A baptism and Marit's visit

In the last two weeks we have enjoyed our visit with our daughter Marit as well as carrying on with the daily responsibilities.

The Tontouta branch continues to grow and prosper. New leadership welcomes those whom the previous branch president had brought back into the fold. And the missionaries are working hard. We joined the branch twice in the last two weeks. The first for Luc Ozoux's baptism. His grandmother lives south of Tontouta. He spends a greater part of his life with her and was glad to meet the missionaries. She will see that he has the opportunities the Church provides to grow and prepare for a mission himself. Elder Turner and Elder Rock have been teaching him. He was baptized on July 3.



In our interactions with the Tama family, we learned that Grandpa Julien Tama hand makes Tahitian ukuleles. Sister Mautz was quick to note how much Marit would enjoy such and instrument. These ukuleles are brighter in sound than their US relatives and are strummed with a quick movement with the wrist. Brother Tama had four from which Marit could choose. The round variety, his son explained to us, are really not for those who wish to play the instrument. Those with a notched base sit on your leg so that the instrument is well supported for vigorous strumming. . Brother Tama, to our disappointment, was absent the day we went to pick up the ukulele but he left some notes for basic chords and his son was there to show off the instruments for Marit.

However, he too was apparently disappointed as he called the next day to invite us back for dinner and a session of music with himself and his two sons. That made for 2 ukes, a banjo and a guitar. Great time. Too much food, stayed too late. But not too much music. He was delighted at how quickly Marit picked up on chords and strumming techniques that set basic waltz and march rhythm patterns.



Although we are in the middle of 'winter' here, Marit enjoyed two weeks of unusually warmer weather for the season. This allowed us to be on the water a little. One effort, sail boarding, during which we learned the basics and another day on the lagoon on wave runners. A local outfitter provided a guide, the wave runners, wet suits and snorkeling gear. We joined a party of two others, were picked up at our apartment at 8a and were on the water a half hour later. Light winds made for calm water. Sea turtles slipped away as we screamed past on craft that go faster than I wanted to believe. We stopped twice at small islands for a rest, some exploring and snorkeling. One of these featured a small reef of its own that attracted a variety of vividly-colored tropical fish. Our favorite, dubbed the 4th of July fish, was red white and cobalt blue. We hoped to see another like him at the local aquarium but had no such luck.



In between, we took care of month end reporting, closed an apartment and spoke at a General Priesthood meeting. And then it was time to put Marit back on a plane for home. That was early Sunday morning starting 27 hours of travel to finally arrive home. We returned to Tontouta just next to the airport for Church that Sunday morning and then back to taking care of all that needed to be done.

Here are some pictures that Marit took during her visit that we thought you might enjoy



Marit's visit reminded us that we have been gone for a long time. We are most grateful for our Heavenly Father's blessings to our family during those months. Soon-to-be two new grandchildren, educational and career opportunities but most of all for the opportunity to show our love for the Savior by keeping His commandments and serving His children.

Celebrations, and a visitor from the US

A Baptism, Fathers' Day, a Birthday, a new missionary, and Marit arrives for a visit. Great times for which we are grateful.

Cheryl's Poareu's baptism was, as it should be, a significant event in her young life. And it was equally significant for her family. Her uncle Tony baptized her and her father promised to return to full activity in the Church. Much of her extended family was present to help her make covenants with her Heavenly Father and the Savior. Cheryl is 8 years old and was happy to be baptized. Her Uncle Tony has himself in the last months come back to Church after an absence that was too long. A faithful sister missionary recognized promptings to go see him. Although at first very hesitant, as in 'Go away,' Tony recognized over several months the tender promptings of the Holy Ghost.




Fathers' Day arrived with great celebration in Tontouta. Last year's Mothers' Day celebration this year was matched by their Fathers' Day activities. The sisters cooked. The youth and Primary provided entertainment. The branch went to some lengths to invite the District presidency and their wives as well as us. We had a great time but came away as the karaoke started. The branch is rallying behind its new branch president. A great spirit of unity and enthusiasm present.




When the senior zone leader has a birthday, we have to have a party. So the Magenta District went out to lunch and then had cake at our house. The celebration was complete with gag gifts that Elder Morrill's companion, Elder Wilcox, had gathered over several days. A plastic tiara, sunglasses and the like. We ate well, laughed a lot and then went back to the work that had to be done.



We welcomed Elder Durtschi this week also. He and his companion will serve together in Robinson which has seen a couple departures of late of missionaries finishing their missions. French is already coming along so his Tahitian companion will bless his efforts enormously.




But the biggest event over these last days was Marit's arrival Tuesday, a week ago. Long anticipated, she came in right on time. We were there to meet her. She has attended Church with us, been to missionary meetings and participated in a P-day as well as taking us sail boarding and to the local museums. More on her visit in coming weeks, for sure.



We are now well into our second year here. We are grateful to assist in the great work of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the isles of the sea. Wonderful people doing what they know Heavenly Father wants of them.

Ninja game

Since we couldn't get the Ninja game video to load in the last post, we thought we would try it all by itself. So here is the third try.

Downs and ups

We are closing a busy period having sent missionaries home, hosted a zone conference but, sadly, sent home to Heavenly Father one of our young single adults.

For months, the first part of 2010 has loomed bringing with it the departure of seasoned, effective missionaries who have been leaders and trainers among us. We can selfishly miss them and wish they could stay, but they have completed their assignments from their Heavenly Father and must now move forward with other eternally important chapters of their lives. Nonetheless, we miss them.

We sent Elder Amundsen home two weeks ago. A quiet, hard working missionary, we watched him grow and rely on the Lord as he struggled to master the French language so that he could share his great testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ. His family was greatly blessed while he was away, and a joyous reunion of a family sealed in the temple awaited him. But we watched him work steadily right to the end. His companions noted that he left a sector with many investigators having found it with none. He returned to a sector where he had started his mission. The members were grateful to have him back. The example of his family had strengthened another family in that area. Tearful embraces with this family and then we were off, he, on the way home.



The week ahead looked quite full with another 3 missionaries departing and a zone conference during which we would have two baptisms in two different branches. Then last Sunday we got word of the death of a young single adult sister. Audrey was loved by all.  With her limited English, she always greeted us warmly and helped Sister Mautz feel she had a friend when we visited her branch in the Magenta sector. Raised here and a member all her life, her death was a blow. Journal entries shared by her mother at the funeral revealed her desire to serve a mission and a second job so that she could save money to go. Last Monday evening was the wake and the funeral at 7a the next morning. Perhaps you wonder, as did we as to the hour. So many deaths over the weekend such that 7a was the only slot available for the interment which has to take place on the third day by law here. I recall in the France years ago, a real wake lasted 3 days and took place at the home of the deceased while the family waited in case of resurrection. The interment was stark. We arrived as grave diggers emerged from the freshly dug hole in the ground as we walked behind the hearse. What hopes we enjoy through the resurrection of the Savior.

We enjoyed a great zone conference Friday with our Mission President and his wife as well as his two assistants who visited this part of the mission for the first time. Additionally, we hosted the mission nurse and her husband. They enjoyed seeing New Caledonia and found it a refreshing change from the more primitive Fiji. Good food, potable water and beautiful scenery.



Two baptisms Saturday with a missionary activity at the end of the day made for an additional full day with great blessings.

The first baptism was Eddye Tuvgahala in the Noumea 1 Branche. Eddye is a strong young single adult. He has a good job and will contribute great strength to the Church as the Gospel of Jesus Christ lesses his life. In his testimony after his baptism he shared his desire to serve a mission. Reports from Sunday tell us he arrived in white shirt and a new suit as he prepares.



Later that day Aurelie Hnassil was baptised in the Noumea 2 Branche. She leaves behind a difficult life as she joins the Church and starts a new life based on the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She, too, will contribute to her new branch family as a young single adult. What is clear from both of these baptisms is the liberating blessing of obedience to the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.



We closed the day on a lighter note with a game night for the missionaries giving all a chance to meet newly arrived elders while we relaxed together. We showed our age as we watched the younger missionaries play 'ninja' which we had never heard of, let alone played!

And then it was transfers and departures. We welcome Elder Wilcox as a new senior zone leader leading the missionary work here in New Caledonia. We send Elders Livingston, Payne and Troutman home to start the next chapters of their lives. They have served well and worked hard. We are grateful for their example and to know them. Already comes talk of a reunion shortly after we return home so that all the New Caledonia missionaries can meet.

Baptism, burglaries and boat races

Time slips by as new members come into the church, we help missionaries through a burglary and Noumea hosts the World Va'a Championship with teams from all around the Pacific.

After getting our new missionaries somewhat settled with new companions, One of them had an unsettling experience. Over a month ago one of the apartments had an attempted break in through a bathroom window left open during the day. Then just a few days ago, this same apartment was invaded again this time 3 times in a 72 hour period. Bicycles were taken, as well as luggage, ipods and sport clothing. When the Elders started locking the doors to the rooms where the entries occurred, a door was kicked in. We moved them out to another apartment that had just been reworked by its landlord. Staying was too dangerous. The real estate agent responsible for the apartment was somewhat unhappy at the condition of the apartment after the break-ins and the emergency move. We have since cleaned it out. Bars will be placed on the windows, but that will be for the next tenants.

Another attempted burglary, pictured below, resulted in less drastic action. Some weeks ago Sister Mautz became concerned that the office had been entered during our absence. Her rolling case had been disturbed. Only the senior zone leaders have keys in addition to us. They had no knowledge. But this fellow, pictured below, was caught in the act. We call him Sponge Bob 2 due to his flexible core of tired foam rubber.



A week ago we had a small miracle. The District along with several other units in the South Pacific was to have a Conference with the Sunday session broadcast from Salt Lake. Instructions for the Conference as well as how to test our satellite connection came from President Packer two weeks in advance. The morning of the broadcast as we were arriving about 30 minutes before start time, we got a call from the District president. The satellite was not working and they needed help in calling New Zealand. However, the only number on the instruction letter was a 1-800 number for help with translation in the US. What to do. Calls to Tahiti and NZ led us nowhere. Our prayers brought the impression to dial the 1-800 number. In response, a warning voice told us the call would be expensive if we let it go through. We let it go since we had 450 people waiting for the conference broadcast. No result. Suppose we use the same number but with an 801 area code instead of 800. Shouldn't have worked, but a rich Utah accented brother responded quickly. He knew who could help us. With just over 2 minutes to go, our help walked us through a re-booting of the satellite receiver and we were in business. We were very grateful as we listened to President Eyring, Elder Ballard, Elder Condie and Sister Wixom.


Last Saturday the Mont Dore branch welcomed a new young sister into the Church, Amelie Clementine Clotilde Elissa Agourou. She is the niece of the branch president and has been working with the missionaries for several months. Many of her friends participated in her  baptism so that the Aaronic Priesthood brethren and Young Women gave prayers and talks, provided the music and performed the baptism. Tearful testimonies and expressions of love for their friend from many of the youth. We were grateful both for these young people, their parents and their leaders who prepared them and had the vision to let them have such an experience together.



On a more worldly note, Noumea, New Caledonia is the site of the world championship va'a pirogue racing. This bi-annual event rotates among several different venues including Southern California as well as Fiji, Samoa, Australia and NZ. The boats are modern counter-parts of earlier racing canoes made of hewn out trees. The modern versions are fiberglass but retain the out-rigger and are about 30 feet long. They are paddled by teams of 6 in categories for men and women of different ages. The set up for all of this started last week. The races start tomorrow although we are seeing much practice that starts as early as 6:30am. All right in front of our balcony. Our views are perfect.



The hotel is full of people from all over the Pacific rim including as far north as Vancouver and Whistler, Canada. Hawaii and California are represented. As we greet people, we try to guess what language to use. English right now more than 75% of the time.

We bear testimony of the great work in which we are engaged. Jesus is the Christ. His Gospel, taught in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, changes lives, relieves suffering and brings joy, peace and fulfillment. We recommend Him to all.

Baptisms and Changes

With the coming of the month of May, missionary departures and arrivals, long expected, have begun. But first, a trip to Lifou for two baptisms.

May 1 took me to Lifou on a 6a flight with baptismal clothes in hand for the first two baptisms since our missionaries have returned there. President and Sister Seiko had prepared this family well. Not knowing exactly where the missionaries lived, I got in a rental car and set off to find them. That I was 45 minutes later than expected worried me as I knew they were waiting by the side of the main road. They too were a little worried. As shown nearby, they made a scarecrow to stand by the road in case they needed to leave by bicycle. We did find each other, enjoyed companion study together and then joined the Lifou branch for the baptismal service. (Bare feet in the early pictures are due to our repairing their washing machine before leaving the apartment.) The day was clear with light winds. Billowy clouds filled the horizon contrasting with clear blue water. After a hymn, opening prayer and talks in their chapel, we drove 10 minutes to a secluded beach which a local tribe made available by previous arrangement. A hymn on the beach and then the baptisms. Elegantly simple symbols of the covenants these two new members made with their Heavenly Father. I noted to President Seiko that some experiences are so unique and beautiful as to be recorded carefully so that they can be enjoyed again and again.

I was back on a flight home immediately thereafter to attend another baptism in Mont Dore. This one for Julien Tama, whose son readers will know from earlier blogs. Julien came back to the Church after many years. His large family provided a chorus of Primary children as well as adult children to speak and his son to baptize him. Calling his father 'Cher papa' young Brother Tama baptised his father, again unique and beautiful for other reasons. Now a family can soon return to the temple to be joined together forever.

Just a few days before, Elder Waetheane returned home to New Caledonia from his mission serving in Vanuatu. In releasing him , we learned of his valiant service including teaching and leading his fellow missionaries and finally laboring in a northern volcanic island. Remaining members of a small branch were discovered as local leadership visited the island. Elder Waetheane labored there for the last several months of his mission and was privileged to bring 18 souls into the waters of baptism. We are glad to have him home.

And now comes change in the mission. While Elder Mautz was in Lifou 5 new missionaries, 2 from Tahiti and 3 from the U. S., arrived. All well prepared and happy to be in the work. In Sacrament Service Sunday morning, May 2, two of the elders from the U. S. serving in the branch we were visiting shared their testimonies in very credible French. The members were delighted. Three missionaries depart with President and Sister Ostler, so for a few days we have several teams of 3-somes. We are grateful for faithful service from those departing and welcome these new missionaries full of energy and enthusiasm.

Suddenly another month has slipped away. We are grateful for the great blessings of missionary work seeing the lives of people change, both those studying the Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as the lives of the missionaries who teach them.

Baptism, birthdays and a new Branch President

We start our second year in New Caledonia recording a baptism, celebrating the birthdays of 3 of our missionaries and welcoming a new branch president in the Tontouta branch.

Integrating new members into the the branches here commands as much effort as does finding those who are ready to hear the Master's voice. Sometimes one falls way to be found some time later. Such is the case with Emilienne Bealo. When she found the Church again she brought with her her granddaughter Romanella a nine-year-old Primary child already surrounded with friends from her Primary class in the Mont Dore Branch. For her baptism she and this class sang together 'When I am baptized.' She shared a sweet tender testimony of happiness and peace found in her new membership in the Church. She was baptized by Brother Tama, formerly of the Elders' Quorum Presidency and now a counselor in the Branch Presidency. A delightful Saturday evening.

The next morning in the Tontouta branch Adolph Bearune was sustained as the new branch president. The branch has recently grown, now double to 120 attending Sacrament Services from only 6 months ago. The chapel accommodates about 80 people, so the rest sit in chairs outside with the windows all wide open so that the meeting is 'en pleine aire' for everybody inside and out. A great spirit with wonderful enthusiasm singing the hymns of Zion. Just released President Bondonneau attributes the increased size not to anything he has done as the Branch President but to the great efforts of the branch leaders.

President Bearune is a returned missionary and father of a young family. He joins a growing group of young Church leaders here who have been blessed to have grown up in the Church. His father is the branch president in Mare. His wife, also a returned missionary, will be a great support as he cares for the needs of this growing branch.

Monday brought P-day. At our Mission President's request, the missionaries here only get together every other week now. This allows for the Districts to be together in smaller groups on the alternate Mondays. However, we had 3 birthdays to celebrate this week. Everybody gathered for some sports, lots of catching up, washing the mission cars and cakes to celebrate. Birthdays were Sister Leavitt and Elder Payne on the 17th and Elder Wilcox the 27th. One of the unique parts of this component of the Fiji-Suva Mission is the camaraderie between the missionaries who very much enjoy getting together in a relaxed setting from time to time.

And so we start our second year in New Caledonia. Looking back at wonderful experiences, we also look forward knowing that in the coming weeks we will say farewell to yet more missionaries with whom we have served during this first year. The group of missionaries has been relatively stable over these last 12 months, but great changes are on the way. Five new missionaries arrive in just a week as we send four home. And another 3 leave in just a few weeks after that. By the end of August half of the Elders will have been here less than 8 months. A similar change among the sisters will occur before the end of the calendar year. We are grateful to have served with these faithful servants of Heavenly Father and look forward to helping those are to arrive.