Thursday

I gave Ramon ( and me really!)  a gift for Father's Day to the Disney Alulani Resort for dinner at their Ama Ama buffet.  We had heard it was one of the best buffets ever.  It was kind of fun but I don't know about being the best buffet.  All the food was really good and made beautifully.  The desserts were especially wonderful but I didn't take a picture of them...darn.  The character Chip from Chip and Dale must have been a member because he or she kept coming up to where I was sitting and trying to communicate with me about my tag and keep giving me "kisses" and holding his/her heart!  I was going to take a picture with him/her but Ramon was never around when this happened, and it happened about three times!  It was a fun beautiful night and the place is great but very expensive. I often am amazed at how rich so many people must be to shower their kids with all this indulgence.  The rooms start at over $500. a night.  They only had the Characters Chip and Dale and Stitch on this night.  There was live music but it was totally catered to the children, which make sense.  The kids loved it.

Wednesday

Tonight we had dinner at Lei Leis with the senior missionaries from the Visitor's Center in honor of the Sebrings going home on Tuesday.  We are sure going to miss this great couple.   They have been our "go to" friends, always wanting to do something with us, usually eating!  We are going to miss Elder Sebring, he is the fix-it guy to go to for everything.  We know we'll see them again in Utah but that's a ways away.  We wish them well as they head home.

Lukers, Sebrings, us and the Allens

Bananas from Peggy's tree

Avocados from Karen's tree

People are so good to
share with us!  Love 
the tropics!

Monday

Yesterday was a very tearful day.  So many emotions as we got a new YSA President and then later in the evening had a loving farewell meeting for our beloved Mission President Bekker and his wife.

During our YSA meeting a new Branch President was called, Bret Lee and his wife Cassie.  Unfortunately, she had just broken her ankle last week, (we loaned her our scooter) and so she is headed to Utah to heal.  He called two men to be his councilors, but we don't know either of them but I am sure we soon will.  President Lee is a great person whom we knew from our Sunset Branch so that helps us transition a bit. His wife spoke first and said he is "solid" in the gospel.   He said he serves because of the love he has of his Savior and the knowledge he has of Him.  His councilor Brother Cory Blake said "the church is not a trophy for winners but a sanctuary for sinners."  These are going to be great leaders of our youth.

After our meeting, where I had to give the closing prayer... so we all know I cried through it, we had a surprise dinner for the outgoing Presidency.  Louis Prescott spearheaded it by cooking up 40 lbs of chicken and the rest of us brought items to add to it.  It was a fun farewell but sad.

President David Fullmer and me

Rebekah Fullmer, Steve Speigler, Effie Speigler and David Fullmer

The Roses, Speiglers, Fullmers, Jenkins, and us
The three missionary couples and Presidency,
Brother and Sister Micah Smith are in Utah

After we went over to the Visitor's Center and had a kind of private farewell for the Bekkers.  It was just for the Sisters who serve in the VC and us senior couples.  We had a very emotional song, some talks by two Sisters and a couple of musical numbers.  Our Sister Yentz from Germany played the Saxaphone and it is amazing how well she plays and brings us all to tears.  Then President Allen spoke.  He mentioned knowing the Bekkers for years and how President and Sister Bekker were personal caregivers/ministers to Elder Richard G Scott for 10 years.  How Sister Bekker took care of Sister Scott through her decline with cancer and her final passing.  How Elder Bekker was always by
Elder Scotts side to see that  he was cared for as he travelled and spoke in his declining years until his transition into the Spirit World.  Then Elder Allen said he was told by the Spirit that the Scotts were in attendance at our meeting and pleased with Elder and Sister Bekker and he was sure they were saying "Well done".  Such a sweet impression.  Later the Bekkers spoke.  Sister Bekker really told the young women how they were chosen to be at this very mission, that she'd  never forget one of them, and how they were to always hold to the iron rod and not settle for a man that wasn't that worthy of them no matter what.

Elder Bekker reminded us to always remember "psst"  on our shoulders...Prayer, study, Serve, and temple, and we'd stay true to the faith.  What a great day and night it was to be so spiritually fed.

Today we had a VCTM meeting at 7:30, then worked at Prime Dining taking tickets at the PCC.  Then we went over to our Senior Couples FHE at 7:00 and then left that and went into  Kahuku for our YSA FHE where they were Tye Dying t-shirts.  I  took some pictures, they did it in the parking lot and then moved inside to all comment on how this activity related to the Gospel or Jesus Christ.

Sisters Hensley and Shumway

Elders Larkin and Higa

FHE with our new YSA Presidency

Saturday

Yesterday we had meetings and then worked at the  Luau taking tickets at 3:15 til 7:00  and then went over to the Stake Center where our Sisters were putting on a "talent show".  It was hilarious, reminded me of girls camp where the kids come up with ridiculous talents.  Although a couple of Sisters are amazingly talented...our Sister from Germany plays the Saxophone, she is so gifted and plays the hymns so beautifully.  She played last night and it was so professional, we were in awe. She gave up her music to come clear out here on a mission but brought her Saxophone with her.  Another girl did ballet from the Nutcracker but in socks not toe shoes.  She was amazing.  Our lovely Tongan Sister from New Zealand is a singer and sings like Adele and then she also danced the Tahitian and she is a great dancer too and of course, very beautiful.  Us lowly senior couples put on a skit to Book of Mormon stories but like the Haka and with actions.  The girls loved it.

Sister Shumway and Sister Hensley, our Sunset Branch Sisters

Our Tongan Sisters

Today we had our annual Slip and Slide at Waimea Beach.  It started at noon and went until 5:00.  It was a beautiful day, the water was pristene and so refreshing! I love these waters so much, they are so clean and cool.  But the clean is what I love, the color is pure.  Look at how beautiful it is.  Who wouldn't want to be in this paradise on a mission?  Heaven!   It was all great for a couple of hours then someone saw jelly fish and we all exited the water.  It did not slow down the slip n sliders a bit though.

I was a little disappointed that only about 5 young adults from our Branch showed up with the exception of our Senior Missionary Couples and the Branch Presidency and their families.  But we had quite a few BYUH young adults, as the whole stake was invited and we had a bunch of people from the beach participating.  It was a great missionary tool and hopefully we showed people we like to have good clean fun.  One surprise was two pregnant ladies, one my friend who is  due in September, so that was okay, going down the slide.  The other lady was due due now, in a bikini and the baby was barely hanging on inside I am sure.  She was hoping to start labor I think!

Tuesday

Sunday was Father's Day and it was beautiful here in Hawaii but I know Ramon missed being with his children, his legacy.  He had to speak at the BYUH ward at 9:00 and miss our Family Branch, which we love.  He did a good job.  I tried to make the day pleasant while missing the kids by making his favorite foods, stroganoff, lupulu, and pecan pie.  He ate so much stroganoff the lupulu was put off for another day.  They gave him a lei at the BYUH ward, a tuberose lei, that smells devine.  He immdiately gave it to me but I protested and made him wear it to our YSA Branch, I could still smell it since I sat next to him!  He was contacted by most of the children by phone and that made his day, that and I agreed to play two rounds of Cataan with him!  He's such a good patient Father to his children and grandchildren.  I feel very blest today.

Last night we have some great people over for dinner with us, our new Sunset Branch President and his family, the Daniel family.  It was really nice, all were here except their daughter Taya.  We had  nice dinner, (except my ribs were horrible and tough) and a nice visit.

Cruise, Blair, Terra, President Daniel, Annsley,
Susan (grandma) and Elder Sanft

Ramon had spent the morning after our VCTM meeting shampooing the carpet while I prepared the food.  After the dinner we ran over to one of our Elder's apartments and checked it...this apartment has been having some much needed upgrades, but also needed some cleaning! Then we ran to the store to get Draino for them, then to the Sebrings for a few minutes and then back to the Elder's apartment and finally home and bed!  Long day.

Today we have our District meeting with the Elders.  It will be like Christmas for the two we visited last night... they are getting bikes after walking all over Kahuku, and a pot and pan set after having only one pot and a two burner hot plate, no stove.  We got them new beds and made them rearrange the furniture so it wasn't so crowded.  Still isn't livable up to most standards but they will survive until they get transferred out.  This is probably the worst apartment for living, but it does humble them and it could be a lot worse.  Gotta love these strong Elders who sacrifice for the Lord.

Saturday June 15

We had a full week but nothing exceptional to report.  President Oaks was here but we actually didn't personally see him.  He dropped by the VC but it was a quick in and out, not many saw him.  He had family with him so I guess he had lots to do.  We didn't go to the Geranio's Wednesday night for dinner. I cut up watermelon and pineapple and when we got there Nicki said she felt bad Nick forgot to call us.  So we left the fruit and went in to 7 Brothers for dinner then had a meeting at the Jaussi's house for mission council.

Thursday we did go into Waikiki with the Sebrings and had a nice day.  Ended up all of us having Hot Fudge sundaes at the Cheesecake factory.  While there our waiter was from Utah and his parents live in Provo, but we didn't know them.  Small world. Picture of Elder Sebring and the huge hot fudge sundae!

Sister Sheila Sebring and Elder Glen Sebring

Flower around the gardens at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel
Beatiful

We are busy cleaning today, Father's Day is tomorrow and then on Monday we are having our new Branch President Daniel and his family to dinner at night.  We are headed at noon to go check our Kahuku Elder's apartment.  It's been a mess, hardly livable, so we've gotten them some items and are delivering a bed frame and few things today.  Elder Sebring is in charge of items needed for the Sisters and so every time I need something he comes to our rescue!  He's meeting us there with some items.  He is great, we sure are going to miss them.  They go home in 3 weeks. 

Here are two more pictures...one is of Esme, Maile's new baby, and the other is Alexis as she gave her Salutatorian speech at graduation in Grand Terrace, CA.

Mini Mouse!    I'm missing these moments!

Alexis, so proud of who she is!  

Friday June 7, catching up...

On Tuesday we had our "Returning Missionary Luncheon" at the Temple Pavilion. This is the last one the Bekkers will attend so I wanted to make it extra special.  We also had two Sunset Branch missionaries returning home.  I usually give the Sisters leis I have made.  This day I made a fresh lei for Sister Bekker out of Plumerias from Kathy's garden, my over the fence neighbor I love!

We had a nice luncheon with 13 missionaries returning home.  Great young men and women!

Wednesday, because they were having "girl's Camp" at the Geranio estate, we didn't have our usual dinner there.  Instead we took Nick and his daughter Marisa over to the Visitor's Center for a tour.  Marisa is not a member but is receiving the lessons from the Elders.

It was nice but the most impressive part was when Nick bore this testimony...he said that he had studied many religions throughout his life.  He was born Catholic and then when he was married they moved to China and he studied the Jewish religion.  He took all the lessons and become a Jewish convert along with his family.  He then studied Buddism and other non-Christ religions.  He said he hung out in California as a youth with many members of our church but never did any of them approach him about learning about our church.  Then they moved from China here and again he surfed with members here on the North Shore.  It wasn't until one newly returned missionary, who was surfing, asked him if he'd like to know more.

Nick said from then on his whole family except Nicki were baptized.  He said he had met the Pope, met with many Rabbis and not one of them is 100 no 1000 times as spiritual as a Mormon missionary, like our Elders and Sisters.  He tearfully related this as we sat in the Visitor's Center.  Here is a man, he is 55 years old, who is an entrepreneur, who has lived all over the world, done everything and finally found the joy and peace he was looking for.  What a testimony to me this man is.  He's now been a member for 3 years.  A temple attending member.  He gave a talk at the baptisim last week.  Such a humble man.  We love the Geranios!

Last night I gave a Bridal Shower for Marisa Santego at our place on the deck. Marisa has been the Relief Society Secretary in our YSA Branch.  Michele helped decorate and Alora did the games with help from her fun Mom!  We had good food and laughed for three hours.  Ramon was surprised it lasted so long!  Marisa is such a sweet one, love her.  She is marrying a wonderful guy from Mexico in the temple here.  She isn't having a reception so this was a party for her.  Marisa's Mom and sister came and it was nice to meet them.  Of course, some fun games too!  I made those ham and cheese sliders, salad, fruit platter, and lots of chips and artichoke dip.  Bitter sweet because now she won't be in our YSA Branch!

Marisa!

Sister Jenkins, Marisa and I

Side note:  Marisa felt she needed to cancel her wedding plans. It was very hard for her to be this brave but she did and gradually got over the sadness of having to cancel.  Through it all she came to church and was a valiant branch member.  I just love this girl!

Monday June 3

Today we ran into Costco and Sams and Walmart for some major shopping.  Tomorrow is the last "returning missionary luncheon" the Bekkers will be to as they are leaving July 1.  I want to make it special for them so I needed some major fruit.  As I've mentioned President Bekker likes me to order from Taco Bell, but I can do the drinks, dessert and fruit any way I choose.  So we got a bunch of fruit and I will have it displayed for their enjoyment.  I am also making my pinacolda cake, it's easy and pretty Hawaiian for here.  I have to make two of them as there will be 19 of us. As we were getting fuel at Costco I saw these beautiful trees all in bloom, they looked like lilac trees not bushes!

 I feel sad, a few of my favorite Sisters, whom we've worked with in our Sunset Branches are leaving tomorrow.  Bitter sweet, except a couple are from Utah so I know I'll see them when we return.  They say they have big plans!

Later after we were home Brother Reuel brought us 15 papayas!  Wow!  I had just bought 5 at Costco!  He said they were leaving for the mainland tomorrow and the birds would just eat them.  What a sweet surprise!

You pick papaya green and they ripen in about 3 days.  You can see some of these ripening.

Sunday June 2 - Kam's Birthday!

Well, a report on the Zip Line and baptism...

First, I will never do that again but I did enjoy the day.  The kids (the young adults) helpers were all LDS and the guy a returned missionary from India.  They were cute with us and very patient with my fears.  I did 7 lines, and every time figured I'd crash into the pole and or hit my head so bad, but I didn't and was so relieved when it was over!  It was so hot wearing helmets and the gear!  Elder Sanft (who loved every minute of it) took some pictures.

Beautiful Kaawa Valley

Leslie and me

Ramon and me

One of our "waiting" platforms...

Me and Noah

Ready to go...not!
After we rushed home and wanted to get ready for the baptism, we had about 1/2 hour to get ready, and Dave had shut off the water.  He was quick to turn it on but we decided we'd just go dirty and so put on "clean" clothes over our stinky bodies and rushed into Kahuku.  Then the baptized guy wasn't there and didn't show up for 1/2 hour!  So we could have showered, that is where he was, stopped at someones place to shower.  He had been homeless but they found him a room to live someplace, but maybe it didn't have a shower!  You have to have an address to get baptized.  It ended up being a nice baptism.  I hope to take pictures of him today after his confirmation.  He is 66 years old, and his name is Ray.  He's a nice guy, seems very smart, and has loved reading the Book of Mormon and has grasped the doctrine rapidly and seems really sincere.

Raymond Kritkz

We went to our Sunset Family Branch were Raymond was confirmed and given he gift of the Holy Ghost.  Then later we went to our Sunset Branch and after we had Break-the-Fast with Nachos. 

Christian Fullmer who was responsible for converting Raymond

Then at the end of the day we went over to the Visitor's Center for a Fireside by the Bekkers.  What a wonderful spirit was felt there.  These are tremendous people and they have blessed our lives while we have been here.   We are surely going to miss them when they leave in July.  The musical numbers brought everyone to tears.  I think it is also because we have 9 Sister's leaving this transfer and they have been such good worthy Sisters.  I love them so much but lucky for me most of them are in Utah and promise to come visit.

President and Sister Halstrom, Temple President

Elder Luker, President and Sister Bekker

Sister and Elder Allen 

Sister Bekker, I love how she uses her hands!

Sisters singing at the end, just beautiful!

Sister Beuhler (2nd one) Sister Boyce