Sister Act

Halloween decorations on a Family Grave

Talofa Family and Friends,

      Again the week seemed to evaporate until I think of all the things we did.  Monday we said goodbye to Elder Ioane who is now serving in Ghana West Africa.  We will miss him in Institute but know that he will be a great missionary and bless the lives of the people he serves.  Also on Monday I drove with Sister Patch to the far east end of the island to deliver flu vaccinations.  Tomorrow they will all be completed as we have arranged to visit the rest of the District meetings.

Elder Ioane on his way to Ghana

    Tuesday I got to spend some time with Sisters Hymas and Davies.  Sister Davies is from Australia, so she must leave AS  every 30 days to keep her VISA current.  After seeing  Sister Davies off at the airport I treated Sister Hymas to breakfast at McDonald's.  I warned her that we needed to destroy the evidence before arriving at the other sisters home, but alas - we were not quick enough.  Sisters Leiatua and Hyatt saw the empty bag in the car and only thought it fair they they should also have McDonald's.   I love spending time with these amazing young women so was glad to give into their request.  Sister Davies informed me on her return that afternoon, that the Ho Chings had treated her to McDonald's in Apia, so everyone was happy. Wednesday was P-Day and again we ran into the Sisters - this time at Carl's Junior - so enjoyed another meal with them.  Believe me, two meals at a fast food restaurant in one week rarely happens.  These young women are 19 years old.  They are living away from home in a foreign land learning a different language, and for  most days, eating different foods, and living in conditions much below what they enjoy at home.  They walk for hours every day in the heat, spend hours studying and serving others, and when you talk to them they are the happiest they have ever been.  None of them want to return home.  You can't help but fall in love with them!  Sisters Rule!!!

Sisters Davies and Hymas

     Thursday Sister Foster arrived for a two day visit from Apia.  She comes to check on the mission vehicles.  It's always nice to have her come as she is great company and very low maintenance.  This week we went to a Samoan movie that went over my head, did a little shopping, played a few games and watched Part 2 of "The Other Side of Heaven" that is now playing on YouTube.  We also went to the Museum of Samoa that only opened 3 weeks ago. They had some beautiful textiles made from tree bark that boggled the mind to think how much skill and patience they took to create. 
       On a sad note, on Friday we learned that one of our zone leaders, Elder Wannamaker

Sisters Leiatua and Hyatt

was being transferred to Apia to become an Assistant to the President (AP).  We have loved serving with him and will miss his dry humor and beating Brent at Sequence on P-Days.  He was supposed to go home Dec. 13th, and for weeks he's been singing "I'll Be Home for Christmas"  but poor guy - the President has asked him to extend his mission to January.
      The holidays are almost here.  I'm sure the stores at home are decked out with Christmas and our Ace Hardware recently sprouted a forest of decorated Christmas trees with all the fixings.  We are planning a trip to Western Samoa Dec 20 - 22nd for a mission reunion with Pres and Sister Hanneman - but that's as far as our holiday plans have got.

Elder Wannamaker - new mission AP

      A tender mercy on our dog dilemma.  I ran into a lady at the Post Office with a little cute dog inside her purse.  I asked her if she knew of any vets and she said one was coming this week from Hawaii and would be here for two weeks.  She is sending me information on how to get an appointment.  Hopefully this means Lady will be spared experimental surgery via Google.
     Yesterday in church one of the speakers quoted: "Salvation is an individual matter - Exaltation is a family matter."  I write this blog mostly for my grandkids - so to my grandkids - I want you to know that I know that The Gospel of Jesus Christ  is the only way for all of us to be together in the next life as a family.   I encourage all of you to study and pray and receive the same confirmation, and then be willing to make covenants with God and keep His commandments.  I love all of you more than you can know, I miss you and I pray for you every day. 
   

Elder Pingree being very brave

Thursday is Halloween.  I've been told to expect lots of kids so have bought enough treats for 80 kids.  After that I guess we'll just have to lock the gate and turn out the lights.  Happy Spooking to all of you :).
Alofa Atu - Patty (Nana)