President and Sister Ostler hosted a senior couple seminar earlier this month. They needed some time with us to receive instruction on the care and handling of illnesses among the young missionaries and also felt that those who are off serving in part of the mission might enjoy getting together. We were gone a week, but it was an humbling, eye-opening, wonderful week.
The Mission home sits in a complex on one of the highest points in Suva with the Temple, The temple president's house, patron housing for the temple, the mission office, temple worker apartments, and a distribution center. A real respite from tired Fiji. We had a room in the temple patron housing that had a refrigerator so that we could have breakfasts and lunches. Evenings were usually with one or more of the locally based senior couples. Meeting and associating with these dear people was one of the highlights of the trip. Some a few years older than we, a few just a couple years younger. All serving missions out of love for the Lord. And they do many things. They travel all over the mission auditing branch, district, ward and stake records. they staff the Temple. They serve the missionaries as an onsite nurse. They instruct and educate others on how to be better teachers. One evening the Ostlers hosted a game night at their house that included a delicious dinner cooked by a number of the resident sisters. On another occasion we spent time together teaching each other about our parts of the mission as well as receiving instruction from the nurse. One of these couples is in Fiji as a volunteer. they started a mission and had to go home early for some medical reasons. He is the retired CEO of a small software company that he had taken public. He is now working with local return missionaries teaching them how to use local programs to gain necessary work skills. Like many others, they are Canadians who seemed to be disproportionally represented in this group.
Another major feature of the trip was being in the temple everyday. The Fiji Suva Temple is one of the smaller temples but as lovely and serene as any of the Lord's Houses. It sits at the summit of the highest point in the city. When we went out and needed a cab home, all we needed to say was the Temple and they came right to it. We understand that ships home in on Moroni lit by the sun during the day and illuminated by night. Must be a great parable there! It had been a long time since our last temple visit. We didn't realize how much we were missing it.
One brief humerous event. One of the older workers, a wheat farmer from North America, was having trouble pronouncing my name. So I helped by equating the name to 'mouse' with a 't' just at the end. Seemed to help as he didn't trip on it anymore that day. The next day on arriving, our friend greeted us full of enthusiasm to say our name since he now knew us. 'Brother Cat.' I am afraid we were just a little irreverent for a minute. Completely true.
The temple was an unanticipated gift of the trip.
On the final days of the seminar we took a trip on a river in 30 foot flat bottomed long boats, shallow draft and powered by 25-30 hp outboards. Two destinations. First was a Fijian village where we visited their school, enjoyed a tribal welcome, ate a delicious lunch and then had a chance to shop. As near as we can tell, an enterprising tribal leaders caught up with the boatmen and suggested the village visit. Apparently with great success. There were 40+ of us in our party. We understand the village got US$10 from the boat company for each of us. What entrepreneurs.
The second destination was another 45 minutes up river. A spectacular waterfall. We had to leave the boats and hike up a narrow path for some time to see it. Beautiful sight. I would have swum had I been properly clothed! However we did get doused a couple times as we negotiated some rapids.
Fiji is an interesting country and quie a contrast to New Caledonia in many respects. Fiji came to be as a result of volcanic activity many years ago. It is consequently not very mineral rich. It was an English colony for many years before declaring its independence some 40 years ago. The English influence shows in its historical architecture, its language and driving on the left. Independence has been hard. Much of the infrastructure is in need of repair particularly roads. They have had frequent coup d'etat. The current government is a military dictatorship which is at least stable and apparently not as corrupt. The Church has been present for a long time. Much longer than New Caledonia. President McKay used to enjoy coming here. The old hotel which was his favorite is now an empty shell, but the chapel for which he pointed out a hill top location is still there. The Church runs a large school complex just down the street from the Temple complex.
And finally transfers and good byes. We had gone to Fiji with the Ostlers just after a zone conference. And knowing that just a few days after our return we would send two missionaries home. One to her parents in Lifou, Sister Seiko, and the other to Riverton Utah, Elder Morrill the Senior Zone Leader. We will miss them both for very different reasons. Sister Seiko is a quiet, hard working sister to whom President Ostler could turn anytime he had an issue to resolve. And he did so. Her parents are stalwarts of the Church here who have sacrificed much to build the Church on their native island of Lifou. Elder Morrill had the rare combination of talents able to laugh at himself, lead effectively and keep everybody moving forward. Something of a 'jokester,' he was the origin of the spongebob prank of earlier writing. We worked closely with him over almost a year. Of course, you can only be such a missionary if you also work very hard. Rumor was that he was going to run away with Sister Mautz. But she stayed! Sorry, Elder.
I released Sister Seiko this morning. We had a picture last night from Elder Morrill with his family. The feelings emanating from those photos are identical even though the families come from different backgrounds thousands of miles apart. Faithful service born of love for Heavenly Father and His Son bless missionaries and their families
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Lifou wedding and new sister missionaries
New experiences come regularly even after more than a year here. Among these was a marriage involving a family from Lifou and therefore its tribal leaders as well as a family from France. And then we welcomed 2 new sister missionaries from Tahiti.
The wedding combining the coutume of Lifou, a service at the Magenta chapel to the Church on behalf of the groom and then all of the events around a traditonal Lifou wedding showed us how marriages take place. Quite the events.
We started the evening before the wedding with coutume, or the customary exchange of gifts. This first time was between the tribal leaders in Lifou who had come, the family and the Church interestingly. Tribal chiefs are patriarchs of large clans or families. Otherwise they look like pretty normal Melanesians. Because they were all coming to the Church the next day, they wanted to be respectful to us. I represented the church along with the local branch president. Our gift to them was a copy of the Book of Mormon. Also important was the chance for us to talk about the church to these tribal leaders who lead the tribes on Lifou where we have just placed missionaries for the first time in two years. So we were grateful for the opportunity this wedding presented to present the Church to these tribal leaders.
The following day, after the wedding at the mairie or before the government which is required of all marriages in France and its states, the couple and extended family of well over 200 people joined us at the chapel. Opening hymn and prayer, then talks by the branch president and myself about eternal marriage, importance of the family and welcoming the teachings of the Savior into their home, a vocal solo, and then off to more coutume. This time gifts by the couple to her parents as well as gifts to the couple from everybody present. The giving of gifts through all of this was quite public with an announcement at the end as to just how much money they had received. To say nothing of mountains of rice in bags, sugar and other staples. What did they do with it all? During all of this was a seemingly spontaneous, unaccompanied singing by the older women who had seated themselves along one side of the space while all of the gifts were presented and given by whomever wanted to. A film clip with sound follows:
Nearby, a group of women, dressed similarly and led by quite a character did a kind of line dance accompanied this time by a group of men on whistle like devices. the line of women did a kind of two-step as they approached various people. It appeared to us they were 'loosening up ' the crowd to be more generous with the couple. Their leaders would signal from time to time to the whistlers so they would stop while she spoke. We were highly entertained.
The end of the week welcomed new sisters arriving with President and Sister Ostler as well as a zone conference. there was much to do as we prepared for a week's absence for a senior couples' seminar in Fiji. Transfers took place as we prepared for that trip also. Subject of the next entry.
The wedding combining the coutume of Lifou, a service at the Magenta chapel to the Church on behalf of the groom and then all of the events around a traditonal Lifou wedding showed us how marriages take place. Quite the events.
We started the evening before the wedding with coutume, or the customary exchange of gifts. This first time was between the tribal leaders in Lifou who had come, the family and the Church interestingly. Tribal chiefs are patriarchs of large clans or families. Otherwise they look like pretty normal Melanesians. Because they were all coming to the Church the next day, they wanted to be respectful to us. I represented the church along with the local branch president. Our gift to them was a copy of the Book of Mormon. Also important was the chance for us to talk about the church to these tribal leaders who lead the tribes on Lifou where we have just placed missionaries for the first time in two years. So we were grateful for the opportunity this wedding presented to present the Church to these tribal leaders.
The following day, after the wedding at the mairie or before the government which is required of all marriages in France and its states, the couple and extended family of well over 200 people joined us at the chapel. Opening hymn and prayer, then talks by the branch president and myself about eternal marriage, importance of the family and welcoming the teachings of the Savior into their home, a vocal solo, and then off to more coutume. This time gifts by the couple to her parents as well as gifts to the couple from everybody present. The giving of gifts through all of this was quite public with an announcement at the end as to just how much money they had received. To say nothing of mountains of rice in bags, sugar and other staples. What did they do with it all? During all of this was a seemingly spontaneous, unaccompanied singing by the older women who had seated themselves along one side of the space while all of the gifts were presented and given by whomever wanted to. A film clip with sound follows:
Nearby, a group of women, dressed similarly and led by quite a character did a kind of line dance accompanied this time by a group of men on whistle like devices. the line of women did a kind of two-step as they approached various people. It appeared to us they were 'loosening up ' the crowd to be more generous with the couple. Their leaders would signal from time to time to the whistlers so they would stop while she spoke. We were highly entertained.
The end of the week welcomed new sisters arriving with President and Sister Ostler as well as a zone conference. there was much to do as we prepared for a week's absence for a senior couples' seminar in Fiji. Transfers took place as we prepared for that trip also. Subject of the next entry.
Friday, July 16, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, July 2, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
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.
Monday, June 14, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, May 24, 2010
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.
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.
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