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.

Aloha 12/20/12

Aloha!

What a whirlwind week!

Monday, the 10th was Preparation Day and we cleaned, shopped, mailed and I packed for Utah.  The computers were acting up at the Stake Center, so Elder Lapule called and asked if they could come use our computers.  We had 5 Elders...Elders' Lapule, Lasitani, Ioteba, Viliko, and Tausinga.  I asked, "Where are your companions?"  "We left the white boys at the church."  I said, "So you wanted to hang out with the white sisters?"  They just laughed.  They are so funny!

Aloha 12/9/12

Aloha,

Even though our temperatures are still in the 80"s, there is still the feeling of Christmas in the air!  It seems people are more aware of being kinder; especially in traffic!  It is so wonderful to have a month that is dedicated to our Savior and the remembrance of what HE sacrificed for each of us.

Sunday, it was wonderful to hear the First Presidency Christmas message and kick start the month.  President Uchtdorf commented on giving gifts of love that will strengthen the individual and to be a gracious receiver.  President Eyering reminded us to celebrate the most sacred gift... that of Jesus Christ and to keep our faith strong.  President Monson said "To have real joy the Savior must always be first in our thoughts and that the true spirit of giving is forgetting self."  So we have a lot of work to do.  Mele Kalikimaka.

Aloha 12/2/12

Aloha,

What a glorious week and I hope all of you had a beautiful week, too.  Here we are already in December and preparing to celebrate the Saviors' birth.  What a blessing to be a missionary and teaching about Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for each one of us.

Saturday, December 1st, 2012 was a beautiful sun shiny day with a temperature of 80 degrees.  As we go out and about, we see many homes decorated with Christmas lights and outdoor decorations AND it it seems so surreal!  On Wednesday, after my Dr. appointment we went to the temple. I took a picture of the beautiful Laie temple. Enjoy.  Before our session, we stopped at the visitor's center and took a few pictures.  One is the Christus statue w/decorated trees on each side and the tree decorated in blue is from the Makakilo Stake.  Each Stake decorates a tree and they are placed all around the visitors' center.  How festive.

I am kind of jumping around on this weeks, Aloha...oh, well!  I call that the authors' privilege.

Aloha 11/25/12

Aloha,

Had a great Sunday.  We worked in the nursery again and Sister McGiven gave the lesson on "Gratitude."  We had a table w/puzzles and play dough to get the little ones settled down before the lesson.  We played games, sang and they had a snack.

Monday, P-Day.  The regular...clean the apartment, laundry, shopping, studying, and preparing for the week.  Got a call about 8:30 PM from the Zone leaders to let us know we were meeting to go to the temple Tuesday morning at 6:30 am AND again they apologized because they didn't let us know that it was District Meeting today!!! We just aren't on their radar.

Aloha 11/19/12

Another great week in the Islands.  Last Sunday we helped (took over!) the nursery because the sister that usually is there was ill.  We only had three, but they still wear you out.  We will go in this week more prepared!!!

Monday, we had almost a bar-be-que!!!  It was transfer week for the Elders and it was their get together.  Scheduled for 2:00 and they finally got the grill started at 3:15, but we had to leave!   So another miss!  We suggested doing a breakfast next time!  We'll see.  It was a HOOT to see how inventive they were...they didn't have lighter fluid until 3:15...so, they put all the briquets on top of the bag and then an Elder went and got HAND SANITIZER and squirted it on.  It tried to take off, but not when you only have  2 oz. of fluid!  They are soooo fun to watch.

Aloha 11/11/12

I will try to keep my emails shorter!  Sorry about last weeks.  I don't need to give every detail.

Utah has finally been hammered w/cold weather.  We are still in the 80's and sunshine.  Lovely.

The cat scan never happened as of yet because I need pre-authorization.  I have a re-check w/the Dr. on Wednesday because I still cannot shake this cough.  The work suffers because it makes me exhausted.  We will get to the bottom of it one way or another!