Aloha 8/13/13

Aloha,

We can tell we are on the down hill swing because we have been super busy.

Aloha 8/6/13

Aloha,

Wow.  Almost a normal week.  We attended the temple on the 31st because Sis. Rowland's husband was home with back issues.  On Thursday we did our 5 hours of service in the beautiful La'ie temple and did not stop to eat until we were home.  We had left overs.

On Friday, we went visiting with Sis. Tupola.  She is the new Relief Society President in the Nankuli Ward.  Her husband is the Ward Mission leader for their Ward.  We visited a Sis. Moody that had three children.  Unusual names... Tegan, Tosh and Samya.  Her husband is in the military and she seems to love just being home.  Sis. Appel is trying to come back to church. Her husband is not a member.  She has 2 children from a previous marriage who live in UT.  We did a quick check up on a Sis. Griggs who moved into the home of her daughter to help them return to activity.  She has 8 children and very poor circumstances.  She is in a wheelchair.  We met Sis. Gonzagas who had just lost her 30 year old daughter to kidney cancer.  Sis Tupola is related on down the branch.  We were able to leave a prayer of comfort before leaving. Then we checked up on the Nanakuli Elders and found them not really out doing the work.  Sis Tupola called the mission office and I am sure they will hear from the Pres. Warner.  We don't need any slackers!  It is so nice to go out with the RS Presidents.

Aloha 7/30/13

Aloha,

Here it is the 24th of July or in Utah "Pioneer Day".  We (the M&M Sisters') did talk about some of our pioneer ancestors and the part they played in the Salt Lake Valley. Joseph Lee Robinson was a patriarch who traveled around giving blessings.  Our side (Rose) came from his 5th wife.  Polygamy was a commandment they lived in his day instituted by the Lord.

 

We also attended the temple as patrons on the 24th.  We ate lunch at Lei Lei's in Turtle Bay and took this picture of the new stop sign color.  What do you think?  We then worked our 5 hour shift Thursday in the temple.

On Friday, I had to go to the dentist and have a new filling.  I wondered if I would have any tooth left by the time she quit drilling.  That night we stopped by Nanakuli Park to check on our Branch.  They were camping out the 26-31st.  ***I will tell a cute story in next weeks blog about Bro. Totau (in green shirt) and his frying food.  No!  We did not camp out with them... we were the smart ones!

Aloha 7/23/13

Aloha,

Here we are back on track.  Chuggin' along!  We worked again in the Hawaii Temple on Thursday and it was so wonderful to be back in that sacred edifice helping the patrons to do their own work and work for their ancestors.  I had to wait until Sis. McGiven finished a session, but visited w/ Sis. Murdock, who is our supervisor.  She is such a sweet sister.  We decided to eat at Halei'wa Joes that night.  We had a 30 minute wait and almost as long for our meal to arrive.  We got acquainted w/a couple sitting beside us that were celebrating their 15th Anniversary.  I took a picture of them after figuring out the camera.  I pushed down on the button and my left finger got attacked by the pop-up flash.  Finally got the deed done.  They had their meal and were eating dessert and we were still waiting.  We should have just ordered dessert!

Aloha 7/16/13

Aloha,

This was quite a slow week except for my family and their activities.  I thought this blog would be dedicated to the 4th of July and other family activities.

We did go visiting with Sister Rolland from Waianae 1st on the 10th.  We were able to visit a couple of sisters.  One sister has had much sickness, but is very active.  She also showed us her art work.  Her neighbor is not active, but we encouraged her to attend Relief Society and enjoy the camaraderie of her sisters.   We had lunch w/Sister Rolland and headed back to our apartment.

Saturday, I accompanied Sis. Fielding and attended a Volunteer meeting for the Temple... actually I did not need to go because it was only for office workers, but it was a nice way of getting better acquainted w/ Sis. Fielding.  We made several stops on our way home... 1) BYU-Hawaii bookstore to buy tie tacks for her Elders in her zone, 2) Ted's... they are supposed to have the "best" pies!  Sorry, they don't get my vote.  I did get Sis. McGiven an eclair and it was a little weird too!  Round and just filled w/ whipped cream. 3) Lunch at the Kahuku Grill.

Aloha 7/10/13

Aloha,

This was an interesting week.  We went w/ Sister Rowland on Wednesday the 3rd and visited with Waianae 1st Ward.  We said a goodbye to Sis. Canisbog whom we have visited several times in the past.  She had 9 of her 10 children visiting for a grandchild's graduation.  She is 80 years old and loves going out with her son on his fishing boat.   We also said goodbye to Beauty and found out more about her life.  She was #8 in her family, but the father didn't want her and she went to live as a baby with another family who raised her.   She visited her bio-family when she was 11 years old.   At this time that family grew to 11 w/ her as #8.  There were 3 in the adopted family.  That is one thing that we have noticed... family members are raised by Aunties and Uncles.

This 4th of July was the strangest 4th I can ever remember.  We were invited for dinner w/ the Tongan Branch, but declined!  Instead, we had an  early dinner at the "Outback" and later went to the Stake Center to watch the fireworks, but didn't see any.  I checked several times off our patio, but did not see one firework "blasting in air!"   Oh well, I will be at Lake Tapps next year on the 4th and there will be plenty of fireworks and lots of smoke.

Aloha 7/3/13

Aloha,

This has been a great week.  We held our District Meeting at the Makakilo Stake center on the 25th.  When we separated into Districts, Elder Howard conducted our class on a video we watched entitled "Voices" from a talk by Elder James E. Faust.  We are surrounded by so many voices that can sway us from doing what we are called to do.   We must learn to filter out noise and be able to discern the quiet, peaceful and subtle voice of the spirit.  In D&C 42:6 & 14 we learn unless we have the spirit we should not teach.   Many times we will have an "aha" moment wondering where that came from.  If we live with faith as in the Indiana Jones movie where he took that leap of faith... think what is possible.  After our meeting we fed the missionaries because it was the last meeting of the month and no $$$.  We had sloppy joes, chips, green salad and cookies.

Wednesday we visited in the Kaelaloa Ward and met Sister Gomes and her mother.  Sister Gomes is in the Stake Relief Society Pesidency.   We then visited Sis Iona.  She attends the Kaelaloa Ward but her husband attends the Samaoan Ward.  She was the oldest of 11 children and cared for her parents until they passed.  She has one daughter living in Utah.   She sent us home with a big plate of food.

Aloha 6/26/13

Aloha,

We tried a new assignment on Wednesday.   We helped make calls to find housing for the missionaries.  We didn't get any call backs, but talked to several management groups.  We will have an influx of missionaries soon needing housing.

We had a beautiful day in the temple on Thursday and afterwards had dinner w/ Sisters' Tisdel and Fielding at... of course, The Kahuku Grill. Always yummy coconut shrimp.

Friday we held a baptism in the Tongan Branch for Sione "Lolo" Vakauta and President Fine baptized him.  Afterwards, the Branch met together for a potluck dinner.   The weather was beautiful so we ate outdoors.

My son-in-law Matt sent me some pictures of my grand-daughter Zoe who performed in "Annie" as Molly.   She is also imitating Miss Hanigan in one scene.  She took a drama class at Utah Valley College and then put on the play for the parents.

Aloha 6/19/13

Aloha,

What a special week we have had in our mission.  On the 12th we held a Tri-Zone Conference in the Honolulu tabernacle.  The Zones in attendance were:  Honolulu, Hon-West, Waipahu, and Makakilo.  We took a picture after dinner w/ all in attendance.  Check out that front row with all the Seniors and their companions!!!   We also took a picture of the Daltons, the 2 Elders serving in the Tongan Branch (Elders Green & Gardner) and the M&M Sisters.  Sis. Dalton stated her great-grandfather helped purchase and dedicate the sight where the tabernacle stands today.  What a legacy.

The day was quite emotional knowing it was our last Conference w/ President and Sister Dalton.   Pres. Dalton talked about "Vision 200" and that it was looking good to have 200 converts for the month of June.  The new mission President and his wife will be arriving on June 29th.  It is Pres. Warner and his wife.  It will be exciting to meet them.

Aloha 6/12/13

Aloha,

The weeks are speeding by so quickly.  I got a cute picture of my grandson, Josh in his Scout uniform headed to camp from June 4-8th.   Have fun and get lots of merit badges.

Wednesday, we went visiting with Sis. Rowland from Waianae 1st Ward.   We were able to visit several sisters and after grabbing a Jamba juice, I met Sis McGiven and Sis Rowland for salad at the Pizza Hut.  She is so good about visiting each week.

Of course, we attended the temple on Thursday and we always have a special day feeling the wonderful spirit in the Temple.

Friday, we had our District Meeting in Makakilo and we were able to see all the changes that were made to our Zone.   We focused on making sure the LA were contacted and to continue to do as Dan Brown did on his mission.   Laser focus and work hard and have fun.  

Aloha 6/5/13

Aloha,

This week we had birthdays and graduations.  My grandson, Josh turned a teenager on the 28th.  My son-in-law, Mark Cato's birthday was the 30th. My grandson, Chris Scafani, who is Mark's son, graduated on the 30th and my other grandson, Alex Morris graduated on Sunday the 2nd.  Alex is Brian's son and is pictured with his brothers Andrew, Chris and Danny. Yeah!  Congratulations.

Aloha 5/29/13

Aloha!

We had quite a full week.    The 21st was temple day with our zone. 

Happy birthday to daughter Genise on the 22nd, Van on the 23rd, Josh on the 28th, and last but certainly not least my wonderful and handsome rock star son-in-law and the love of my daughter's life Mark on the 30th.  I was able to connect with everyone and wish them a happy day.

The 24th was our temple day.  It was light duty for me, but enjoyable.  We didn't stop to eat and came home and fixed a bite.

On Friday, the 24th we held a baptism for Aloi' Manupule.  His sweet wife, Emerly, was already a member, but many of her family came for the baptism.  President Fine baptized him.  After the baptism the Branch held a dinner and dance for the graduating Seniors, Kazia and Solove.  It was well attended.

On Saturday the 25th, we attended a "Super Saturday" held in the Waianae building.   All the Relief Societies from the Stake were invited.  It was a fun day.  We were put in different groups and attended a variety of classes.  I attended a class where we made covers for our notebook and then a flower making class.  Sis McGiven attended a soap making class and another book cover class.  They also had lei making and a mega mix class.  After the classes we had a nice lunch.

Aloha 5/22/13

Aloha,

This was quite a slow week so I have added some family pictures.  Kevin took his family on a Disney cruise for Mother's Day. Good thing they live in Florida.  Jared got to do something he has always loved... he got to "dress up" as a cowboy for a wedding.  His little family looks so cute.

It was so sad to hear about Sister Monson passing away on Friday.  I know our prophet is really going to miss her companionship.  Our prayers are with him.

Sunday, my cousin Christy Martensen and her three travel companions came for a spaghetti dinner.  It was fun to see her and catch up.  Also, saw her Tuesday at the temple to hand off her purse she left behind on Sunday.

Aloha 5/15/13

Aloha!

I am going to see if I can finally catch up on my blog!  I wanted to say thank you family for having a work detail on the 4th for Mom's pre-birthday celebration. You all did great and it was fun to hear from you.

On the 8th, we had our District meeting in Waianae, but I was still jet lagging and in pain so I stayed home.  They had interviews w/ the President on Tuesday the 7th while I was winging my way back to Oahu.

The 9th was my mother's 93rd birthday and visited w/ her on the phone.  I am inserting my talk that I gave on Mother's Day. Sis McGiven attended the temple and that evening we attended the Tongan Branch "break the fast" and listened to a Tongan brother from SLC discuss Family HIstory.  

Friday, I bit the dust and got my hair cut.

Saturday morning we attended the Stake Seminary breakfast and graduation program.  We had two girls from the Tongan Branch graduating.  Kesia Fifita and Solove Naufahu.  They are such cute girls.

Aloha 5/8/13

Aloha,

Another week of home recovery at the Childs.  Today is May 1st or May Day.  I got my daughter hooked on this special event.  I used to take flowers around to the widows in my old Ward, but I am home bound this year.  Here are pictures of Genise's children and their pretty bouquets that they take to special people. I remember, as a kid, picking dandelions, bachelor buttons and other colorful flowers and doorbell ditching as we left them on the porches of our neighbors'. We have kind of forgotten the traditions of May Day w/ the flowers and the May pole.

This is going to be a short blog because each day was very similar to the previous day. I would get up, pray, eat... if that is what you call it!... soft foods, shower and then study.  I accomplished my goal and finished, "Jesus the Christ" by Talmadge.  What a powerful book.  I would go for a walk before lunch and then have my lunch, a nap and then usually John and Darolyne would be home.

Aloha 5/1/13

Aloha,

Touchdown!  In Las Vegas at midnight April 24th.  I grabbed my bags and headed to EZ Rentals.  I stood in line for 40 minutes and then was told you were supposed to pick up your car yesterday!   Now what????  Right next door was Payless and "yes" they had a car, but of course, the amount would be higher... go figure!   I got me a little compact and headed to the Seven Pointe Hotel and Casino.    Got to bed about 2 am with a wake up call for 9:30 am.  I needed to be in St. George for a Dr. appointment at 2:30 that afternoon.  SO, I was scheduled for surgery NOT gambling.

Aloha 4/24/13

Aloha,

It's catch up time, not ketchup time. 

On April 17th we studied most of the day and talked to Jared and Heather before they headed back to Utah.   It was so fun seeing them. 

We worked at the temple on Thursday from 11:45 until 4:45 and then grabbed a quick bite at Hale'iwa Joes.  Yummy food... what a find.  It is in old town (Hale'iwa).

Aloha 4/17/13

Aloha,

It is getting warmer, muggier and less breezy!  Here is hoping we can stay cool.  We might have to sit in the car all day with the air conditioner on!!!

Wednesday we studied and then made a quick trip to the swap meet to load up on gifts for birthdays, Mother's day and what nots'.

Thursday was our Temple day and I had the opportunity to escort a Sister Manu (Tongan) going through for her first time.   It was really a very sacred experience.  On the way home we stopped at Hauula Korean and got a bite to eat.  I usually have Kolbi beef and Sis. M usually gets a shrimp dish.  When we arrived home I received a call from my birthday cousin, Jim Rivord, about 8:15 pm.  (He lives in Virginia!)  I said, "Aloha"... and when he started talking, I knew right away it was my cousin.  I said, "Kinda late for you to be calling?"  He said, "Not Honolulu time!"  Of course, I did the normal thing.... I shrieked.... "You're here?"  We visited for awhile and made plans to meet.  About 9:30 pm, I called Jared and asked where they were. They were stuck in Honolulu traffic.  WELCOME to Hawaii.   He came with his wife Heather, her brother Casey and his wife Melonie until the 17th.  They are staying at the Marriot at Ko 'Olina not far from us.  He took two pillows and called me in the morning (tired!!).

Aloha 4/10/13

Aloha,

This will be a week that will include some of the Hawaiian legends and history, but I will catch up on the earlier part of the week.

Tuesday, we had our District Meeting in Waianae.  After our opening exercises we had our training w/ Elder Ross on how to set goals.  He taught from PMG (Preach My Gospel) on p. 146.

1.  Be prepared with lists, records and stay 
     focused.

2.  Praying and relying on the Spirit.

3.  Have a plan and go to work.

4.  Be accountable.

We were then asked to do a Name/List.  We were supposed to think about former investigators, part member families, less active families, active, unbaptized and perspective Elders and work on these lists and come up with people to teach.

We went visiting after our meeting and that evening we had Scott and Berta Langi over and were able to visit with them and scheduled a 1st discussion on Sunday at 3 pm.  While in Waianae we visited Siosi and let the sea air blow our tresses.   We also saw Roberta Cansibog.   She always has new stories.  She told about her red headed uncle who fought in World War 11 and was a great fisherman.  It is always something new.  She is trying to get all of her 10 children home for a grand-daughters graduation.  She feels it might be the last time she will see all of them.  I like to see her once a month.  She is this little petite fireball of a woman.  I love her.

Aloha 4/2/13

Aloha!

Another really great week in Waianae.   

Tuesday, we had our Zone Conference in Waipahu.  Our Theme scripture was:  "And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people, neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men."  2 Nephi 33:1

President Dalton said that 9% of the people who join the church do so because of the doctrine and the others because of the peace, comfort and friendship they feel.  We have our work cut out for us when we bring others unto Christ to show by our example how important they are to us.  We must be focused when we are teaching and ask, listen, discern and teach by the spirit.  We must help our investigators to receive revelation through C.P.R. (church, prayer, and reading!)  "If you give anyone a big enough WHY, They'll do any WHAT you ask them. No matter HOW hard it may be." Elder Pearson

Aloha 3/27/13

Aloha,

On March 16th we were able to attend "Paradise Cove" with the Tongan Branch and have a luau in celebration of the Relief Society.  We had 38 attend from the Branch.  The long table shows the Branch President and others at our designated table.  This picture was taken as we entered the luau.  They presented us w/a bead necklace and then took a picture. Losana, daughter of the RS President bought Sister McGiven and Sister Morris this picture for a remembrance.  The Branch paid for all the single sisters to attend.  I am sitting by Sis Fifita, RS President and Linda Toli her 1st counselor.  It was a very fun evening. 

On Sunday the 17th, I was coughing badly and decided to stay home from church.  I missed giving my talk on Charity, but thought it more charitable than coughing in all the meetings.

Monday, I made a Dr.'s appointment and went into Honolulu w/my faithful companion and driver.  The 16 miles took 1-1/2 hours into the office and another hour wait and an hour drive home.  I was given antibiotics and as I was leaving Dr. Lawler said, "It would best if you could come in 5 days in a row and have an IV w/antibiotic and a steroid."  I had bronchitis.... and I said, "with the traffic... it would be hard."  Wednesday, the antibiotics weren't cutting it so Sis. McGiven said we are going in and do the IV's. Luckily, our travel times weren't bad.  I found out they were open Saturday and Sunday; so I had treatments on Wednesday, Temple Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and finished up on Monday the 25th.  I had the Dr. go over why I keep getting sick!  I have a hiatal hernia that needs to be re-done when I get home and the acids keep spilling over and into the lungs and bacteria develops!  Whoopie!  I am on 40 mg of Nexium and will repair the hernia when I return home.   Hopefully, I won't get sick again. Some paradise!  Sis. Sue has been amazingly healthy.

Aloha 3/17/13

Aloha,

I am a little slower getting the blog done this week...so it will combine two weeks!

We attended the temple with our Zone on Tuesday, but didn't make the same session...so no pictures. While I was waiting to get into my locker, I did see Sandra Knapp and we visited.  They lived in the Wright home about 25 years ago.  So we had a nice catch up.  We had the two younger Sisters, LaBaron and Smoot, with us so we took them to lunch at Kahuku Grill and then headed home.

Genise took Wyatt to Sea World for his 7th birthday to play with the dolphins. 

Aloha 3/4/13

Aloha,

The weeks seem to go faster and faster!!!  So, Aloha again.

This is an addendum to last weeks "Aloha!" letter.  I forgot to include all this excitement from last Sunday.  So here goes my story.

"I was up and studying and Sis. McGiven was still stuck to the mattress WHEN all of a sudden I heard yelling.  My door was open a little and it was LOUD.  The yelling went on for quite some time until I finally looked outside and saw a women throwing items outside over her deck.  A guy came out and started hitting her and there were 2 boys about 8 and 10 squeezed into a corner. I called the police and gave my address because I couldn't tell their address. It took them a long time to come... about 20 minutes from my call.  I also had my front door open for the breeze and I heard another person talking to the police dept.  I went out to talk to him and told him I also had called.  He had a big gun he stuck into his pants pocket and about then the "rabble rouser" came up from the back of his condo w/ his bags and was going to drive off, but the fellow that called the police told him he needed to stay because he had called the police and he had his vehicle license number.  He started to approach the guy w/ the gun, but he said... just stay back and wait.  The language was starting to sound ugly, so I came inside.  I really don't know the outcome, but the guy is around and the woman and kids are gone!"  This is the end of the addendum!!!

Aloha 2/25/13

Aloha!

Another great week in Hawaii.  Do I say that every week??? 

Our Monday is like the song "Saturday is the day we get ready".... it is get the work done day and the grocery shopping and whatever else!  Today, we zipped down town and found "Foodland" and checked it out.  It's the competition w/ Safeway.  Then off to Costco to buy lasagna for our District Meeting tomorrow... it's feed the Elders day so they don't starve!  Sis M dropped me off to get my nails done and then went home and unloaded the car, boy I lucked out on that deal!  Afterwards, I decided to have lunch.  The Chinese restaurant didn't have any hombow's so I decided to eat at the Korean dive.  I was behind a gentleman and then placed my order.  I sat down to wait and the gentleman sat by me and we had a gospel discussion as we ate.  He is 37 and a professor (scientist) from Rochester, N.Y.   He is here for a seminar and is a guest speaker on "esophageal cancer."  He is Chinese.  A couple things that hit me.... #1... we thought we'd be serving in Rochester and #2... why did I end up eating in that restaurant at that particular time?  I don't believe it was coincidence.    He was looking for something in his life.   When Sis McGiven came I went out and got him 3 pamphlets:  The Restoration, The Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation.  He already had a Book of Mormon so I challenged him to read the book, pray and put Moroni's promise to the test.  I either overwhelmed, confused or hit the mark with him.  I left my name and phone number and then gave him two websites for more information... mormon.org and lds.org.    Made my day.

Aloha 2/18/13

Aloha,

The weeks go faster and faster in the beautiful islands.  Monday, we did our cleaning, but the highlight of the day was attending FHE (Family Home Evening) at the mission home w/all the Seniors'.  We enjoyed Kalua pig and all the trimmings.  Sister Matthews and Sister Suafoa were in charge of the night.   After filling our stomachs we filled our spirits with what we felt inspired us from the Book of Mormon.  We all shared.  I talked about Nephi and how he lived w/exact obedience and was able to converse w/the Savior in a one on one conversation in a high mountain experience.  Wouldn't it be grand to have his experience?

Tuesday, we held our District Meeting in Waianae and we brought cookies for the Elders' and so did Sister Smoot and LaBaron.  They are going to be spoiled and FAT!!!   Elder Marlowe, our District Leader, gave us three pieces of paper and had us build a tower AND then we had to test our towers strength against different circumstances!  We were awarded points accordingly.  We were again given three pieces of paper to again build a tower, but this time we could use anything we had in backpacks or scriptures.  Again, we had a new set of tests and points awarded.  In the end, Sis M & M tied point wise...so no division in our home!

Aloha 2/11/13

Aloha!

This was another "test" week.  I cannot believe the problems I have had while in Hawaii. 

Monday we were up and going.  While Sis McGiven went to get her hair trimmed I hurriedly mopped and dried our wood floor AND in so doing wrenched my back.  My motto:  "Keep going!"  I finished my cleaning duties.  I put two breakfast casseroles and a peach breakfast dish into the oven to bake.  We left the apartment at 10 to meet the Elders at the church for breakfast.  A breakfast instead of an "all day wait to eat bar-be-que!"  It was a good bye feast because Tuesday many of the Zone was being transferred.  I went for a massage at 11:30 hoping that would fix my back and then stood in line at the post office to send my grand-children their Valentine packages.  When I got home I told Sis M. I am going to be down for a week because my back was out of whack!  I called my son-in-law Matt to have Genise send me my back brace...it arrived Friday AND has been a BIG help.

Aloha 2/6/13

Aloha!

Another fast week in the Aloha Island.   A lot can happen in a week. 

         

Monday we had pedicures and nails done and then went grocery shopping.  Bought sandwich fixings, lemonade, chips, carrots, celery and cookies to feed the Elders on Tuesday after District Meeting.  It's that time of the month when funds are short.  Sis. Hea, Nanakuli Relief Society President, called and said someone we cared about had passed away.  We had stopped and visited him awhile back.  We had a nice prayer w/him and later went back and met his wife.  He was a very dear man.  He will be missed.

Aloha 1/28/13

Aloha!

A fabulous week in paradise!  Tuesday, we held District Meeting at the Stake Center in Makakilo.   Afterwards, we had lunch at the apartment and headed to Waianae.  We visited the Nanakuli area and saw Hannah Mahoe with an added bonus of her 2 daughters.  What is so interesting we see the daughters often and didn't realize they were daughters to Sister Mahoe.  Mel Mahoe is YW President in Nanakuli and her sister, Christine Asue, is the Stake YW President.

Then we stopped to visit Roberta and John Westbrook.  He joined the church last July before we arrived in August.  He is on fire!  We asked him and his wife to fellowship the Libres in their Ward. They said they would do that.  As we headed home we stopped at Beauty Castillo's and had a nice visit.  Two houses down from Beauty we visited Linda Akamu and challenged her to take the missionary lessons.  She said, "she would."  We just have to catch her between doctor appointments... (like someone else I know!!!)

Aloha 1/22/13

Aloha,

Another great week.  Tuesday we held our Zone Conference at Makakilo with the Waipahu Zone.  The M&M sisters' won the award and a car freshener for having the cleanest car in the Makakilo Zone.  I think they need to take us out of the running or we'll ace every time.  Elders Lasitani/Hunter got the "Good Housekeeping" Award.  Go Tonga Branch!!!  They also celebrated birthdays from October thru December... which "us" birthday people got to choose a candy bar and another item.  We are treated royally here.

The theme of the conference was:  "Wherefore, be not wary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.  And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."  (D&C 64:33)  Sister Dalton gave small tips on how to remain healthy... 1) wash sheets/pillow cases weekly, 2) cut out soda, 3) if you fail to plan, you plan to fail!   She also stated that to feel the Holy Ghost we must be engaged in study, prayer, faith and confidence  to do the Lord's work.  She has a to do list:  1) Keep a pad and pencil on your night stand to write down inspiration, 2) Pray before you study, 3) Keep your study area clean.  All these things invite the spirit.

Aloha 1/14/13

Aloha,

Another week in Paradise.  On Tuesday, we held our District Meeting in Waianae.  We had our opening exercises and discussed where we were w/our teaching pools and set goals.  Afterwards, we separated into districts and had our lesson.  We focused on teaching clearly and asking questions that would help us know where the investigator was and how we could be clearer in our teaching.  We practiced a Zone hymn "Let the Holy Spirit Guide" that we will sing in our Zone Conference tomorrow w/the Waipahu Zone.  Personally, being tone deaf! I'd rate us #1 in enthusiasm.  Actually, they sound pretty good.  We'll find out tomorrow from all the ah's!

Right before we dismissed, we got a call from the past Relief Society President in Waianae !st Ward and said she was having a meeting w/the new Presidency at her home.  We said, "We are on our way."  We met the new R. S. sisters and left them with our wealth! of Relief Society knowledge on questions that they didn't even know to ask!!!  They will be great and we will back them up in anyway they need.  Left for our favorite park to eat lunch and then worked in Nanakuli.  Great day meeting some brothers and sisters that needed a hug and a prayer.

In Memoriam, Lynn Chandler 12/28/51 to 1/7/13

Lynn Annette Mortensen Chandler

December 28, 1951-January 7, 2013

Lynn Mortensen Chandler was born on December 28, 1951 to Mary Jane and Kenneth Mortensen. Lynn became the older sister to their other eight children: Wayne, Brent, Lola, Rita, Karla, Toni, Tammie, and Adam. Lynn is also survived by her children: Chris and his wife Ofa, Marni Nicoli and her husband Emilio, Brook, Spencer, and Rachel Hall and her husband, Adam. Lynn found so much joy in her grandchildren: Liz, Esther, Nathaniel, Emily, Hampton, Benjamin, Gabriel, Luciana, and Max.

Most of you here today probably knew Lynn only as an adult, but I got to grow up with her, thanks to my oldest brother, Stanley, flirting with Lynn’s Aunt Kathy, Mary Jane’s younger sister. Stanley hung around the Mortensen’s house while Aunt Kathy was in town. Lynn and I were just babies at the time, and she was exactly three months older than I. Mary Jane said that Stanley and my second oldest brother Jimmy kept bragging about their baby sister. Evidently I was cuter/stronger/smarter than Lynn, so Mary Jane decided she had to meet this child prodigy. Honestly, I think I simply had more hair than Lynn, and my brothers had probably taught me some nifty tricks!

Aloha 1/7/13

Aloha,

It was a short week in this here Island of Paradise.   Those holidays take a toll on the work.

We had a great day working in Waianae on Sr. Sister Splits'.  Sis Mathews and I worked the Makahaha area.  If we didn't see anyone home, we would leave a pass along card with our phone numbers and say, "call us and we will stop by another time".  Sister Suafoa and McGiven worked the Nanakuli area.  They stopped at Sis Hea's to visit w/her about a couple of Marshallese families and get some names of sisters to visit.   I called an hour later and they were still there!  I said, "Ok, it's time to go visit."  We stopped at Lorretta's where we (Lynn and I) stayed last February to enjoy a little R&R.  Loretta invited us in for a cup of herbal tea and a chat...so we visited for about an hour. (Pay Back Time!!!)   She sent us away w/pomegranites, basil, limes, garlic chives, and chard from her garden.  YUM.  We enjoyed our time in the Makaha area.

Aloha 1/2/13

Aloha and Hauoli Makahiki Hou,

What a wonderful season of JOY w/the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  On the 22nd we attended the Makakilo Stake musical of "There is a Star."  They have been preparing for months and it all paid off in blessing the lives of those that attended on the 22 and 23rd.  They opened with the "Hallelujah Chorus," but the highlight of the evening was the Primary adding their voices to the choir w/"He Sent His Son."  It was a fabulous concert w/woodwinds, strings and voices.

Sunday we attended our meetings and then took our neighbors the "Joy to the World" video of the birth of Christ and wished them a Merry Christmas.

Monday we did our domestic chores and prepared for our Christmas Eve dinner and get together w/the Srs. at the mission home.  Lovely dinner of filet mignon, salads, rolls and yummy desserts.  We then gathered for readings and singing Christmas carols.  I gave each couple one of my family cookbooks. This was the shot in the arm before Christmas day.

Tuesday, Christmas Day dawned bright and sunny.  Here is a picture of our Poinsettia tree and the loot under it.  Talked to family and sent out my love.  We had Bro and Sis Elam, Sis Suafoa, Sis Mathews, Sis McGiven, Penny and yours truly for our feast of Prime Rib. YUM!  Played games afterwards and topped the night off w/cheesecake.

This is a picture of my grandchildren, Avery, Boston and Van in the snow by my condo in Utah.  They came for Christmas from Florida to spend with family members and friends.