August 26, 2014

It's been a week of goodbyes to the Coopers.  It's hard to see them leave.  I will expecially miss working with her everyday.  She made work fun, also she kept me from falling!  Don't know why I am so clumsy all the time.  Anyway, we were a pair!  Coopers last workday was Wednesday.  We had a combined Seamstress and Wardrobe party for her that day.  Not much work accomplished.  It was fun, both Fatai and Cathy liked Sister Cooper and wanted to do something special.  They made a RAT piñata and RAT cupcakes.  This is very fitting for the 26 rats we caught and Elder Cooper and Elder Nielson had to clean up.  We had Mexican Party and made taco salads.  Not the usual Polynesian food, but everyone had fun.

Cathy and Fatai

Sister Cooper and Cathy with
RAT Piñata 

Fatai and Eliza with quilt from Seamstress

RAT Cupcake

Sister Tremea, Sister Cooper and Sister Dispain (new sister for Wardrobe)

Elder and Sister Cooper

Eight couples took Cooper's and Cardnal's out for dinner at Turtle Bay on Friday.  The Cardnal's will be leaving in three weeks for Canada.  This morning we took Coopers to the Airport with Elder and Sister Pollock.  It was an early morning sacrifice….4:00 am.  We had them to the Airport by 6:00 am. Dropped them off, and said Good Bye.  We already miss them.  On way home we stopped at Denny's in Kaneohoe and had breakfast.  Came home and slept two hours had a good cry and went to work. My Father always told me to have a good cry and go to work and everything will be alright…..so that's what we do family…...Happy Homecoming to you in Logan Coopers.

After work we walked to the beach.  Castle Beach still looks the same.  I think we counted 6 people on the beach.  Wish it was in our backyard to run to.

Some kind of tree trunk

Beach Walk

We have been having good speakers at our FHE meetings.  We had a former Mission President, Richard Holzapfel, from Alanta Georgia.  He told us of the changes that were made during the time of the election two years ago.  The Bible Belt Christians didn't believe we were Christians.  He said because of Romney running in the election he made a tremendous difference how the people there thought about the Latter Day Saints and our Religion.   This week we had Brother and Sister MaCarther.  He is our Stake President.  They told their conversion story.

Friday we worked at the PCC at night.  Saturday we did a run to Costco.  We drove to KoOlina and further to the end of the road on the West side of the Island.  We had not seen the beautiful beaches on the West Side.  The waves were big for young surfers.  We came back and walked around KoOlina and then picked up grocery's and gas and made the complete drive around the Island.  We seem to keep going around in circles!

Miles of beautiful white sandy beaches

Beautiful water and foliage 

Green mountains with beach below

Back to KoOlina on the Beach and continued around Island for home

The Sabbath day is always a good renewal day.  Our Ward grew by 40 new members this past week. Kids are coming back for the Fall Semester.  I met with the Relief Society Sisters.  The Presidency is combined of only Polynesians this time.  They are on top of things.  Good group of Sisters.  If you have some get acquainted games for youth pass them on to me.  I could use some ideas.

Large Avocado given to us at work

This is a Passion Fruit, you eat the seeds and center part.  Suppose to bring more passion into your life!!!
Also the Polynesians make Lilikoi Jam and Jelly with this fruit.   It's yummy. 

Aunt Mary's Granddaughter was married last week.  The wedding was at Stirling's Home in Huntsville.  Mark and Becky were able to go and sent us some pictures.  Congratulations are in order.  Love and miss you Mary.

Shane, Mary and Stirling

Mr and Mrs Jeremy Haskell and Stirling, proud Father of the Bride Shaylie Fuller

Brent and Gail, Stirling and Kari and Becky

I can't believe I have two beautiful 16, and 17, year old Granddaughters who are going to the Desert Hills Homecoming Dance with non Mormon Boys!  What's the deal girls, isn't there any LDS boys in St George?  You both have your work cut out for you…..now you have to be examples of  Daughters of God and teach these boys, that don't hold the Priesthood, how to behave and respect sweet, virtuous, lovely…. Nona's girls.   You can't tell me anything I don't already know….I was young once too.  Well, I'm counting on you to behave  and have a good time….be good…. and remember who you are, then return and tell me all about your dates.  I need pictures too.

Maddie's car…Which note ask you to Homecoming?

Papa and I just returned from the Temple.  We went to the 5:00 pm Session.  Elder and Sister Nielson joined us for the Session.  We saw the new movie.  Very powerful, and I think I like this one the best. Hope you all get to see it.  We send our love and hope all goes well for Scott's surgery tomorrow.  We put your names in the Temple and will keep you in our prayers.

Love you all.
Nona and Papa

August 18, 2014

Some days I wish I was 50 years younger and had the energy to be a young missionary.  We seem to get physically tired early.  So much to do and so many people to help.

The week slipped by fast.  A group of students from New Zealand came to our FHE and shared their testimonies with word and song.  I am finally able to see physical differences of the Polynesian people.
The Maori people have different facial structure.  The students just burst with energy and the spirit of the gospel.

Elder Fuller's new shorts…..cool 

Elder and Sister Fuller

Lunch with Elder and Sister Fuller and President and Mrs Wheelwright

We were invited to attend the BYUH Devotional and Luncheon Tuesday.  Elder Fuller was the speaker and the Devotional Talk is on line.  They invited us to attend the luncheon in their honor after.  Most of the attendees were students, we were the only other couple.  It was an interesting hour to learn about where and what some of the students were doing.  Elder Fuller's Devotional Talk was "Heaven on Earth".  Go to BYUH under Devotionals and you can read the entire talk.  We do outside activities with the Fullers and have learned to love them and their family.

I am still working with my little student Ivy from China.  She hasn't been driving her car as far as I know.  She still wants to push all the buttons.  She lost her pass card to get into the PCC.  Fatai met her at the gate and told her she would have to get another one before she could get into the gate.   Later we found her card buried under material and sewing notions on her sewing machine.   Being a bit organized before leaving home would have helped her!

This is my Ivy...

Sister Cooper and I asked Fatai and Cathy if we could sluff Wednesday and go to Honolulu.  Because they didn't know what sluffing was they agreed.  We planned our day then Denis and Ron decided to go.  We left early, Denis almost got a ticket…they gave him a warning going 50 in 35 zone coming out of the tunnel.  Cops were radar checking and walked out onto the highway and pulled us over. We had a few tense moments.  Just what they needed, an expensive ticket just before they go home.  Cop saw we were all missionaries and just gave him a warning.  We went on to the Aloha Center to the Swap Meet.  It was a fun day together.  Almost felt like we were on vacation.   We were both scheduled to work at the PCC that night so we were home early.

We were working at the Ohana Luau.  We hadn't worked there for awhile and they changed how they roast and serve the pig.  Now they take the pig directly from the pit, the chief cuts it and they eat it that very night.  The pig doesn't look as good as when they serve it the following day because they cook it until it falls apart.  It tastes much better this way.

Preparing pig for dinner.

                 The Show had not changed.  The dancing and music was still the same at the Luau.

I work with Jessica in seamstress and she invited us to dinner Sunday night.  They had prepared enough food for 10 or 12 people.  Jessica is married to Garreth and they are both from Hong Kong. They knew each other before they came to BYUH.  They were married last December.  They were Kevin and Kitty's friends.  We had a fun night with then.  They were asking us questions from the church to the stock market.  They were eager to hear what we had to say.  Jessica's sister Fei was there too.  She is also going to school here.  Their family has five girls and one boy.   Their mother is the only member.  Garreth's family are all members.  His father graduated from BYUH and Garreth was born here in Hawaii so he is American.  They want to graduate and move to Utah.  He does not want to go back to Hong Kong.

Garreth in the kitchen.  I think he is also the cook and cleanup man.

 Sister Tremea, Fei and Jessica

Elder and Sister Tremea and Jessica and Garreth

We had been invited to dinner at Coopers last night with two other couples.  After the party we were walking to our car.  It was dark and our car was parked on side of the street.  I stumbled and fell beside the road and the rock wall.  Needless to say, I am getting old and clumsy.  I hit my head, shoulder and leg.  I have been out for the day.  Ron had a busy day at church without me.    I will live, have black and blue bruises to show for it too.


“Your religion is not just about showing up for church on Sunday. It is about showing up as a true disciple from Sunday morning through Saturday night—24/7. There is no such thing as a part-time disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ.” —Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles   


On Sunday morning Sister Tremea was not feeling very well so we agreed that she should stay in bed and not go to Church.  She had some big bruises and she needed more rest.  I went to on my usual Sunday morning schedule which is from 9-12 for Elder's Quorum presidency meeting and ward council.  I came back and checked on my patient and she was up, we again decided that we should not go to our regular church services.  At church the Bishop asked me to call a young man his name is Elliot Koo from Korea to be the Executive Secretary, he accepted the call, I sustained him in Sacrament meeting and set him apart after the meeting.  As a High Councilor I have the opportunity to perform these duties for the Stake President.  I guess I am learning a little bit about the administration of the Lord's Church.

Being on a Mission allows us to be disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ on a 24/7 basis.  Hopefully when we get home we will be able to continue to be disciples of the Lord.  I know the Lord listens to our prayers and provides us many opportunities and also challenges to fulfill our free agency on this earth.  Our goal is to be the best we can when serving the Lord and the people we come in contact with.  Remember when you are in the service of your fellow being you are also in the service of the Lord.

August 10. 2014

By Monday afternoon everyone was talking about the two hurricane's that were heading for the Hawaiian Islands.  As the week progressed the tensions and preparations went into full swing.  We had gone to Costco on the weekend and had food and water, but felt need to maybe purchase more water and flashlights etc.  By Tuesday after work the water had sold out on the Island and the canned goods like spam, tuna, chicken were also gone.

The students were to meet at the Stake Center and the Missionaries were planning to go there and help. Each day leading up to Friday was sunshine and very calm.  We went to the temple Wednesday evening with our Ward Temple Night.  Thursday everyone was anxious.  The PCC and BYUH were preparing to close on Friday.  Our Landlord came into our apartment Thursday afternoon and boarded up our windows.  We were living in a dark hole.  It was almost pitch dark with the door closed.

Friday the storm came about 10:00 am.  I can't believe how they can pinpoint almost the exact time. We knew the Big Island was hit hard and they also had an earthquake early that morning.  We were surprised because we watched the storm for two hours and then it passed.  Not the storm we were expecting or prepared for with all our boarding up, storage and preparedness.    It was good, we were prepared and ready.  We drove around and saw big waves, trees and branches broke, but no real damage.  All is well in Laie.  Pounders Beach had big waves.  Many locals were out in the water getting pounded and trying to surf.  It was actually funny to watch.

Pounders Beach

We were so depressed with out little dark apartment we left Saturday and drove around the island. We didn't see damage of homes, just trees and blossoms that had blown to the ground.  I took these beautiful pictures of the tree that reminds me of Popcorn.  It's been blooming all summer.  It's loaded with blossoms and the colors are like candy.

We stopped at this little Crepe Bus and had a Crepe from Paris.  It was good and Dad talked to the young man's family on Skype in Paris while waiting for our order.   He told us he left Paris to come here because of a woman….now he is selling his grandmothers Crepe Recipe.   I think he will have to make many many crepes to survive here.

Boarded up stores

Ride around island after the storm.

We worked at the PCC Saturday night.  Everyone seems to have weathered the storm and we had over 2000 at the PCC.  Many guests who wanted to come Friday returned on Saturday.  They fed 500 more than they were counting on.  Just another little miracle at the PCC.  We really feel blessed to be here

On my way to the car Thursday night, Sister Cooper and I noticed this long funny green bud shaped plant in the cart.  One of the PCC fellows told us it was from the Coconut Tree.  He opened it for us and showed us the nut inside that eventually becomes a coconut.  It was amazing, inside that blossom was probably 30-40 potentially coconuts.  The blossom bud turning into a fern like feather opens high in the coconut tree.  It takes a year to produce one coconut, but it produces a cluster of coconuts.   I had never seen a blossom so large and so strange looking.

Each of the large pods turn into a coconut

Maybe you can look it up on google and find more about this amazing plant.  The locals here claim you can survive if you have a coconut tree.  The pure coconut oil is sold at Costco and is good for baking and using instead of other oil or butter.  Here they use it over popcorn too.

Sunday we went to church.  It was like heaven to get out of dark apartment.  Three students talked in church and only took 20 minutes altogether.  Luckily a member of the Stake Presidency was visiting and finished up the time.  Lucky us!  We came home and watched Hallmark movies.  Our place was good for movies.

Monday afternoon our Landlord came and removed the ply board windows.  We were so happy to come home to light.   What a difference light makes.  We were happy again.

Living in a dark apartment would be like living our lives without the Gospel.  The Gospel brings us the light of Christ and helps us see the good in other people and gives us a purpose for life.  If we will but follow Christ  our paths will be brighter and we will be able to walk the straight and narrow path back to our Father in Heaven.

This will be a big week for our grand kids in the south, school started on Monday.  I am sure the parents are happy to have a few hours of peace and quiet during the day.  The kids are sad because they now will have lessons and homework, YUK..  All is well, this is the way it should be, kids stay busy and parents get a little down time to cope with them when they get home.

Love to all from Nona and Papa

August 4, 2014

Last week flew by.  We were so busy at work during the day then at PCC in the evening, it was Sunday before we knew it.  Our Ward is growing each week with new students coming back for fall. Also BYUH is renovating two of the Hale's, so students have been forced to look for housing.  One of the students bore his testimony yesterday and said he had been staying with a friend in another Hale, which if they get caught both will be sent home, and also living out of his car.  Our Bishop found out about it and helped him find a place in the Ward to live.  The housing here is a disaster.  It's doesn't seem to be getting any better for the future either.

The new Marriott Hotel is being built.  We have been watching the progress.  The cement blocks are starting on the 3rd floor.  Also, a new McDonald's is starting from ground up.  The new Market Place at PCC will be opening early next year too.  We won't be here for all the grand openings, but it is exciting to see some changes here in Laie.

We had humid hot days last week.  While working at the Aloha we were breaking off the big tea leaves and making fans.  Actually it worked really good.  Papa didn't quite get the full effect.

Fold leaf in half Papa…..Makes a good Fan.

Elder and Sister Fuller and Sister Tremea

Sewing Department and the Wardrobe Department has been really busy.  We are mending and fixing so many costumes that Phtue said she was tired and her eyes would not work any more.  She needed a nap.  We thought she went to the costume room to rest on a mat, she does that sometimes when she is tired, but we looked up and saw Phtue with a bag on her head getting some shut eye!  Sister Cooper and I had a good laugh.  She comes up with the most simple solutions to our most complex living styles.

Phtue taking a shut eye nap

I have been making some extra large shirts in Seamstress, but last week I had a fun surprise.  I had just finished two shirts 5X for Bert.  When he came to pick up his shirts I asked him for a picture.  He is the nicest guy, he smiled and said sure.  We took his picture and he looked at my name tag and asked if I knew Elder Tremea who served a mission in Fiji.  I said this must have been Tallan Tremea. He smiled and said they were companions in Fiji for a season.  He loved him.  Bert's name is really Ropate Diloi.  The kids pick a new name when they come to school here.  If anyone sees Scott tell him about this kind giant teddy bear guy, who served with his son, who smiles and spreads his testimony of love.

Sister Tremea with Ropate Diloi (Bert) I made his shirts

We had a special treat to see the Broadhead Family last week.  We met them at the PCC and helped them get tickets for the Village, Luau and Ha show.  It was fun to get hugs from St George and see how much their kids had grown.

Sending them off on the Canoe Ride into the Villages

Getting ready to see the Ha Show

Elder and Sister Bott, Sister Fuller, Sister and Elder Tremea, Elder Fuller and Elder and Sister Harris

We gathered with our BYU friends and went to Turtle Bay for dinner.  We sat outside by the pool and ate fish and chips and watched the sun go down.

The news has been warning us of a Hurricane coming our way on Thursday, lasting through the weekend.  The news is predicting high winds, rain, road closures.  I think we will get some extra water and candles.  Hope we can snuggle up in our little place and meet the storm.  Last year we were home for Emily's wedding when a hurricane hit here on the island.  The PCC closed.  We will see what happens this weekend.

Have a good week.  Sounds like the kids are getting ready to go back to school.  The summer is over for them.  Now you will be able to get back on a schedule.

We watch, read, fast and pray for the Lewis family.  We are so hopeful for Kenzie's full recovery.  We have told many here and they too are reading face book.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them everyday.

Kenzie's accident has had an impact on each of you.  We have been uplifted and edified by the Bishops daily Face book entries.  He has virtually brought all of us to a place where we understand how important collective prayer and fasting brings us closer to our Heavenly Father.  He has blessed us all with his humble grateful inner thoughts.  May our Father in Heaven bless all of you as you go about your daily jobs and school.  We love and miss you.

Love Nona and Papa

"Miracles for Makenzie" Lewis is found on Face book