Happy Days Are Here Again!

Our Five Elders that went home Friday
(Havea, Wilson, Bosworth, Fevesiai, Suiaunoa)

Hello and Goodbye to the Jordans

Talofa Lava Family and Friends,
Just in case you don't know, the Samoan greeting "Talofa" means "I'm sending my love."  I hate to tell you, but I think I have fallen almost completely under the spell of this beautiful country.  Friday night I was sitting in the temple thinking that I have never been happier in my life.  It is a wonderful thing to spend everyday serving others and not worrying about Donald Trump, the Middle East or the Stock Market.  Yes, the first few months had their challenges, but now that we are settled and basically know what we are doing and how to get around, life is wonderful!

This past week was transfers which is always bitter sweet.  Sweet because we get to welcome new missionaries (This week we welcomed 14 new missionaries.)  Bitter because we have to say goodbye to missionaries who we have grown to love.  Wilson and Suiaunoa were both APs in the office, and so we had worked closely with both of them and grew to love them.  They are both converts.  Elder Suiaunoa joined the church as a teenager, after he was invited to play volleyball at the church.  He had 32 baptisms in one of his areas!  He was an amazing missionary.  Elder Wilson last served on a tiny island off the coast of Tutuila, Am. Samoa.  He told of talking to members there who helped build the chapel in the 1980's.  The Matai (chief) had given them the land, but refused to let them transport the needed sand for cement from the other side of the island.  The members had a special fast and the next day there was a pile of sand right where they needed it.  After that was used another pile, and another pile appeared, until the chapel was completed.  After the construction was completed the piles of sand ceased appearing and have not appeared since.  We hear many faith promoting stories from these faithful young missionaries.
 

Black Sands Beach - Last Hooray for Bob and Jan Lorenz

 Dennis and Suzie Jordan also arrived this week.  Since they didn't have a car we got to spend a lot of time helping them get things done before they headed over to American Samoa, where they will be serving.  This is their second mission here.  They went home 19 months ago, and are back for a 2nd round.

This was the last Saturday before the Lorenzes leave, so we had to go to the beach, even though it was windy, thanks to Cyclone Victor. We about all drowned trying to get out of the water, myself included.  It was like being a rock in a tumbler.  Brent is the head in the water.  He is like a kid when he gets in the ocean, and also a very strong swimmer.  Bob Lorenz has been the dentist here with his wife assisting him.  They have given me so much help with sick missionaries, I really hate to see them go.  Sometimes you meet people and instantly bond.  That is how it was with Bob and Jan.  They will be forever friends!

Life in the Garden of Eden

One quick nurse story for the week.  A Samoan Elder who knows very little English calls me on the Phone:
Elder: Sister Ellsworth, my companion's body is broken!
Me: Elder, what exactly is broken?
Elder: His whole body.
Me: His whole body is broken?
Elder: Yes.
Me: Elder Frazer, (Samoan AP) please take this call and get more specific information about what is wrong.
Elder Frazer: Blah, blah, blah....(in Samoan)
Me: Well, what's wrong?
Frazer: I told him to come into the office - his body is broken.

When this Elder got to the office he was covered in hives.  They were trying to tell me his skin was broken out.  A couple of Benedryl and an hour of rest in the MRC and he was as good as new.

My scripture this week reflects my life as a missionary.  It is found in the Book of Mormon in 4 Nephi 1:15-16: "And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people."
" And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God."

The Book of Mormon is tangible evidence that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is true.  You can hold it in your hands, read the words for yourself, and ask God if it is a true book.  It does not replace the Bible but is an additional witness of the Savior.   I testify that time and again I have received personal confirmation of its truth.  If you have not read the book you can go online to Mormon.org and request your own copy.  No one will come to your door unless you request it.  I send my love to all of you.  Love, Patty