September 22, 2013

Aloha Family and Friends,

It seems to be a struggle to get the Blog out all at once.  We decided it might be better if we wrote our thoughts daily than try for the week.

Last weekend we were busy shopping after work to get supplies for the Student Ward Hukilau.  It doesn't seem like a big thing, but to go to Costco here it takes about one hour to drive.  By the time we did some errands and shopped at Costco we were tired.  Then we remembered we didn't have freezer space nor fridge space.  We bought 144 hamburgers and 75 hot dogs and all the condiments plus the buns.  We filled the large cart at Costco.  We did distribute the food to the Bishop's home before we came home.  He had a freezer.  Saturday was a busy day for Dad.  He left early to help the Elders set up.

Tongan Choir 

I went to the Tongan Devotional.   I  had helped to make the green shirts and blouses for the choir and I wanted to see them.   The Ward Party was a winner... l50 kids came.   They ate and ate and played volleyball.  The beach was the best entertainment.  The waves were great for body surfing and paddle boarding.

Tonight is Tuesday evening.  Dad has gone to the church for High Council Meeting.  We took Sister Smith out for dinner tonight before he went.  She is still struggling to get the materials and patterns going here at the Seamstress Room.  It's very hard to reform or make changes.  She was so enthusiastic when she arrived and has been hitting brick walls ever since.  The culture and people here are really afraid of changes.  Nona leaves the 2nd of October and that will be a big change so we will see what happens after that.  I realize how hard it must be for single sisters.  They do struggle with cars, repairs and many other issues without a husband.  She likes to go with us and bounce things off Ron to get his opinion and ideas.

Oh, this is the machine I work on in Theater/Costumes.  Looks like it has been 100,000 miles!!!  I think it is at least 40 years old.  Everything rusts here in Hawaii.

Bernina Machine

We had a gathering of the missionaries for two anniversaries.  The Swanson's 50th and the Maple's 51st.  It was a fun evening.

Brother and Sister Reynolds are in the picture.  He's in the white shirt and she is sitting by me. Tonight (Sunday) he is back in the hospital.  The infection is back, they don't think in the brain, but the infection has planted itself somewhere else in his body.   He was put on a breathing tube and medication for infection again.  We are having a fast for him Tuesday.  I wish they would have flew home two weeks ago.  They were trying to wait until a son and family came October 2.

The week went by pretty fast.  We worked every day.  Papa had a Missionary farewell in his department.

Sister Jolene Smith and Matt from PCC HR Department.  

Sister Smith is returning home to Anchorage Alaska.  Sister Robinson works in the same building and joined us for Sister Smith's farewell party.  Sister Robinson and her husband Phil live in St. George.  We played 5 Crowns with them tonight

Friday and Saturday night Keke had volleyball games.  They won both nights 3 games straight.  Keke is having shoulder pain and will be going in for an MRI this week.  I keep feeding her on game days and she appreciates and is thoughtful and kind.  She keeps texting me little notes.  She brought her boyfriend to meet us Saturday before the game while we were taking tickets at the Luau.   We have some work to do!!!

Sister Cardnel and Sister Tremea...she is from Canada

The Aloha Luau.  This just opened for the 50th

Papa's little friends before the show

Thanks for all your letters.  I have been homesick this week.  It would be nice to fly home and be involved with family life for a bit.  Keeping busy helps, but it comes and hits at the oddest moments.

Today Papa talked in another ward.  He gave an awesome talk on faith and virtues.  He will have to tell you about it.  Since I am on the High Council I had the opportunity to talk in a ward and give a message from a general conference talk.  I talked on faith today from Elder Neil Anderson's talk about a Trial of Faith.  In that message I included a story about the Mangelson's boating accident and the effect it had on Erik.  About how the whole family prayed to be saved, even Erik, his faith must have been strong enough to seek the Lord's help.  I think he realized that they were saved by a higher power and that the prayer was a transmission line to talk to the Lord.  It worked!!!  They were all saved.   It also helped that they were prepared and all had their life jackets on.  If we are prepared
in what ever we do the Lord will help us finish the task required.  If we will do our part he will help us do the rest.  He wants all of us to succeed in worthy projects that are beneficial in his sight and especially if they help others.

We pray daily for each of you,
Love and miss all of you.