There is Beauty all around....

Black Sands Beach - Where else can you have an entire
spectacular beach to yourselves?

 Talofa Lava Family and Friends,

Elder Best shucked the coconuts with Afalua's help.

     Black Sands beach on the south side of Upolu is Brent's favorite beach, and the location of our Senior Sat. afternoon activity.  The road in is a little bumpy (huge understatement) but it is worth it. Life does not get much better than this!  During high tide, there is a strong undertow, but yesterday we hit it a little after low tide and no one came home with a swim suit full of black sand.  Instead we stuffed ourselves with coconuts picked fresh and bananas.  Elder Best discovered that if you chew up coconut and spit it in the water, scads of fish will appear.  It didn't take long until several of us were following his lead, enjoying the feeding frenzy all around us.
    On our way back over the bumpy road we saw several men on their way to fish with the
long poles.  We stopped and talked to a couple of them.  One of them was a return missionary and the other the pastor for another church.  By looking at them, I would have never guessed.
       Last week everyone was busy preparing for Elder Gifford Nielsen's visit that starts tomorrow.  I now understand why the Lord does not tell us when He is coming.  We would kill ourselves working on table settings, decorations, agendas, landscaping, cleaning, menus, repairs......By the time He arrived we would be too exhausted to greet Him.

Patty and Afalua enjoying fresh coconuts and bananas - Yum!

      I have been trying to put together instructions for Sister Deffense, who arrives the day after we leave, to take over my job.  It is time consuming and brain numbing trying to write out directions for everything I do in the office.  Technical writing is not my forte, especially when I have to do it in between regular interruptions and trying to complete what needs to be done that day.
     We decided that since we are so close to New Zealand, and that is one place on my "Bucket List", that we will visit there on our way home.  We have been working on an itinerary that includes both the North and
South Island.  Brent is here in the office with me working on the last details so we can firm up some reservations. We are excited to see this beautiful country and visit with friends from our mission.

Pastor and Return Missionary off to get fish for supper.

Apia Sunset on the Peninsula

     Yeah!  our Golden Plover made it back from the Arctic Circle.  These birds stop to rest at the exact location every year. We were afraid that maybe he/she didn't survive, as it has been several weeks since our first Plover sightings.  After resting here for a few months this little bird will fly back to New Zealand for the summer.
     Elder Nielsen asked all the Seniors to prepare a 5 min. talk on repentance for FHE with him tomorrow night.  My scripture this week comes from my preparation for this talk.  It is found in the Book of Mormon, Alma 34 - 15-16: "    15 And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.
 16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption.

Our Heavenly Father knew that all of us would make mistakes during our mortal lives.  The atonement of Jesus Christ covers the sins we sincerely repent of and makes it possible to return to our Heavenly Father after this life.  What a great blessing repentance is in our lives when we take advantage of it.

I send my love and wishes for a blessed week.  Oute Alofa Mo Outou Uma Lava,  Patty

Rat Goes Home

White Sunday at the Wharf

Talofa Family and Friends,
     It is White Sunday here, so that means lots of smoke as families prepare their food in the umus, children get to eat first, and every one gets new white Sunday clothes.  This is a big holiday here celebrating children.  It started yesterday and continues through Monday.  Sister Barnes got this picture early this morning down by the wharf as people were traveling to the large cathedral downtown.  

MTC Missionaries at the Airport

     Tuesday we picked up missionaries from Provo and New Zealand MTC.  They were excited to finally be here in Samoa.  Transfer week is always exhausting, but this week went pretty smoothly.  We have about 5 missionaries with their trainers still at the mission home, while they read the Book of Mormon.
     Elder Wood from Spanish Fork, Utah is in my niece's ward.  He helped me bid a fond farewell to Rat, outfitted in his new lava lava designed and created by Brent, before he was boxed up to send to Samantha in Spanish Fork.  Rat was discovered in my suitcase at the Provo MTC 15 months ago.  Since then he has been hanging out in our pink tile bathroom.  However, he has been complaining that it is too hot and muggy here, and he wants to go home.  Rat has been traveling between Sam and I for 16 yrs. now.  He's happy to be going home.

Elder Wood and Patty bid a fond farewell to Rat

         This week I was infuriated when I discovered that my new ugly Nike walking shoes had been stolen off my front porch right in the middle of the day.  We live in a walled compound with security at every entrance.  I never feel unsafe, but now know not to leave anything out.  Luckily my daughter sent me my old walking shoes from home a couple of months ago, so I did not miss a morning walk.  I have since learned that President Hannemann's running shoes and Sister Barnes flip flops also disappeared off of their front porch.  I think I will post a reward for the shoe thief.

Senior Missionaries at Matareva

   Saturday the Seniors enjoyed an outing at Matareva Beach.  Its white sands, warm aqua blue water and coral reefs full of every kind of fish you can imagine is hard to beat.  Throw in beach fales and a bonus male streaker and you have a great day.  There are not a lot of things that Brent and I share a love for.  We don't like the same kind of movies, hobbies, restaurants, but one thing we enjoy doing together is snorkeling.  I probably like it more than Brent as he pulls me along, but it has been so enjoyable exploring these amazing reefs together.  I surely am going to miss that!

Afulua and her Mom

     We made it make in time from the beach to shower, dress and get to the church for the baptism of two sweet young women.  Both testified of how their lives have been blessed by the restored gospel.  Elders Stevenson and Ete live across the street so I see them often.  I love their testimonies and their willingness to work hard.
        I started reading the New Testament this week.  These are stories that I've heard my whole life.  I am so grateful that we took the opportunity to visit the Holy Land a couple of years ago.  Now when I read the Bible I have images of places and a feeling of the space and context of these scriptures.  My scripture for the week comes from Matthew 5, and is from the the Sermon on the Mount.  I can easily visualize the place where this took place.  If you haven't already been, I would put a trip to the Holy Land on the top of my "Bucket List."
Matthew 5:14-16:

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Matareva Beach - Gorgeous!

 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

  The light of the restored gospel is being taken around the globe by young LDS missionaries.  If you have not listened to their message or read the Book of Mormon I would urge you to do so, as I know it is the true word of God.

Tomorrow our new little Colbie will be blessed at church.  How we would love to be there!
Oute Alofa Mo Outou Uma Lava, Patty

Elder Stephenson (R) and Elder Ete (L)

Ties, ties and more ties....

Theron's parting gift

 Talofa Family and Friends,
I don't know what is harder, getting ready to go on a mission, or getting ready to leave the mission field.  Both times are mine fields of emotion, feelings of uncertainty and the stress that comes with any big life change.  All of this was brought to the surface this week with our good friends, Theron and Shanna Schaefermeyer, leaving for home.  Rusty and Cindy Gillette, more dear friends, leave in a month, and then 4 weeks later we will be on our way home.
     Last week driving cross island with Schaefermeyers, Theron kept telling us he saw grapes.  Since we were all sure that there are no grapes here, we humored him. This week he brought in what he had seen.  They are beautiful, but I have no idea what they are.
       Brent is handling his stress by sewing more ties.  However, he has discovered that not everyone needs ties the same size.  We had a good laugh when Theron came into the office and started pulling and pulling and pulling out the inside part of the tie from inside of his shirt.  President Hannemann wore his tie into the office, and it reached  down past his belt buckle.  Well, back to the drawing board.  I have to give Brent credit for his tenacity with this project - something he has never lacked when he puts his mind to a project.

Brent's homemade ties - Still working on perfect pattern

Apollo Movie Theater one last time with dear friends

      This weekend we just took it easy, and rested up for this week's transfers - always the busiest/craziest time.  We enjoyed watching General Conference today, and were grateful for BYU TV.  Tomorrow morning (Monday) we will be up early to watch the first Sunday Session. Next week they will show all the sessions at church, but will have it translated into Samoan, so will stay home and have a quiet Sunday.  One of the greatest blessings of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, is hearing the Prophet, Apostles, and other church leaders counsel and teach us every six months. Their messages are always inspiring and comforting.
      With the time change last week, by morning walks are once again in the dark.  The upside is the beautiful stars that I rarely see in Las Vegas.  Orion's Belt is always easy to spot and is the constellation that led the 1st people to these islands thousands of years ago.
      On a humorous note, last weekend when we were at the beach, Brent found this very unusual green shell, the only problem was that it was inhabited.  Since I wanted the shell, Brent brought it home, and I set it out on the front porch, thinking we would get the critter out the next morning.  Well, the next morning it was gone - down two steps and nowhere in sight.
Wednesday morning, returning home from my walk, I saw something moving down the sidewalk quite a distance from our house - It was my Green Shell.  I was surprised at the size of the clam that came out when Brent put it in warm water.  I did feel sad about evicting it, but we put it outside with another shell we had.  Next time I will leave all inhabited shells on the beach.    
Driving around the island you often see these large sheets full of oval holes.  They are what is left over after they cut out the soles for flip flop shoes, the shoe of choice here.  When you live on an island with limited resources, nothing is wasted.
      I finished the D&C this week, and have a renewed testimony of the Prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith.  We in no way worship Joseph Smith, but honor him for the part he played in restoring the gospel and priesthood back to earth after the great apostasy.  This scripture is from D&C 35:3 and was written after he was killed by a mob in Carthage, Ilinois in June 1844.
 3 Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.  In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!

I send my love to all of you from the beautiful island of Upolu, Samoa !
Patty

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