Random October Events

RANDOM OCTOBER EVENTS

Moving from the old Mission Home...

...to the new.

OK, it was Sept 30th, but close enough to be included in October moments - the move dragged on into October for the Shaws  and the assistants.

                            Sister Bleak's backyard plants have found a new backyard home.

How would you like to pay $4.50 for a gallon of gas?  We are all cheering - there are gas wars going on with the building of this new station - $4.50 Special!

It was recess and hundreds of children were everywhere when we senior missionaries showed up to Rairok Elementary School with hundreds of books sent by the Steed's friends and family back home.  Brooke is the 6th grade teacher and the man is the principal.

Posing for an official snapshot - the children were all respectful and excited.  Brooke invited Sister Davidson and I to read to her sixth graders. 

Our next stop was Ajeltake Elementary, where the Steeds had taught for a few months.

After presenting the books to the Principal there, he invited us to read to some classes, and they happened to give me the Steed's old third grade classroom.

When the principal showed them the picture of the Steeds he said, he said, "Who was taught by these people?"  I expected them to answer "We were!"  But each child jumped to his feet and said, "Na!"  "Me!"  I was moved - the Steeds had reached each one.  A memorable day - Thursday, October 7th.

Another memorable day - Saturday October 9th - Agneti's (Agnes) baptism.  Elder Nawahine and Elder Rix and Agneti's family surrounding her - she is a focal point of love in her family.  Her son Gordan was baptized the week before.

I finally was able to catch three frigate birds on my camera - they are hard to see with the wires. I was in Laura waiting for the Sisters to come so that I could give Sister Ve'e her medication.

I played volleyball with some Primary children while I was waiting...

The kids all over the island are so ahtletic!

                                                             Finally, the Sisters!!

Pictures of all the mission watching General Conference at the new mission home have already been posted, but here is one that didn't make it there.  At the top of the stairs leading up to the second floor is a picture of Minerva Teichert's "Esther."  I want to remember years from now that I was there...October 16th, 2010.

Some pretty darling Rita Ward Primary girls...

watching me teach Darrus his piano lesson - needless to say it was not one of our more productive lessons with those girls and others staring at him - but he handled it pretty well.

Darrus's Mom, Meetu, led the children in the Primary program rehearsal... they asked me to accompany. Boy, can they sing!  October 28th

October 26th - Family Home Evening with Jorau and Netti's family...

Me holding BJ - named after two special missionaries to their family - Elder Brian Gilbert and Elder Jason Woodland.  I used to think my eyes were brown, but after being here, I don't anymore.

Halloween in the Marshall Islands (Saturday October 30th)  Elder Corry and Elder Dew sent all the kids to my house.

This year the kids were more under control, I think because they knew me and I was firm and kind about everyone getting only 1 piece of candy, then they leave...the kids were under control, but I'm not so sure about the adults...

Halloween weekend, Sister Vuikadavu and I were companions!  She had hurt her ankle and the doctor ordered her off of it for a few days.  We only went out once for a baptism in Delap Saturday night and came home to all the Trick or Treaters.  Sunday we stayed home and watched Conference together and found out alot about the many connections we have, one of them being rugby of all things!  Her good friends from Fiji played with Danny in the championship game this year where they beat Highland!  The father of the twins stayed with Yvonne and Wayne...amazing.  Her foot is healing, so our long vigil and her obedience to the doctor's orders is paying off.  And our paths will cross again in the States - we're already planning...(I'm sure wearing that outfit alot - I must be getting to the end of this mission because I must be kind of sick of my clothes.)

This is what I woke up to one October morning as I stepped outside to go for a walk - my knee and foot are healing, and my spirit soared at the beauty of the morning.

But this is why I am here - to keep Elders (and Sisters) like these healthy and ready to go out teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that people can change and come to the Savior for healing and help, to make it back home.  I am so blessed.   (Elder Ralpho and Elder Swain - lunch before Elder Ralpho goes off to the Provo MTC for his training to be a missionary in Papua New Guinea.)