Spring has Sprang (back 1 hr)

Elder Situlia returning home to Australia

 Tolofa Family and Friends,

Elders Tukuaoga. Knapp, Mulitalo & Castillo
Sister Aspinall (Middle)

Senior Choir Practice - We sang today in Church.

 Talofa Family and Friends,
     Fond farewells to six more missionaries this week.  I am sure their families are happy to have them home, and they will be a blessing to their wards as they continue to serve.
     The only reason I have a sweater on is because I just came out of the office where the air conditioner freezes me.  The oppressive heat and humidity outside is returning, and I know it will only get progressively worse until we leave.

Schaefermeyer's Going Away Party - Mermaid Beach

     Today we "Sprang Back" - moved the clocks back 1 hr. - even though we are going into Spring. Apparently the Spring Forward - Fall Back that I rely on at home does not work in the southern hemisphere.  That meant that
church started at 6:30 am this morning and Brent and I were the first speakers. It was also the debut of our fabulous Mini -Motab choir which met earlier to warm up.   I was happy that there was actually people there to hear us, after all the practicing we put in.
      A going away party for the Schaefermeyer's was yesterday at Mermaid Beach.  It rained almost the entire way driving over, and was still raining when we got there.  But after going swimming and snorkeling for a little while, the rain quit, we all dried off, and had a delightful potluck lunch.  Everyone had at least one nice thing to say about the Schaefermeyers, and what they had done to help them.  They have been over IT, and have worked for 18 months setting up internet access to every ward, training ward and stake leaders  how to use technology, and also teaching people how to use Family Search.  They have also been generous with their time and talents with those of us who are less tech savvy, and have needed help.  They have been dear friends who we have shared many adventures with.  Next Saturday I am going to be in a deep depression when we have to say goodbye to them.  However, since they are going home to 11 month old triplets and an 1 more grandchild (They got 4 new grandchildren in a 2 week period), they are more than excited.  Flat grandma and grandpa are about to become 3 dimensional.
   

Chole's Flying Car - what a great idea!

We got this cute picture of our sweet Chloe.  She wrote in her journal that she wished she had a flying car so she could come to Samoa and see Papa and Nana.  Nothing would make us happier.
       My scripture for the week comes from my D&C reading:
D&C 130:18  "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

 19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come."

  This life is not the end!  Our situation in the next life has a lot to do with the choices we make in this life.  Go to mormon.org to find out what is waiting for you on the other side.
      I hope all of you survive the debate this week.  I was hoping to be able to watch it, but at this time it doesn't look promising -too much data needed to stream it. I'm afraid the best I will get is the news from ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company news).  That is only if it is a slow week for rugby, cricket and net ball.  Have a good week - do a kind deed for someone who is not expecting it.
Alofa Lava - Patty

Jerry &  Family at his  Baptism - Lotopa Chapel

Giant Clams Beach - One of our favorites!

 Talofa Lava Family and Friends,
     Another busy week with the President off island.  He returned in time to see Elder Madsen and Sister Oteamoa off.  Elder Madsen is another one of the Elders we really got to know well, so he takes a piece of our hearts with him.
     We learned that the couple replacing us will not arrive until after we leave.  This means an incredible amount of additional work for us, as we will need to write out detailed instructions for everything we do.  We were hoping to have a two week training period, but that is not going to happen.  Things have changed so much since we arrived, that Sister Jackson's notes are not going to work.
     This past week, Jerry, one of our Primary kids, got baptized.  Brent gave a talk and since it was also Jerry's birthday, the baptism was followed by a party, Samoan style.  We have learned to love our Primary class and are really going to miss them.
     A remarkable thing happened this week.  The Jordans are serving in American Samoa, and in the course of our work we talk almost every day. This week another senior couple, the Atoas, were in American Samoa, and Elder Atoa recognized Elder Jordan from serving together in the Dakotas in 1966!  I just happened to mention that my Grandfather, Thomas Kendrick, served in the Dakotas about that same time. Sister Jordan then exclaimed that she was the granddaughter of Ralph Kendrick, a brother of my grandfather - that makes us 2nd cousins.  I was so excited, and can hardly wait until she comes to Apia next month and we can catch up on family matters.
      I just looked at the calendar and we only have 11 more weekends before we leave Samoa.  I am having a hard time imagining living in a place where the beautiful, warm ocean is not

Brent and Patty inside the Safaatoa Chapel

minutes away. Yesterday we went to the Giant Clam preserve at Savaia.   The coral there is colorful and varied, as are the fish.  I saw fish I've never seen before that were gorgeous.  The real treat are the giant clams that measure up to 3 ft across, and are speckled with florescent blues, greens, purples, yellows....We will be back here again before we leave!
      We took a mission van on our excursion so we could take 6 tile workers who are here working on the Temple.  Taking the long way home around the west side of the island for sight seeing, we were treated to beautiful vistas, a visit to a tiny chapel tucked way back in the forest, and Nius to quench our thirst.

Safaatoa LDS Church - Open Fale on left is the chapel

     With the rainy season, flowers are busting out everywhere!  I think of Elder Jackson every morning when I pass his "Christmas Tree" which is now starting to sport beautiful red flowers.  By December the tree will be covered.  It rained every day last week, but so far it has been cooler than I remember last year, or maybe I am just used to it.
      Brent is still making ties.  He spent yesterday morning with a carpenter square, calculator and
poster board, engineering the perfect tie pattern.  He found an old sewing machine in a mission closet and had it serviced.  It now sits on our kitchen table, along with yards of different kinds of materials that he is determined to make into ties.  I told him we are going to have to take out a loan to get home, if he doesn't stop buying material.  He wears a new tie almost everyday, which has taken care of his clothing blues.

Roadside Niu stand with two cute servers

       My scripture for the week is from D&C 128:23.  It reflects my feelings and gratitude for the knowledge and testimony I have of our Savior Jesus Christ, and the blessings of his atonement.

23 Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!

Hope you all have a blessed week!  Alofa Atu - Patty

Peace I leave with you...

Talofa Lava Family and Friends,
If I want to be happy, all I have to do is go sit in my new cubby closet I designed for missionary pamphlets and missionary supplies. The cubbies are on both sides of the room.  This is the same closet where the elders used to store their suits, before we had the mold disaster several months ago, when the air conditioner drain backed up and ruined over a hundred new suits!  I drew a plan up for FM to redo the room, got it approved, cleaned up and recently finished.  I now can easily see what we need to order, and every item has its own cubby!  For an OCD organized person this is heaven on earth!

 The rainy season arrived with September, along with the Golden Plovers.  These are the small birds that fly from New Zealand to the Arctic Circle and back every year, and make a stop over in Samoa for a couple of months.  They fly at altitudes of over 8,000 ft. and can fly for hundreds of miles at a time without resting.  I was so excited to see my first Plover on my walk Saturday, as Brent and I have been watching for them. Since yesterday I have seen several more.
     Thursday we said goodbye to Elder Bybee, and Friday we sent Elder Scanlan home.  His father was one of the guards shot in California last week.  We love these missionaries, and it

Brent, Elder Scanlan and Patty

 is always a tender farewell, with prayers and best wishes sent with them.
     Last week we got a nurse - YEAH!  When a missionary called this week and said, "Sister Ellsworth, my companion has this strange thing growing on his back," I was more than happy to say, "Elder, let me transfer you to Sister Barnes. Sister Barnes is highly qualified, and a no nonsense lady.  The missionaries are in good hands.
     My work at the Victim Support Center is going well.  I have several ladies from my ward who have volunteered to help, which has take a lot of pressure off of me.  It will also give me a chance to get to know them to see who is committed enough to take over when I leave.  When I look at these beautiful children  
in the shelter, it breaks my heart to know that each one of them has suffered abuse in their young lives.  I am grateful that there is a just God who will dish out justice to the perpetrators of violence and abuse against innocent people around the world; in the end they will pay the price for these heinous deeds.
      On a little lighter note, we had a great week-end.  Friday night the Seniors visited the Tree House resort for dinner.  We were able to tour the house in the photo.  There are two tree houses built inside Banyan trees, and they are really unique.  The dinner was on on outside patio overlooking the ocean, and as we ate we watched a thunder storm roll in.  This resort is pretty

Brent, the Foleys and Starkes enjoying the beach

isolated, and after dinner the sounds of the surrounding forests was almost deafening, with the crickets and critters singing their nightly serenades.  It was a delightful evening!
       Saturday afternoon several couples enjoyed the "Return to Paradise" resort where we visited, swam, snorkeled, read and had a crab race.  Reed Best had collected several small sand crabs and we put them on one of the blue lounges and then rooted for our favorite crab to be the first to fall off.  It doesn't take much to entertain us. The entrance fee was $30 WST that included a voucher for $30 WST at the restaurant, so it was a great deal.


My Scripture this week is one of my favorite.  It is an assurance that God will make everything right in the end. I understand how people doubt the existence of God, when they see all of the suffering in the world. However, the Lord has promised it will all be made right in the end.  D&C 21:1-8

" 1 O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?

 2 How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?

 3 Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?

 4 O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us.

 5 Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs.

 6 Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever.

 7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

 8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

 I love the peace the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ brings into my life.  I send my love to all and wishes for a safe week.  

Alofa Atu, Patty

Under the Wide and Starry Sky...

Letter from Chloe saved my day.

 Talofa Lava Family and Friends,
Boy!  It was a pretty tough week!  Tuesday the stress of everything that had piled up over transfer week overwhelmed me. In between fighting back tears and fighting the urge to roll up in fetal position under my desk, a letter from my little Chloe arrived and saved the day.  President Hannemann, sensing that I was about to break down, had Elders Stevenson and Ete come in and work until 11 pm one night, inputting all the baptisms into the computer.  Wednesday morning my computer screen was covered with these sweet notes.  I love our missionaries!!!  The rest of the week went much better.

 Today starts a one week festival in Samoa celebrating the culture.  It is called the "Tueila Festival" after the country's national flower.  If there is one thing that Samoans know how to do, it is celebrate.   Every village has flags out and banners.  Tonight I am going to attend a choral concert from groups all over the islands. I need to check the schedule for other activities that we can fit into our week.
       Thursday evening the Senior missionaries were invited to attend the annual Robert Louis Stevenson dinner.  This is quite the gala affair, with government officials, diplomats and all of the Miss Samoa contestants, one of whom will

 be crowned the new "Miss Samoa 2017" during the festival week.  The dinner started with several trays of  entree dishes, including crackers and cheese and pate, seafood, oysters on the half shell, fresh fruit... followed by a dinner that included assorted Samoan traditional dishes, Salmon baked in coconut milk, lobster, turkey, pork, vegetables with shrimp....well, I hope you get the picture.  It was an amazing feast, followed by delicious desserts.  It is a miracle that any of us were able to walk out without assistance.  Rex Maughan served a mission here several years ago, and it is through his generous financial support that the museum was renovated.  While the Maughans continue their financial support of the museum and this annual
 event, it is Jim Winegar,  also a  return missionary, who is the heart of this annual event, and I would even say the effort to keep the memory of Robert Louis Stevenson alive.  Every year he is a most gracious host.  I was pleased that Joe Keil and Robert Schafer surprised Jim with a much deserved accolade and a standing ovation.  He has invited all the Senior Missionaries to a FHE tomorrow night at the museum for a private tour.
     One of the highlights of the evening was meeting Robert Schaefer, the author of Samoa - A Historical Novel.  Brent and I both read the book when we first got here, and it brought the history of this amazing country into focus for us. I started reading it again, and am enjoying it more the 2nd time, as I am now familiar with many of the places and things in the novel.  For any of you who have connections to Samoa in any way, I strongly recommend this book.
     A few weeks ago, I had this great idea to start a Senior Missionary choir.  Sister Davis and her husband are serving here as volunteer dentists, and they are also both very musically talented.  I have been happy that I recruited them and Elder Schaefermeyer to help us learn a song to sing in church on the last Sunday of Sept.  That means that I have choir practice in about 15 minutes, so will need to wrap this up.
     It was easy to find my scripture for the week, as it was in my reading and is so appropriate for this time as the United States prepares to elect our next president.  It is found in D&C 98:5-10:
"5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.

 6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land;

 7 And as pertaining to law of man, whatsoever is more or less than this, cometh of evil.

 8 I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free.

 9 Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn.

 10 Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.

I hope all of us will take our responsibilities of being citizens very seriously in this election, and ask ourselves if the candidates we are supporting are God fearing, honest  people who will fight to maintain our Constitutional Rights and freedoms, especially the freedom of religion...We all need to make our decision a matter of prayer and serious contemplation.  God Bless you and Keep you.  Happy Labor Day to all my stateside family and friends.  Be Safe!

President Hannemann just arrived back in the office and told me that Elder Scanlan's father was the prison guard shot in California.  Elder Scanlan is finishing an honorable mission this Friday.  Please put the Scanlan family in your prayers.

Oute Alofa Mo Outou Uma Lava, Patty

Brent, Afalua and Patty at the RLS Home

New Intake at airport - August 23rd

Our boat approaching Namu'a Island

 Talofa Lava Family and Friends,
         Well, we survived another transfer week - "Hell Week" as Elder Ellsworth refers to them.
Besides the 26 missionaries that arrived from Provo and NZ MTCs, we also had a local Elder show up that we were not expecting.  These young missionaries arrive, exhausted, excited and clueless.  They have to be housed, fed, trained and oriented to mission life.  The next day 26 seasoned missionaries arrive who are going to be their trainers and companions.  Count them - that makes 52 plus the office staff to feed, train and then get sent off to three different islands, via vans, ferries and planes. One of Brent's jobs is to buy transportation tickets for the planes and ferries, which would be much easier if things were planned in advance, but somehow he gets the list of who needs to go where at the last minute, which equals stress on steroids.  This transfer it was decided to send the missionaries going to Tutuila on the ferry.  That is like 8 hrs on an amusement park ride, that leaves at 12 midnight and arrives at 8 in the morning.  McBrides made sure they all had motion sickness tablets to help them with this ordeal. Because the ferry only leaves on Thursday, we had bodies to feed and house for an extra two days.  Thursday and Friday the missionaries finishing up arrived at the mission home.  Nothing went as planned, but somehow we got through it and they all got off safely. Throughout the entire week, there were people in and out of the office, and they all needed something - right now!

Namu'a Island Beach Resort - Just what the doctor ordered!

        Wednesday morning I was not only dealing with transfers, I had to be at the shelter to teach school at 10:00 am.  I made an early morning run to the store for the 160 hot dog buns, when I accidentally locked the school lessons, my purse and keys in the car. I was pretty impressed that I did not roll into a ball at that point and start crying, but somehow I held it together for 40 min. until Brent came and rescued me and the buns. We finally got in touch with Brother Su'a, who took me back to the store with the extra set of keys, to get the car. By some miracle I arrived at the shelter on time for school.  I love being with the girls and helping them with reading and English, but the preparation time is a real killer.  Gradually I am finding resources that work well for the multiple abilities and ages of the students, and I am currently looking for a local sister who can take this over.  Last week Sister Best went with me, and she was a great help.  It is my hope that she will be able to continue to go, as her mission is self-reliance, and education falls under that calling.
     Friday morning we got a call that Brent's sister's son had died unexpectedly.  It was quite a shock, and we are so sad for Linda, Bob and their family.  It is times like this when we most feel the need to be home.
     By Friday afternoon Brent and I were both ready  for a major break.  We left the office at about 1:30 pm and headed over cross-island road and then to the far eastern edge of Upolu.  There we loaded a small aluminum boat with our week-end supplies and headed off on a 15 minute boat ride to an island paradise where we met 5 other couples who had left Fri. morning.  This island has no electricity, and the accommodations are Samoan fales, with a foam pad on the floor and a mosquito net for sleeping.  Meals were provided but there were no other amenities.  However, how can you go wrong with great friends, a campfire, s'mores, a ukulele, goofy songs, Canadian Fruit Salad and other games, good food, great snorkeling, turtle sightings, hiking, naps, good reads, pentapuses (actually we thought we had found an octopus, but it only had 5 legs so we realized it was a star fish), crabs of all sizes, and the cherry on the top of this weekend was a spectacular clear night sky with zillions of stars and the Milky Way.  We returned home rested, relaxed and ready for another week.

Enjoying lunch at Namu'a Beach Resort

       Returning to the office Sunday (Today) we found eight pairs of missionaries still here reading the Book of Mormon.  President Hannemann has decided that no missionary goes into the field unless they have read the B of M, felt the spirit of the book, and are able to discuss the main doctrines.  I have to tell you that there is a strong spirit in that room as these missionaries are going on day 3 studying and reading.  They have also been fasting today, so I am impressed with their dedication to complete this assignment.  They will be powerful missionaries who can testify of the truth of this book!

Some of the Elders reading the Book of Mormon for the 1st time

      Elders Johansen and Cutler have the assignment to fix them dinner when they are ready to break their fast tonight.  There was chicken defrosted, but they didn't have a clue what to what to do with it.  Sister Ellsworth to the rescue - it is now marinating and will be ready to bake in about 1 hr.

Chefs Johansen and Cutler: "Now what do you do with chicken?"

       Reading the scriptures everyday has been a part of my life for the past 40 years.  You would think that I would have learned most of what is there to learn, but every day I get a new insight.  I am loving my study of the Doctrine and Covenants and have taken my scripture from my reading again this week.  D&C 88:77-81
"
 77 And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.

 78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

 79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—

 80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.

 81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warnhis neighbor.

These young missionaries who are sent all over the world, have a message you should listen to.  I hope you will invite them into your homes and at least give them a chance to tell you what we know to be true.  God Bless you and keep you throughout the coming week.

Oute Alofa Mo Outou Uma!  Love, Patty

   

 
                                                                                 

Old Nikes - New Nikes

 Talofa Lava Family and Friends,
     It's been a pretty stressful week.  The Hannemanns have been in the office taking care of missionaries who have a hard time following mission rules.  By far, the majority of our missionaries are amazing, but unfortunately the few bad ones can cause a lot of drama and damage to the missionary work.  President Hannemann brings them into the mission home for "Spiritual Bootcamp" which is about much fun as it sounds.  After every effort to help, there are still some who get sent home, which is always sad.

Gorgeous Full Moon

     I bought new walking shoes right before leaving Las Vegas.  Brent has epoxy glued them back together for me 3 times, but when my toe started poking out the top he finally insisted I get new shoes.  There were not a lot of color choices in my size (1 to be exact) so now I am the proud owner of new ugly walking shoes for a mere $260 WST ($103 USA).
     Thursday Robert and Laura Foley arrived from Vernal, Utah.  They know my cousin, Clay  (Small world).  I spent the better part of Thursday and Friday getting them oriented, getting drivers licenses, shopping, showing them around and Friday we took them to dinner at the Swashbucklers.  Our table was right next to the ocean, and just as we were leaving I saw a small orange sliver on the horizon.  We waited for a few minutes and were treated to a spectacular moon rising - the bright, orange, full moon put on quite a show.  As we pulled into our driveway the moon was just by the temple.  I know it is the same moon that everyone else sees, but somehow, here in Samoa, it is just more beautiful.  The next morning on my walk, I was treated again to the same moon setting in the west.
 

The tie-making wizard

     Last week I half kidded that Brent was taking orders for ties.  I think Island Fever has hit him bad, because all he talks about now is different kinds of polyester, patterns, pins....he has more orders here than he has time to fill. Last week he spent as much time with Afalua's sewing machine as he did with his office computer.  Hey kids - guess what you are all getting for Christmas!
     Yesterday, after our weekly shopping and house cleaning, we took the Foleys up to Saniatu to check out the house where they will be living. We then joined several other Senior couples at the Piula Cave Pools.  These pools are right next to the ocean, so you have your choice of warm salt water or cool fresh water.  We chose the fresh water, as it was hot outside.  The cave goes quite a ways back and then there is a tunnel to a smaller pool.  Brent
was the only senior who dared swim through the underwater tunnel.  I was relieved when he

Senior Missionaries enjoying the Piula Cave Pools

re-emerged.  We were told that there are large eels that live in the pools, and if you take food into the water you can feed them. That was just a bit more of an adventure than what I wanted. There were enough people in the pool, that the eels stayed out of sight.   We have such a good time with the other senior missionaries on these outings.  Next week we have a big adventure planned - so stay tuned.
      My scripture for the week comes from my reading in  D&C 82:10 - " I the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."
I know that probably some people look at keeping the commandments of God as restrictive, but I see them as a way to receive blessings and to avoid the problems people get into when they don't follow the rules.  I am eternally grateful for the guidelines the Lord gives us to protect us and to help us find joy in living while we are on earth, and what we need to do to get back to live with him in heaven.  If you want to know more about what the Lord has revealed to us about finding true happiness, go to mormon.org, or look on youtube for "Man's Search for Happiness."   I send my love from this beautiful country of Samoa.  Oute Alofa Mo Outou Uma Lave, Patty

Happy Father's Day - Samoan Style

Colbie Kingsley on her way home.

 Talofa Lava Family and Friends,
       The highlight of our week was knowing that Colbie Kingsley is now safe at home with her family.  Although we were not there to hold and love her, we did the next best thing and Skyped with the family the day after they got home.  My sister Shauna came to Las Vegas last week to take new born pictures.  She was explaining to 2 yr. old Cade that she was Nana's sister. "Do you know where Nana is?" she asked. Cade ran over and pointed to the computer, "Nana is in there!"
       It's Father's Day here in Samoa.  It is not only a one day celebration but started Friday afternoon and will continue through Monday, a National Holiday honoring fathers.  I count as one of my great blessings having a father, Paul R. Milligan, who took the time to teach me important life lessons that continue to bless my life.  I also was blessed with an amazing father for my children, Elder Ellsworth, the love of my life, who taught our kids to work hard, and who has always had an unwavering testimony of the gospel.  To our three sons, and one son-in-law, Happy Father's Day to you!  I love you for the great care you take of our grandchildren, for your hard work to support them, and for teaching them the gospel and correct principles that will bless and protect them.  You are all truly amazing fathers!

Brent, Elders Powelson, Roberts, and Patty

 The Seniors celebrated Father's Day with a steak dinner at Kokobananas.  The highlight of Brent's celebration was learning how to make men's ties with Sister Gillette.  I am pretty sure he will be a trend setter with those bright colors when we get home.  Please feel free to put in your order.  I have also promised him that I would make him a nice dinner tonight, but tomorrow life goes back to normal.
       As mentioned before, one of my favorite things about working in the office is getting to know the missionaries.  Friday we said Tofa to Elders Powelson and Roberts.  They mentioned that learning to love people unconditionally is one of the lessons they learned serving a mission.  If they just take that home, their time was well spent. I love them and wish them the best.

Brent's new occupation - Tie Maker

      President and Sister Hannemann were off island all week, but we did enjoy the company of the office elder, Elder Cutler, and the APs, Elders Johansen and Tuimanga.  All three of these young men have heavy responsibilities   helping to care for the other missionaries, and assisting President Hannemann.  Even though I give them a hard time, I truly admire and love them.  I work closely with Elder Cutler and have been amazed at his patience and intellect.  There is a giant spirit and a lot of brains in that short body.                                       I have really enjoyed my scripture studying this week from the Doctrine and Covenants.   I am understanding things that I never did before.  My scripture for the week comes from a really amazing section of this book, D&C Section 76: 5-10.

5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.

 6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.

 7 And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.

 8 Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.

 9 And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught.

 10 For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man.

Elders Tuimanga, Powelson, Cutler, Roberts, Johansen.
All amazing young men!!!!!

Having easy access to the word of God is a blessing that I do not take lightly.  I hope that if missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints knock on your door, you will listen to their message.  I know what they teach is true.  Happy Father's Day to all of you amazing fathers.  I don't think 3 days of celebration is adequate to say thank you for all you do.  God Bless you and keep you this coming week.

Oute Alofa Mo Outou Uma Lava, Patty