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