December 28. 2013

The week before Christmas was a busy one.  We had work parties for all the students we worked with. We had already drawn names.  It is customary here to draw names and be a "Pixie" for the person you draw.  We did this both in Seamstress and in Costumes.  The stockings were hung on doors and racks and the Pixie would put something in the stocking each day for a week.  I received a beautiful hand made box and candle holder from Sister Miketts.  Her husband had made the box and candle holder in the PCC shop.  I had Tamera, in Seamstress and KeKe in Costumes.  It was fun to shop and find things they could use in their homes and at school.

Stockings for all the students working at the PCC Show
This is for the Ha Show, "The Breath of Life".

KeKe with her stocking

Maggie with her Stocking

Students making Ginger Bread Houses 

Susan, KeKe and Mogee from China, notice his house...

Song from Japan on the left has been on mission to Canada and now at BYU-H for school.  Keke ate some of the hard candy and broke off a tooth.  She asked her Pixie for help.  I arranged for her to go to Kaneohe to see Dr. Wang.  Long story short, she broke her temporary tooth off a root canal that had been done in Taiwan and now needs a cap.  We helped to pay for another temporary until she gets back to Taiwan this summer.  

We gave all the kids pillows and new pillow cases.  I'm tired!!!

We had our Christmas FHE on Monday.  It was a musical program that Elder Lund had arranged.  He is former Choir Director from Jr. College in Arizona.  Great with musicals and choirs.  We started our meeting at the Aloha Center on campus and moved three times…We had lots of complaints…old people just don't like the changes.  We laughed about it, but we have 16 Single Sister Missionaries here,  and they complain about everything.  It was a memorable night.

Notice we are not in the choir….we didn't make the practices.

Christmas 2013 is now behind us, it was our first Christmas in Hawaii and it was certainly different. We spent Christmas Eve at the Fuller's Home with about 35 other missionaries.  We had a fun evening of food, singing, telling Christmas traditions, and of course sitting on Santa's lap.  A new couple came in November brought their boy, Elder Bailey (D-Bob), he has Downs Syndrome and wanted to serve a mission.   The parents Elder and Sister Bailey are serving at the PCC also.  At the party we were telling traditions of our families for Christmas and singing carols.  Sister Bailey told us their tradition was singing carols and when they sang Jingle Bells Santa arrived.  Elder Robinson and Sister Robinson had been Mr and Mrs Santa at the Christmas Lagoon and he slipped out of the party. We started to sing Jingle Bells and Santa banged at the door and Elder D-Bob started to scream and jumped to the ceiling.  He was so excited and happy,  it was the highlight of the party.  Santa greeted everyone in his Santa suit and Sulu skirt, and gave everyone candy.  Santa seems to be able to find everyone with a Christmas Spirit and giving heart.

Santa greeting Elder D-Bob

Elder Lund and Elder Tremea

Elder Tremea and Sister Humphreys

We were working each day and taking tickets or working at the Christmas Lagoon at night.  Fortunately we only had to stay two or three hours at the Lagoon at night.  Some of the couples had to stay until it ended.  The week before Christmas was very busy.  We had almost 3,000 people every night.  The line for the Christmas Lagoon was long.  We did crowd control!  It was interesting and fun.  We had many families and local children and friends.   We talked to everyone, either to calm them down or direct them to the right line to be in.   We had several missionary moments.   People asked us why we were at the PCC and where we are from.  It's so interesting to talk and visit with people from Australia, Canada, Germany, India, China, Japan, Utah, US, England, and Hawaii all in the same night.  We tear off the top part of the ticket they buy for the day at the PCC for the Luau's. We realize we have touched hands with people from all over the world every night.  (I am the one that reminds Papa to always wash his hands after taking tickets….weird aren't I?}

The PCC and Lagoon early in the morning on our way to work.  Quiet and peaceful, and beautiful.

The attendance at the PCC has started to pickup for the holidays.  During Christmas week the PCC has nearly been sold out each day.  This will help with their finances since they are in the red, this will help turn the red to a little more pink and not as much deficit.  We have been working two luau's per week in addition to other duties so it gets a little tiring, especially for us old missionaries.

Christmas Lagoon, we were riding on boat and listened to the Christmas Story in word and Song

Wise Men Singing

Children dancing in Germany…we made the red and green costumes

Christmas morning we opened presents from you.  We loved the clothes, candy and a Polaroid type camera from Becky, I don't know what we will do with that.  Thanks guys for thinking of us, all of your packages arrived before Christmas.  After opening the presents we thought we would go to the kids houses to see what they got, as we normally would do but soon came to the realization that we are on a Mission and 3,500 miles away, bad idea.  We had a surge of homesickness.  We thought of past Christmas family gatherings and we counted our blessings for each of you.  We have much to be thankful for and memories of happy times with family and good friends.   We were fortunate to be able to face-time and be able to talk to you and see you in your homes at Christmas.  It's a awesome time of life to live with technology such as I-phones and computers. Ten years ago missionaries wouldn't be able to do what we are able to do now.  We didn't talk to Mark and Becky, just thought about them and hope they were safe and having a good time on their cruise with the Mangelson Family.  We did get pictures of Matt and Amanda with their pillow cases and tie.

Matt said it's "sick"  meaning the ultimate gift….is that kids new English lingo?

Maybe Matt felt like he was snorkeling!!!

Hope Amanda liked her pillow case.

Christmas Day we went to the beach and had a barbecue with four missionary couples.  Sister Cooper and Sister Tremea bought their husbands a gas barbecue grill to use between them.  Elder Cooper put it together, worked great, the hamburgers were a wonderful change from the normal rice and chicken that the Polynesians love to eat.   We had a total of 10 missionaries with BBQ hamburgers and hot dogs.  Seems like all we do is eat, we both need to go on a serious diet.  This is our first and probably our last time going to the beach on Christmas day in Hawaii.  The weather was everything!  Sunny and blue skies, a few sprinkles and a bit of trade wind, and sunny again.   We have learned to be like the Hawaiians, hang loose and the blue skies will be back soon.

Notice I am the only one cold…we under a canopy from sun…and rain

This was the beach.  It's called Pounders Beach and has an dangerous undertow

Saturday we did something ordinary.  We went to Kaneohe and saw "Saving Mr Banks"  and then to dinner.  We went with Elder and Sister Fuller, and Elder and Sister Harris.  The movie was great. First movie we have seen in a theater since we came.  We had dinner at Haleiwa Joes.  The food was yummy and the restaurant was looking at gardens and a beautiful mountain.  We took some pictures on path to the restaurant.

Elder and Sister Harris and Elder and Sister Fuller

Elder and Sister Harris and Elder and Sister Tremea
The Restruant is above us in the picture.

Today is Sunday.  We had early Meeting starting at 8:00 am.  There were about 12 of us there to start. The students came filtering in and by 8:30 we had probably 50 kids.  The Chinese students all gave talks in Sacrament Meeting.  We had great empathy for them because they all struggle with the English language.  We know it's hard for them in school when they haven't mastered the language.

On our way home we stopped at Laie Point.  This was our view at 11:30 am.

Today,  Sunday December 29th at the Laie Point

The water was beautiful with big splashing waves and sunny sky

A bit windy, lots of tourists here for Christmas and New Years 

It is late, we have to work in the morning at 8:00 am, so I'm signing out and posting.  We love and miss you.  I hope you had a very Merry Christmas and celebrate the New Year this week.  May you all be blessed with health and love for each other, that is the greatest blessing parents can hope for. We love and miss you and remember to pray always.
Nona and Papa

December 15, 2013  Happy Birthday Papa.

December 12, was Papa's birthday.  We celebrated Sherleen and Papa's birthdays together.  I made a cake and salad and Sherleen made lasagna.  We had a fun night at their apartment.  The Coopers are the only couple that have an apartment big enough for 6 couples.   On our mission we are learning to be simple.  Paper plates, plastic utensils, no fancy table settings.  It's almost refreshing.   Most of us have a place setting for 4.   No one seems to care,  we are all in the same boat…but together it's all good food and laughter and friends.

One Cake, 6+3 for Sherleen and 7+1 for Papa

Serious Game planning!

Cooper and Phyzille's from Canada

Papa's new Ukulele

Practicing

Ti's the season of Christmas again.  This is a Christmas we will remember.  The season has only one minor change, it is now three degrees cooler.  We are receiving more rain and cloudy days but it's always barefoot warm, and no coat weather.  The Polynesians wear jackets and coats when it changes two or three degrees cooler.  I have just changed to my beach shoes and walk in the rain so not to ruin my leather sandals.  Oh, I learned to always carry an umbrella, even if it's sunny when I leave home. 

The lights, laughter and trees are all signs of Christmas here.  We are working at the PCC evenings and helping with the Christmas Lagoon.  This is a boat ride down the lagoon with stops for Christmas scenes of Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, Shepard's in the fields of sheep, wise men traveling; and Christmas scenes from Germany, Russia, Spain and Hawaii.  There is music and narration throughout.  It's a beautiful way for the Hawaiians to celebrate the season with their family and friends.  There were 2,000 people the first night.  We help with crowd control and hot chocolate and cup a soup for the performers.  All in a days work.  Some days are long but we are enjoying the people and the customs.  So busy, we forget to be homesick.

The seamstress area made all the costumes for  the Christmas Lagoon which you will see in the following pictures.  We were able to take the canoe ride on Dec. 16 after we finished our assignments.  It was very spiritual and focused on the birth of Christ.

Entrance to Christmas Lagoon, notice it's the South Pole

Wise Men singing, we are in the boat.

German costumes we made

We worked last minute on the angels and wise men costumes.  We sew for three to four hours and leave article for someone else to continue.  I feel better when I have started and finished an article of clothing, but we were so rushed to get all the costumes finished we worked together.  If the article, dress, or suit wasn't finished we just left it at the machine for the next Sister to finish.   We always work on a last minute schedule.  I think it is the Polynesian way…..hang loose….and be happy.  It does all work out in the end.  

It was graduation Saturday.  We will miss the graduating students.   Papa helped at the Graduation and took these pictures.

We know students going back to China, Mongolia, Japan and Hong Kong.  Many others from all over the world are here too.  My amazement is when the marriages of two different cultures occur, which is often.  It's a miracle to see how love and understanding can join together and be happy.  I will be helping with two marriages this week.  I am helping with Katie's wedding cake and flowers on Wednesday.  She is the cute student in seamstress who is marrying a boy from Hong Kong.  She is from China.  Keke the volleyball player is marrying a boy from Tonga Tuesday, and we are involved with her wedding too.    The Volleyball Team just took second place in the Nation yesterday in Iowa.  The kids are flying back today.  I can't believe Keke is getting married in two days.  She will be very tired girl from the last 10 days of traveling with volleyball.  The kids are amazing.  They go to school, work 19 hours at the PCC, study and on Sundays fulfill their church callings.  They are strong kids.  By the way, Keke postponed her wedding.  I think that is a wise decision for her.

For now, we have solved the rats in the costume department.  I feel better going to work with that taken care of.  We have been without air conditioning for the past two weeks.  That is a big concern.  We are very hot some days.  When the palm trees are still, it's humid and hot.  Again it might be a season before the air conditioning is solved, because of the hang loose workers here.  Funny, here it is December and air conditioning is needed.

Today is December 18.   It has been a busy few days.   We have been working every other night for the Christmas Lagoon.

Papa spoke in church Sunday in our Ward for High Council.  Maybe he will send his talk or tell you about it.  Sunday and Monday we had rain, not a little rain, but buckets.  Flood alerts were ringing on our phones.  Saturday the North Shore was sunny and beautiful with good surfing waves.  We passed on our way to Costco, but didn't stop this time around.   We stopped at Ted's Bakery.  Famous for Masada's, cakes, pies.  These two kids were eating outside and I took their picture.  She is a beautiful girl, but look what she did to her body!

I am thankful my granddaughters keep their bodies sacred.

On the wall at Ted's Bakery

I drove to Honolulu Tuesday.  First time to drive around island.  Sherleen went with me.  We went to Walmart and Watanobes Floral.  It was a large wholesale floral warehouse.  I was in heaven!  Picked red roses and carnations, leather leaf and tiny white daisy's for Katy's wedding cake.  I was up til the wee hours with Susan Robinson arranging flowers and cake decor last night.  Today was Katy's wedding.  It was beautiful.  The temple ceremony was at 10:00 am, both in Chinese and English and her reception and party was at 2:00 pm.  Ron and Dennis picked up the cakes from Ted's bakery, and I put them together at noon.  Took some pictures of party for you to see.  Katy had her parents from China here, but Kevin's parents were not able to come.  Katy wore white temple dress for ceremony, wedding dress for part of the party then changed into a beautiful red wedding dress from China.


Beautiful day for a wedding.  This was taken as I walked into the Hawaii Temple this morning looking east toward the ocean.

Beautiful Morning

Kevin and Katy

 Chinese Wedding Dress

Katy and Kevin

Katy's mother in the blue dress

Bridesmaids

Wedding Cake

We received your pre-Christmas package Tammy/Mike.  Thanks for the socks and candy, calendars, shirt, apron and Christmas decor and Manger magnets.   We decided not to open gifts in socks until Christmas, is that ok?   It keeps us excited and guessing.  We love an appreciate all you do for us.  Also thanks for you birthday gifts, the aloha shirt is great and fits nicely into my wardrobe, the Utah calendar is beautiful and makes me homesick.   Also the candy will keep me over-sized.

Thanks Becky/Mark for the dominoes set, it will be a fun came to play with the missionaries.  We have not listened to the Piano Guys CD yet but I know we will like it.

Thanks Aimee/Scott for the little Swiss army knife.  I gave my old one to the TSA in August at the LAS airport.  They thought I would be a danger I guess.

Thanks to all of our kids for thinking of us while we are on our mission.

Each morning before I open my eyes I think, today I will wake up in my own bed.  Isn't that silly…then I realize I'm here and have to get myself going.  It's not bad after that first wake-up moment is over.   Then it's getting the old body to start moving, and the day is good.   I go outside and it is beautiful.   I start serving others and the Lord, and count my blessings to have righteous sons and daughters and beautiful grandchildren working hard, being good and doing good.

Thank you all for being a blessing in our lives.  We love and miss you this holiday season and hope your lives are full with the spirit of God in your homes.  We pray for a better world for our children, and a world where love and peace abound.