 lbs of dog. Wonder if he'll still like me then....Picture below
We then went over to three more houses. It was so nice because everyone was home and we met families and visited a bit. The plates of cookies were appreciated here almost as much as in LA.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Wednesday
Tonight we had such a good dinner meeting with the Geronios. I felt when we arrived and seemed to wake Nick up, that perhaps we've been taking them for granted and maybe shouldn't keep coming over on Wednesdays for dinner. Nothing was set up and the men had to get the table and chairs from the storage, it was a little awkward. We had a great spaghetti dinner, with spaghetti and meatballs, bread and watermelon and papaya we brought. The food was all prepared by Ton their cook, who is a great cook! So she was expecting us. I think we just caught Nick having a little Siesta!
The Elders, Chandler (and a Elder trading with Elder Collins,) Elder Russell gave a great message. They asked what the family remembered from 1 Nephi chapter 8. Their 13 year old daughter said she could recite the whole thing. She proceeded to tell us the whole story of the iron rod, tree, etc. I was so amazed. She is very intelligent and uses adult-like comments and words to communicate. I was so shocked she knew so much. She said she couldn't wait to be missionary.
Nicki hadn't been there for dinner but arrived after we were finished and then the Elders had to leave for another appointment. Before they left they asked what the family could do to help find people to teach so this branch could grow into a ward. They mentioned that the church had property right next to Sunset school to build on (yea, that's by our place). The kids jumped in and said they had several friends they could invite over next time for dinner!
After the Elders left I asked Nick and Nicki if they wanted to continue having these Wednesday night dinners or if it was too much for them to do. They both just went on and on about how they loved having us and Nick said it was a long time from Sunday to Sunday without any spiritual thoughts. The 13 year old said it was their Family Home Evening! They said Nicki wanted to be baptized but in the ocean and she is just too busy for baptism now. Then Nick went on to tell how hard Nicki is working while he is working on a new job to finance them so she doesn't have to work so much. Nick is an entrepreneur. He said she is pretty exhausted all the time. She was very friendly and said how much she loved us. Nick said he had our phone number under "favorites" and he had very few "favorites" on his phone. We came away feeling like they loved doing this and having us over. We also talked about Nick getting his patriarchal blessing and he said he had done everything except call for an appointment. I suggested he might like to fast and pray before receiving it.
We talked quite a while to the parents about the church. I mentioned my feelings about the wonderful programs for the children and that very few churches offer this for families. They heartily agreed. Nicki said how she had grown up around Mormons in Simi Valley California and her parents let her and her siblings go to the church activities all the time. We talked a long time about the goodness of this church. The service the church offers worldwide and Nick said he was even asked to teach a Priesthood lesson once. We talked about our opportunity to grow by being active participants in the running of the wards etc. They were so on top of everything. I hope we are here when they can get Nicki baptized and then go to the Temple with their family for the blessing the sealing will offer.
I made a little progress with the 6 year old, who never talks and is extremely shy. She is really blond and has short curly hair and is like a little sprite, she runs every where and won't talk to you or be near you. This night after I had managed to whisper a few things in her ear as she sat on her dad's lap next to us, she actually listened. I took my phone out and showed her some pictures of my grandkids playing around on the tramp, hot tub, pool, and slip and slide. I finally turned my phone over to her to look all she wanted. Pretty soon she had run off and got her little phone (an old one) and she showed me pictures she had taken of her Love bird, the parrots etc. So progress was made. She is darling and I hope we become friends.
This is such a neat choice family.
The Elders, Chandler (and a Elder trading with Elder Collins,) Elder Russell gave a great message. They asked what the family remembered from 1 Nephi chapter 8. Their 13 year old daughter said she could recite the whole thing. She proceeded to tell us the whole story of the iron rod, tree, etc. I was so amazed. She is very intelligent and uses adult-like comments and words to communicate. I was so shocked she knew so much. She said she couldn't wait to be missionary.
Nicki hadn't been there for dinner but arrived after we were finished and then the Elders had to leave for another appointment. Before they left they asked what the family could do to help find people to teach so this branch could grow into a ward. They mentioned that the church had property right next to Sunset school to build on (yea, that's by our place). The kids jumped in and said they had several friends they could invite over next time for dinner!
After the Elders left I asked Nick and Nicki if they wanted to continue having these Wednesday night dinners or if it was too much for them to do. They both just went on and on about how they loved having us and Nick said it was a long time from Sunday to Sunday without any spiritual thoughts. The 13 year old said it was their Family Home Evening! They said Nicki wanted to be baptized but in the ocean and she is just too busy for baptism now. Then Nick went on to tell how hard Nicki is working while he is working on a new job to finance them so she doesn't have to work so much. Nick is an entrepreneur. He said she is pretty exhausted all the time. She was very friendly and said how much she loved us. Nick said he had our phone number under "favorites" and he had very few "favorites" on his phone. We came away feeling like they loved doing this and having us over. We also talked about Nick getting his patriarchal blessing and he said he had done everything except call for an appointment. I suggested he might like to fast and pray before receiving it.
We talked quite a while to the parents about the church. I mentioned my feelings about the wonderful programs for the children and that very few churches offer this for families. They heartily agreed. Nicki said how she had grown up around Mormons in Simi Valley California and her parents let her and her siblings go to the church activities all the time. We talked a long time about the goodness of this church. The service the church offers worldwide and Nick said he was even asked to teach a Priesthood lesson once. We talked about our opportunity to grow by being active participants in the running of the wards etc. They were so on top of everything. I hope we are here when they can get Nicki baptized and then go to the Temple with their family for the blessing the sealing will offer.
I made a little progress with the 6 year old, who never talks and is extremely shy. She is really blond and has short curly hair and is like a little sprite, she runs every where and won't talk to you or be near you. This night after I had managed to whisper a few things in her ear as she sat on her dad's lap next to us, she actually listened. I took my phone out and showed her some pictures of my grandkids playing around on the tramp, hot tub, pool, and slip and slide. I finally turned my phone over to her to look all she wanted. Pretty soon she had run off and got her little phone (an old one) and she showed me pictures she had taken of her Love bird, the parrots etc. So progress was made. She is darling and I hope we become friends.
This is such a neat choice family.
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Tuesday
We went to the temple today and then over to the small distribution center by the Visitor's Center. There was a Tongan lady there in a wheelchair with her daughter who just happened to be Elder Sanft's cousin...this a real second cousin, her name is Sisilia Mafileo Langi Fehoko. Picture below...
On the way home we stopped to talk to Leilani, Ramon's real first cousin who lives here. While talking to her we met a couple that just moved here. They are not on a mission but working at BYU for the next 5 years in the HR department, LeAnn and Reed......? Leilani gave me a giganitic Papaya, I swear it weighed 5 lbs. They said it was a Tongan one, you know ...everything grows bigger in Tongan. We brought it home and it was the size of a small watermelon, we ate some and I filled to containers for the fridge with the rest. We'll be eating it for a week. Lavina..I wish I could share it with you! I should have taken a picture before I started cutting it up but here's a quick picture of it.
Tonight we drove over to Turtle Bay to watch the sunset. It was the first clear sky we've had since the hurricane threat. Clouds were hiding the sun but the surfers were out in mass, they love the big waves that bad weather brings forth.
It's so beautiful and calm now. Ramon and I love the feel of the breeze and smells that surround us on evenings like this. Brings me all sorts of memories of my youth spent here.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Monday
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| Sister Allen with her husband |
We headed to the Visitor's Center for our Monday morning meeting. Elder Allen is so inspiring. He was one of the men at the MTC who helped put together the book Preach My Gospel that the missionaries use as they handbook or helpmate to bring others to Christ along with the Book of Mormon. Director Allen said he wanted to talk a little about chapter 10. He said he and a few others would meet on with Elder Boyd K Packer several times to discuss the compiling of this book. He said one night in the Packer home Elder Packer handed one of the men this folded piece of paper and told him to use Elder Packer's notes from revelation to form this chapter on teaching. The man, I wish I could remember his name, took it and looked it over, tried to read Elder Packer's handwriting and went back to the office to work on the chapter. He wrote up the chapter using his own thoughts on how it should go and what he thought Elder Packer wanted. A while later they met again and the man handed over the pages he had put together from Elder Packer's paper. Elder Packer read them over and handed them back and said, "No, it's not right, use exactly what I gave you to make this chapter." The man did and wrote it again and this time got it right. If you read the chapter you will find that this chapter is about love and sincerely teaching by the spirit not by rote something you have memorized. This is the only chapter in the book written directly by revelation, although the book was written by the revelation of many people and their thoughts and ideas.
This reminded me of the picture of John baptizing Jesus that hangs above the baptismal font in the LA Temple. While we were there with Hannah and Marisa doing baptisms for the dead (while we were on our mission there) a lady came in and sat down next to us and told us the story of this painting. The artist was commissioned to paint it by I think President McKay. He painted it and asked President McKay to look at it before they hung it up. President McKay told the artist that the portrayal of Christ was not right and he described how he should look. The artist repainted it and then President McKay approved it. The lady told us that this was the most accurate portrayal of what the Savior looked like.
I learn so much at these teaching meetings. They are so uplifting to me. It is Sister Allen's birthday today and we are celebrating tonight at 8:15 with cake and ice cream at their house.
We returned later to the Allen's house and below are some pictures of the celebration. Elder Allen said she doesn't like surprises unless she knows about them and can prepare. So this was an unsurpise birthday celebration.
After wards we went over to the YSA FHE...and finished up with them, can I just say how much I love this Branch of young men and women! This was the right place for us.
Alora Beckwick our "leader"
Elder Collins with Vita and Courtney
Playing "freeze tag" and likening it to the gospel
We had a large tender mercy happen today, too personal to publish, if you want to know, you may call. We feel every day there is a specific reason we are here, I'll be glad when I can identify it, wonder if we'll ever know.
Sunday, August 26, 2018
Sunday
We rose early to go to our YSA Branch council meeting at 8:00. Arrived and the Elders were waiting to tell us that there wouldn't be church today there and President Fullmer's yard was too muddy to host us there. So we returned home, did scripture study and Preach My Gospel study then relaxed until we went back to the Sunset Branch church at 2:00.
I guess I underestimated how serious the hurricane watch was and how very blessed we were that it turned and avoided this side of the island. It had been a force 5 and dropped to a -1 warning within 24 hours, a rarity for Hurricanes. I do know we had many people praying for us on the mainland and elsewhere. My sweet sisters at Jamestown put our names in the Temple Thursday when they did their weekly Temple visit. I've had so many people I haven't heard from in years text or phone me with concern for our safety. It is so wonderful to know people care. Thank you all for your love.
We had a really special Sacrament meeting today. We had a "Welcome Home" for the Hannemans from serving as mission Presidents in Samoa, (BTW these are the parents of the 7 Brothers who run the hamburger joints in Provo, Eagle Mt., Laie, and Kahuku!) Then we had Carson Hancock's farewell, he is the son of the people we rent from. He's headed to the Philippines, tough living in that mission I hear. I had some talks with Sisters in the ward and am feeling a bit more at home.
Four things I'm grateful for tonight:
A daughter-in-law (Kim) who went out of her way to make me some visual aid handouts for my mission, and she did it quickly too. Two missionary Elders here who feel comfortable enough to just drop by and visit with the old senior missionaries. The beauty of this land we reside in, imagine orchids blooming and growing on the palm trees as I walk down our lane to the beach. A friendly neighbor giving us two huge mangos from his tree.
I guess I underestimated how serious the hurricane watch was and how very blessed we were that it turned and avoided this side of the island. It had been a force 5 and dropped to a -1 warning within 24 hours, a rarity for Hurricanes. I do know we had many people praying for us on the mainland and elsewhere. My sweet sisters at Jamestown put our names in the Temple Thursday when they did their weekly Temple visit. I've had so many people I haven't heard from in years text or phone me with concern for our safety. It is so wonderful to know people care. Thank you all for your love.
We had a really special Sacrament meeting today. We had a "Welcome Home" for the Hannemans from serving as mission Presidents in Samoa, (BTW these are the parents of the 7 Brothers who run the hamburger joints in Provo, Eagle Mt., Laie, and Kahuku!) Then we had Carson Hancock's farewell, he is the son of the people we rent from. He's headed to the Philippines, tough living in that mission I hear. I had some talks with Sisters in the ward and am feeling a bit more at home.
Four things I'm grateful for tonight:
A daughter-in-law (Kim) who went out of her way to make me some visual aid handouts for my mission, and she did it quickly too. Two missionary Elders here who feel comfortable enough to just drop by and visit with the old senior missionaries. The beauty of this land we reside in, imagine orchids blooming and growing on the palm trees as I walk down our lane to the beach. A friendly neighbor giving us two huge mangos from his tree.
Saturday
Storm seems over, we had lots of rain and wind last night and rain this morning but I think we are over the worst. I know lots of prayers were said and I am grateful to everyone for kind texts and emails, it's nice to know people were thinking of us. You really find out who cares in situations like this. Both Presidents of our branches called, the missionaries and others around here were really concerned with flooding since we live at the bottom of the mountain. We are very fortunate to live in the situation we do where the owners are so on top of all that could happen and have prepared for the worst.
We prepared some lessons today, and did a lot of studying. I tried out a new recipe for Almond Cookies. I got this recipe out of the paper from someone renown for her cookies. They turned out fine, I guess, but they are pretty bland. Elder Sanft has a bad cold so we ran into Hale'iwa to Longs to get cold medicine and while there I talked him into Mexican food. It tasted so good after the long drought without any!
We prepared some lessons today, and did a lot of studying. I tried out a new recipe for Almond Cookies. I got this recipe out of the paper from someone renown for her cookies. They turned out fine, I guess, but they are pretty bland. Elder Sanft has a bad cold so we ran into Hale'iwa to Longs to get cold medicine and while there I talked him into Mexican food. It tasted so good after the long drought without any!
We came back and worked on some more key chains for the Sisters and did a few more things to get ready for the week ahead. Still raining lots but people are out and about. Actually feels pretty good because it is cooler now than it has been.
Friday, August 24, 2018
Friday
The power went out last night about 9:45 but Dave had the generator going in about 10 minutes but we just went to bed. It was really windy and stormy all night but we slept until my brother called at 3:00 a.m. and woke us. I guess he didn't know the time difference. He wanted a weather report.
We went out this morning to check out the beach. Below are a few photos I took. It was pretty deserted and I loved it. I have been so tired of all the tourists. The roads were empty too, kind of spooky to see no one around after the usual hustle and bustle.
We went out this morning to check out the beach. Below are a few photos I took. It was pretty deserted and I loved it. I have been so tired of all the tourists. The roads were empty too, kind of spooky to see no one around after the usual hustle and bustle.
This afternoon Elder Chandler and Elder Collins stopped by. I think they are a little bored too, although they said they had been doing service. I guess we should have done more. I fed them some chicken soup I made (Elder Sanft has a cold so I made some up this morning), and baked up some cookies from my stock of dough in the fridge. I think they thought it neat they got to choose from three different kinds. And we let them take some home. I showed Elder Collins a picture of my son Adam, he kind of reminds me of him but more of Adam's son Ty. He agreed.
So this afternoon they have dropped us down to a category 1 from a 5. So I guess we'll be spared and just get lousy weather and lots of it. At least if things start up again we can be active. We were definitely prepared and that was a good thing to do.
Thursday
Another day of anticipating the big Hurricane. Every news alert is a little bit different than the one before. Now they are saying sometime tonight it will hit. Ramon went on the roof with Dave and his son to hammer up plywood over windows. I was a little nervous over that but all is well. It's just kind of boring sitting around. We did walk along the beach trail for a while and are keeping up our daily scripture study and now we are to study daily Preach My Gospel too. I'm glad we are doing that because this book has some really important messages and helps for us. President Bekker urged us to read at least 3 pages a day every day and then start over. Will do!
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Wednesday
Another day of preparing for the worst. We did manage to visit two families and take cookies. Later in the afternoon Elder Sanft helped one family with clear out their ditch for a couple of hours and came back totally muddy. The TV news has moved us up to the worst possible, air raid warnings go off on my phone and it's kind of scary. We are told to "shelter in place." I did do laundry incase we are without power but I think Dave has that taken care of. President Hippolite called to see if we were okay, and President Fullmer said he'd come in his truck to haul us up the hill if we called. But I think we are fine. We have plenty of food, water and clothes.
Alma 26:6
Alma 26:6
“Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall gather together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.”
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Tuesday
Well, today has been spent getting ready for the Hurricane Lane. About noon everything got pretty hectic, we got phone calls and texts alerting us to the eminent dangers. I sent Elder Sanft to Foodland to purchase more water, Laie was out so he went to the one by Wiamea which is closer to us anyway. He came home and filled up the two large coolers with water to use for washing etc. We watched the news and weren't too worried.
Then later we went over to President Fullmer's house. What a difference knowing something or having gone through something before means. They were on high alert over there. Both he and his councilor were so worried. The councilor's wife had gone to Costco that morning and it was crazy. Later we saw what she reported on the news. I guess so many people were there they parked their cars all over the streets surrounding Costco because the parking lot was so full. And inside the store the lines were to the back of the store and all checkout areas were working full speed.
I know the schools are closed and BYUH has two big areas, like one is a gym, to house people if needed. Anyway, we stopped at Foodland at 9:00 on our way home and got some milk and all the water was gone. But the shelves weren't empty yet. President Fullmer took us out to see his truck, he had I think he said 2500 gallons of water in the back. It was filled up with 5 gallon jugs and pallet after pallet of water bottles. He said he got them straight from the distributor. He said he has so much family on the island that they'll all shelter at his place. He gave us a 5 gallon jug of water.
The news last night was kind of scary. Our landlord, the electrician, said he has a huge generator he'll hook up to help. That sounds good since I forgot we have refrigerators that need electricity. We will be okay, I'm sure. We may be stranded since our lane is dirt and will get water from the ocean even with the drains around. But we can hunker down. I know we'll be needed to help in the cleanup when it's over. I hope everyone is safe. There are so many homeless everywhere here.
I had made two of my pinacolda cakes to take with a salad to the Fuller's for the dinner/meeting and one was left so I ran it upstairs to the Hancocks. We kind of sick of this cake, I've made it so much lately. Well, we'll see what tomorrow brings. The hurricane is due to hit us, if it does, on Thursday morning. We had to cancel lunch with the Sisters, which was to be Thursday.
Then later we went over to President Fullmer's house. What a difference knowing something or having gone through something before means. They were on high alert over there. Both he and his councilor were so worried. The councilor's wife had gone to Costco that morning and it was crazy. Later we saw what she reported on the news. I guess so many people were there they parked their cars all over the streets surrounding Costco because the parking lot was so full. And inside the store the lines were to the back of the store and all checkout areas were working full speed.
I know the schools are closed and BYUH has two big areas, like one is a gym, to house people if needed. Anyway, we stopped at Foodland at 9:00 on our way home and got some milk and all the water was gone. But the shelves weren't empty yet. President Fullmer took us out to see his truck, he had I think he said 2500 gallons of water in the back. It was filled up with 5 gallon jugs and pallet after pallet of water bottles. He said he got them straight from the distributor. He said he has so much family on the island that they'll all shelter at his place. He gave us a 5 gallon jug of water.
The news last night was kind of scary. Our landlord, the electrician, said he has a huge generator he'll hook up to help. That sounds good since I forgot we have refrigerators that need electricity. We will be okay, I'm sure. We may be stranded since our lane is dirt and will get water from the ocean even with the drains around. But we can hunker down. I know we'll be needed to help in the cleanup when it's over. I hope everyone is safe. There are so many homeless everywhere here.
I had made two of my pinacolda cakes to take with a salad to the Fuller's for the dinner/meeting and one was left so I ran it upstairs to the Hancocks. We kind of sick of this cake, I've made it so much lately. Well, we'll see what tomorrow brings. The hurricane is due to hit us, if it does, on Thursday morning. We had to cancel lunch with the Sisters, which was to be Thursday.
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Monday
We started the day by attending the Visitor's Center meeting where first we had out picture taken. I'm sure you'll be able to see us, Elder Sanft is in red, we didn't know the other Senior Elders would be in grey...
We had a very inspiring and uplifting meeting and President Bekker spoke to us as well. He gave us four steps to follow: 1. Obtain the spirit. Go in prayer and ask for guidance and His spirit to be with us as we go to the scriptures to study and seek answers. 2. Repent and change for the better each day, be better than the day before. 3. Achieve humility by thinking more about others than ourselves, think outwardly. 4. Love people and work diligently.
We left the meeting feeling very gung-ho to get going with missionary work. We returned home, I made two batches of different kinds of cookie dough to use in the cookie drop on Thursday. If we don't get bad weather...another hurricane warning and this time it looks worse, it should hit Thursday, either way we get wind and rain. We were going to the beach to try out our new beach umbrella (come! we have a beach umbrella) but after getting all ready and going outside it started to rain and looked grey. So we came back in, unpacked our gear and I watched a old Hallmark movie and crocheted while Elder Sanft read.
At night we went back to BYUH to attend our first Zone conference for Senior Missionaries. I talked a bit with Sister Bekker and asked if she wasn't worn out, She said she was they had been here all weekend in meeting and would do the other side of the Island tomorrow, but she loved it all. She is very sweet.
This is our mission motto that we start each FHE with: (we finally have it memorized)
We are grateful to be in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission, the ALOHA mission,
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is our message.
Love of God and others is our motivation.
Obedience to the commandments and mission rules is our strength
By sharing the gospel with others, we can give them the HA,
the Breath of Life, even Eternal Life. ALOHA!
We had our conference and Sister Bekker was the first speaker. She is truly inspired, she easily is a great woman leader in our church. She related all the blessings that come to missionaries, promises just found in the the Doctrine and Covenants. There were so many related to missionary work. I especially liked her reference to Lorenzo Snow the 5th Prophet of the Lord in our day, concerning the promise given to us for our children. Soothes my soul. We had talked about our souls in the morning session.
President spoke next and said he had heard some people say the Senior's assignment was more like a job than a mission. So he spoke about that for a minute. He said it wasn't about the job but doing your work, no matter what the assignment, you'd always have opportunities to share the gospel with others. He said we should rely on Father in Heaven, even on a job, to have the spirit with us.
President Bekker (that's not Elder Sanft, looks like him though)
President Bekker then went on to say he felt very inspired to talk to us about the book Preach My Gospel. That the senior missionaries were not using it as often as the other missionaries. He showed us part of a video taken at the last Mission President seminar at the MTC about how we should all use the book and why. He encourage us to read at least 3 pages daily and incorporate it into our daily scripture readying. We haven't done that but will now. He told us about the book, how it came about and how there should never be a supplemental book used with it other than scriptures.
It was a very good meeting and I learned so much from today's two meetings. We were also warned and told what to do this week to prepare for the hurricane. A little bit scary.
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Sunday August19, 2018
Today was a very special busy day. We started by attending a Branch Council Meeting at 8, then went into our YSA Branch Sacrament meeting. After meeting there we ran over to Kahuku to Branch Council Meeting with the Sunset Family branch, then their Sacrament meeting. We didn't stay for Sunday School and Relief Society because it was 4 and we were hungry and hadn't been home since 8. We ran home face timed with four of our children's families and talked a bit with Marisa on the phone and then ran back to the Visitor's Center for a Fireside at 5:30.
Elder Chandler Studying
Whew but so worth it. President Bekker and his wife were there and the VC choir (me included) sang two songs. We had testimonies from our two newest baptised men. Such strong feelings. Sarah Beth was there and came up to me with a friend and said she had brought her non-member friend to the fireside. How great.
We sang this really touching song, that I had never heard before last Monday and it really moved people. First one of the Sister missionaries read a story that goes with the song, about the pre-existence. Elder Chandler came up to me and said he had never felt the spirit as strong tonight in his whole mission! Wow! I will get the words and post them later, I should have copied them since I have had that song for a week. Anyway...
Me and my new VC muumuu!
Our choir, the Tuitupos are at the back, she's got her music by my head.
Sister Dekker is blond, with her back to camera
Sister Dekker mentioned in her talk that Elder Eyring said that he tried to never go to bed without writing in his journal 4 things he was grateful for that day. I thought this would be a good thing for
us to start. So on the way home I asked Ramon if he wanted to do it and what he was thankful for.
Whew but so worth it. President Bekker and his wife were there and the VC choir (me included) sang two songs. We had testimonies from our two newest baptised men. Such strong feelings. Sarah Beth was there and came up to me with a friend and said she had brought her non-member friend to the fireside. How great.
We sang this really touching song, that I had never heard before last Monday and it really moved people. First one of the Sister missionaries read a story that goes with the song, about the pre-existence. Elder Chandler came up to me and said he had never felt the spirit as strong tonight in his whole mission! Wow! I will get the words and post them later, I should have copied them since I have had that song for a week. Anyway...
Our choir, the Tuitupos are at the back, she's got her music by my head.
Sister Dekker is blond, with her back to camera
us to start. So on the way home I asked Ramon if he wanted to do it and what he was thankful for.
He said he was thankful for this day to finally be over! But seriously I think we will start doing this or I will since this is my journal. Today I am thankful for Amelia for writing us a real letter and showing us how much she loves us and misses us. I am thankful for Alora showing me how much she cares about me at our meeting this morning. I am grateful for Sarah Beth coming up to me at the Fireside and introducing me to her non-member friend, as her friend too. And lastly I am thankful that Marisa told me she was taking institute this semester, because Elder Sanft and I are also going to take Institute when it starts in two weeks. Oh, and I am so grateful I got to sing in the VC choir for President Bekker's fireside, in my new muumuu!
Saturday, August 18, 2018
Saturday August 18, 2018
Today we had 8 Visitor's Center Sisters to our home for lunch. They were very sweet cute girls. So polite, I even had to get a little mad to make them leave me the dishes! We had spaghetti, french garlic bread, fruits (fresh watermelon and pineapple) and a green salad. They loved it all. Said if they are assigned a YSA ward from BYU or a young married ward they don't get fed daily as the students are too poor. So they did appreciate my effort. They loved the key chains, so I am again glad I made the effort while home to make up a bunch. I had them sing to me the song we have to sing tomorrow night at the Fireside because it is one I don't know. I wish I could download them singing it here. It makes me cry. It's called "I'll find you my friend" about missionaries.
While I was preparing the food Dave Hancock our landlord and now friend, was outside trying to lift up his children's playhouse. The roots of a tree were causing it to tip, it's ONLY 3 stories high, but skinny. So Elder Sanft was giving him a hand...maybe :) They did a lot of visiting too. This guy is kind of a wonder man, reminds me of my neighbor Norm or my own Dad or Holly's Dad. Some guys can do everything!
So after the Sisters left we ran into Costco again and Walmart. Wasn't too bad a trip. Got a beach umbrella so Elder Sanft can sit closer to me rather than up on the beach under a tree in the shade. We also bought a new cooler for lunch with the Elders and found some cheap plastic table cloths at Walmart for $.97, a bargain. Saves me washing tablecloths and sheets after lunch! We also got a shave ice in Hale'iwa. So far only had one a week, this day is our one month anniversary here! Times flying by. Actually, ran to Costco to get some pictures I had printed up from Hannah's wedding. They were so beautiful of her. But some reason, not enough piksels...(sp?) so they didn't turn out. I need to call her and see how to do it. She was a beautiful bride!
Young love and life's starting for them.
So after the Sisters left we ran into Costco again and Walmart. Wasn't too bad a trip. Got a beach umbrella so Elder Sanft can sit closer to me rather than up on the beach under a tree in the shade. We also bought a new cooler for lunch with the Elders and found some cheap plastic table cloths at Walmart for $.97, a bargain. Saves me washing tablecloths and sheets after lunch! We also got a shave ice in Hale'iwa. So far only had one a week, this day is our one month anniversary here! Times flying by. Actually, ran to Costco to get some pictures I had printed up from Hannah's wedding. They were so beautiful of her. But some reason, not enough piksels...(sp?) so they didn't turn out. I need to call her and see how to do it. She was a beautiful bride!
Friday
A pretty calm day today, and no pictures to publish. We went to the VC to practice for the Sister's music for Sunday's Fireside. Elder Sanft helped Elder Sebring put some "draino" in a sister apartment and then helped raise the flag at the VC. I left the practice a tad early so we could get to the 9:00 session of the Temple. I waited and waited for Elder Sanft. The session was really full as a young woman was receiving her endowments. Finally, a man went looking for Elder Sanft, came back said he couldn't find him anywhere. So I left the session, we had held them up 10 minutes already. There was Elder Sanft coming towards me...he had told them he needed a new name and ushered him into the wrong place, he kept trying to tell them what he wanted, to no avail. So half way through the Ordinance worker said the paper had already been done for that, he said he knew that, but by this time it was too late to catch the session. So we waited in the chapel for the next session. This one wasn't quite as full and it was very nice. After we went to 7 Brothers for lunch...oh I did snap a picture there...
Then we went home and hit the beach for a couple of hours. Kathy, my next door neighbor over the fence, came by and we had a nice visit. I had seen her husband at the Temple. We're having 10 Sister missionaries for lunch tomorrow so I made a big batch of spaghetti.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Thursday August 16, 2018
Wow, a month has almost gone by since we arrived! Time does fly when you are older...
Yesterday we cleaned, ironed, and I hemmed my new muumuu for the VC. Then we spend a couple of hours at our beach, I'm trying to get Elder Sanft too look a little more Polynesian, his chest and back are so white! I'm having him "rotisserie" every 5 minutes then he can put his shirt back on. It worked, he's a tiny bit more colorful.
We had the Elders and Sisters to dinner tonight at 5:15. My stove is gas and I needed it on low to cook the ribs I was baking. It turned off while we were gone to the beach, that's why we left because we knew the studio would be so hot...not. Anyway, came home upped the heat and they were done by dinner time. We had a nice conversation. The Elder's said they couldn't remember when they had last sat down to a table set for dinner....:) We have a new Sister, Sister Luo from Taiwan.
Elder Chandler, Elder Collins, Sister Cardenas, Sister Luo
After a lively discussion and message we said "good-by" and ran across the street to the Drummondos, to visit with Charles and Kloe Ann. Charles is 85 years old and Kloe Ann is a year younger than I. It was a nice visit but we got caught in a huge rain storm walking home with no umbrella. I'll learn to pack one everywhere soon.
Yesterday we cleaned, ironed, and I hemmed my new muumuu for the VC. Then we spend a couple of hours at our beach, I'm trying to get Elder Sanft too look a little more Polynesian, his chest and back are so white! I'm having him "rotisserie" every 5 minutes then he can put his shirt back on. It worked, he's a tiny bit more colorful.
We had the Elders and Sisters to dinner tonight at 5:15. My stove is gas and I needed it on low to cook the ribs I was baking. It turned off while we were gone to the beach, that's why we left because we knew the studio would be so hot...not. Anyway, came home upped the heat and they were done by dinner time. We had a nice conversation. The Elder's said they couldn't remember when they had last sat down to a table set for dinner....:) We have a new Sister, Sister Luo from Taiwan.
After a lively discussion and message we said "good-by" and ran across the street to the Drummondos, to visit with Charles and Kloe Ann. Charles is 85 years old and Kloe Ann is a year younger than I. It was a nice visit but we got caught in a huge rain storm walking home with no umbrella. I'll learn to pack one everywhere soon.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Wednesday
This morning I baked some Oatmeal Raison cookies and we walked across the street to visit the Drummondos. Kloe Ann was the only one to greet us outside in the shade of a tangelo tree. We had a good visit with her and she said she loved raison oatmeal cookies, whew! We made an appointment for tomorrow night at 6:30 to visit with her and her husband. He is a Viet Nam vet and he and Ramon have enjoyed one visit so we hope he'll like another.
Later we had the Sunset Family Branch mission leader over with the full time Elders to discuss fellowshipping in the branch. We had a good time and learned Elder Bowen wife's family is from Grand Terrace where Ryan and Flora live. Small world. After this meeting (they nicely ate the burned cookies) we went with the Elders to the Gerionio's house for dinner again. It is such a beautiful setting. They had company and one of the men was mixing drinks and came over and said he had some MaiTai's fixed if we wanted any. At this time the only people there were the missionaries and him! So he starts talking with the Elders and we found out he was an atheist. So they conversed for a while. He was respectful. The Elders always leave a spiritual message. They talked about the Atonement and this man said he appreciated their views. He had read parts of the Book of Mormon and believed in prayer, being that it helped the person praying, it does. Anyway, they left him a Book of Mormon and told him to skip 1 Nephi since he'd read it many times. He was one of those guys you can't ever win with so why debate. The Elders did a great job and said they've done it many times before with the same type of person. If you heart is hardened you can't feel the spirit. I felt sorry for him. He had much that the world desires but nothing of worth.
The birds were caged, they had built a beautiful big cage for Marley and Blue. Marley didn't remember me, that's why I prefer dogs. He forgot our snuggles a few weeks ago!
Marley
Later we had the Sunset Family Branch mission leader over with the full time Elders to discuss fellowshipping in the branch. We had a good time and learned Elder Bowen wife's family is from Grand Terrace where Ryan and Flora live. Small world. After this meeting (they nicely ate the burned cookies) we went with the Elders to the Gerionio's house for dinner again. It is such a beautiful setting. They had company and one of the men was mixing drinks and came over and said he had some MaiTai's fixed if we wanted any. At this time the only people there were the missionaries and him! So he starts talking with the Elders and we found out he was an atheist. So they conversed for a while. He was respectful. The Elders always leave a spiritual message. They talked about the Atonement and this man said he appreciated their views. He had read parts of the Book of Mormon and believed in prayer, being that it helped the person praying, it does. Anyway, they left him a Book of Mormon and told him to skip 1 Nephi since he'd read it many times. He was one of those guys you can't ever win with so why debate. The Elders did a great job and said they've done it many times before with the same type of person. If you heart is hardened you can't feel the spirit. I felt sorry for him. He had much that the world desires but nothing of worth.
The birds were caged, they had built a beautiful big cage for Marley and Blue. Marley didn't remember me, that's why I prefer dogs. He forgot our snuggles a few weeks ago!
Marley
Blue
Tuesday
Today was such a fun day. We were to provide the lunch for the Elders and Sisters going home from their mission. Our Mission President Bekker called and asked us to order from Taco Bell lunch and we were to bring drinks, dessert and a fruit to complete the lunch. The Elders and Sisters would do a Temple session and then meet us around 2:30 at a pavilion in the Cemetery next to the Temple.
So Elder Sanft ran to Foodland our grocery bandit and bought a couple of bags of ice to keep the water and fruit cold. I, meanwhile, baked cookies and cut up watermelon. First two pans of chocolate chip/nuts cookies burned This gas oven is so touchy and I've mentioned before how expensive ingredients are! Anyway, finally got 26 fairly decent big cookies baked, got the watermelon cut up, grabbed out only two table clothes and a flat sheet to use as a table cloth. I do wish they had Dollar Stores here!
So we went early to Taco Bell, after ordering it yesterday and paying for it. Everything went smoothly except I forgot hot sauce! Luckily we didn't have hardly any Asian's missionaries this day. We got to finally meet President Bekker and his cute wife. She was so complimentary about the "pretty tables, etc" I had out an orchid out and some plumeria blossoms. She immediately had them sing a "Thank you" song to us, it was rather long and embarrassing....:) but so sweet. Then they prayed and ate and I visited with her while we ate.
After, the President had them sing again, I guess they have an Hawaiian song they have put "missionary" words too that is a big hit. It was hilarious. I'll video all of it next transfer date in September. We fell so lucky to be the ones who get the opportunity to share in this event every 6 weeks. How wonderful for us to see these young men and women as they return with honor to their homes. I know how it feels from both sides now, as I remember earnestly awaiting my boys to arrive home to my arms, I was such a proud Mama.
So Elder Sanft ran to Foodland our grocery bandit and bought a couple of bags of ice to keep the water and fruit cold. I, meanwhile, baked cookies and cut up watermelon. First two pans of chocolate chip/nuts cookies burned This gas oven is so touchy and I've mentioned before how expensive ingredients are! Anyway, finally got 26 fairly decent big cookies baked, got the watermelon cut up, grabbed out only two table clothes and a flat sheet to use as a table cloth. I do wish they had Dollar Stores here!
So we went early to Taco Bell, after ordering it yesterday and paying for it. Everything went smoothly except I forgot hot sauce! Luckily we didn't have hardly any Asian's missionaries this day. We got to finally meet President Bekker and his cute wife. She was so complimentary about the "pretty tables, etc" I had out an orchid out and some plumeria blossoms. She immediately had them sing a "Thank you" song to us, it was rather long and embarrassing....:) but so sweet. Then they prayed and ate and I visited with her while we ate.
After, the President had them sing again, I guess they have an Hawaiian song they have put "missionary" words too that is a big hit. It was hilarious. I'll video all of it next transfer date in September. We fell so lucky to be the ones who get the opportunity to share in this event every 6 weeks. How wonderful for us to see these young men and women as they return with honor to their homes. I know how it feels from both sides now, as I remember earnestly awaiting my boys to arrive home to my arms, I was such a proud Mama.
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| President Bekker and his wife |
Video
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